Iceland Visa
Traveling to Iceland
Iceland is a volcanic wonderland of glaciers, hot springs, and other natural marvels, which is popular with adventure travelers. Its capital, Reykjavik, is compact, cozy, and welcoming.
You may need a visa to travel to Iceland, depending on where you are from (nationality), the length of your trip (duration of stay), and your reason for travel (type of visa needed).
There are numerous types of visas for Iceland, which are valid for travel for specific purposes and times. Different Iceland visas have different Iceland visa requirements and validity periods. In general, Iceland visas can be divided into two main categories: short stay visas and long stay visas (a long stay visa for Iceland is required for those looking to spend more than 90 days in the country). Another main distinction relates to allowed entries: a single entry will allow you just one entry into the country; a multiple entry visa for Iceland will let you enter and exit as many times as needed.
Iceland visa types
Short Term Visas (Type C)
Schengen Visas
- Business
- Cultural
- Medical
- Official Visit
- Other
- Sports
- Study (Iceland Schengen Student visa)
- Tourism (Iceland Tourist visa)
- Visiting Family or Friends
Long Term Visas (Type D, National)
A long stay visa to Iceland will allow you to stay in the country for up to one year. You should indicate your long-stay visa purpose on your application.
Please note that there is no such thing as an Iceland Working visa or Iceland Business visa. If you would like to work in Iceland, you will need to apply for an Iceland Work Permit and/or an Residence Permit for Iceland.
Transit Visa (Type A)
- Iceland Transit visa
Iceland visa requirements
The following documents are typically required for all visas to Iceland.
Passport
Official, government-issued document, not older than 10 years, with the correct validity length (a minimum three months past the intended day of exit from Iceland)
Visa fee
Your Iceland visa fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, and possibly other factors, such as your age.
Adult Schengen visas fees are traditionally €80; the most long-term Iceland national visas cost a maximum of ISK 12,000 (around $85)
Personal photos
Two recently taken photos of the applicant. Photos should be passport style (and have passport dimensions). You will likely upload these photos electronically; alternatively, you will be asked to submit physical copies
Additional documents:
You will almost certainly have to submit additional documents on your Iceland visa application. Requested documents are typically those which help visa authorities confirm your identity, determine the truthfulness of your stated purpose of travel, and assess your financial state. The type of Iceland visa you apply for will determine your supplemental documents, which may include the following:
Biographical documents
Identity documents, such as your birth certificate
Financial materials
Documents showing your finances, such as your bank balance
Accommodation
Information about where you will stay in Iceland
Educational materials
Proof of university education, etc.
Proof of medical insurance
Please note that all documents will likely need to be written in either Icelandic or English (or accompanied by official translations into either).
Iceland visa application
Applicants for Schengen Iceland visas (short term) should follow these general steps, which may vary slightly depending on numerous factors, including visa type and application destination.
- Prepare your visa application
Select your visa purpose
Choose your reason for travel.
Select your entry category
Your selection of the single-entry visa for Iceland or the multiple entry visa for Iceland will determine whether or not you may travel in and out of the country/Schengen area throughout your visa period. Consider that holders of the single-entry visa for Iceland cannot return to the country after exiting.
Determine where to apply (application destination)
Find the physical destination for your application (the Icelandic embassy/ Consulate or associated visa-application center where you live). For more information, see: “where to apply.” - Fill out your visa application
Access your main application form
There is no online Iceland visa application system. Schengen visa seekers should print out the universal Schengen visa form here.
Gather the rest of your documents
Gather your required documents as well as the supplemental ones required for your specific Iceland visa type. - Schedule your visa interview
Almost all Iceland visa applicants must attend a visa appointment at their application destination. Scheduling an Iceland visa interview can take days, weeks, or even months. You should reach out to the application destination directly (via email/phone) to make an appointment.
- Attend your visa interview
This is where you will submit your biometric information, pay you Icelandic visa fees, be interviewed, and meet other requirements pertaining to your visa type. This is typically the final stage of the Iceland visa application process; you will either be granted a visa upon the conclusion of your appointment, receive a rejection, or leave to await a decision.
Seekers of long term visas to Iceland go through a different application process, which often does not require an interview. Applicants should send their long-stay visa application form and supporting documents to the Directorate of Immigration in Iceland. The long term visa form is available here.
Where to apply for Iceland visa
Iceland Schengen visa application processing occurs at Iceland embassies and consulates (and their associated visa application centers) around the world. If there is no Iceland mission in your country, you will likely apply for your Iceland visa through the embassy/consulate of another country, which is representing Iceland interests abroad. Find out where to apply here.
When to apply for a Iceland Visa
Applicants for short-stay visas to Iceland are advised to submit their application a minimum of fourteen days before their intended trip. And while applying well in advance is recommended, applying too early (i.e. over six months before departure) is discouraged.
Iceland visa processing time
The Iceland visa application processing time varies. Factors which determine how long it will take to get your visa include the following:
- Iceland visa type
- Application destination
- Your nationality
- The completeness of application
Depending on all of these factors, you could expect to receive a visa in days, weeks, or even months after you apply.
Iceland visa FAQ
Depending on where you are from, you may need a visa to enter the country, regardless of how long you intend to stay. Some nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Iceland. Regardless of your nationality, however, you will need a visa if you intend to stay in the country longer than 90 days and you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Get a travel document for Iceland (visa) by submitting an application to your local Iceland embassy/consulate/visa application center, meeting the visa requirements, and paying your visa fee.
The amount of money you need depends on the Schengen country you are visiting. You will likely need to show several months proof of salary/bank statements in order to meet the Schengen proof of funds requirement.
Choose from among the various types of Iceland visa you need to apply for by considering your reason for travel and how long you want to stay in the country. These factors will determine the type of visa you need. In addition to visa type, you should also determine how many entries you need—i.e. whether you need a multiple entry visa for Iceland or a single entry visa for Iceland.
Rejected Schengen visa applicants can appeal the decision, reapply, or apply for another travel document for Iceland (different Iceland visa, such as an Iceland Business visa or Iceland Working visa)
