Get Your Iceland Visa Online
Fast visa processing for tourism, business, and transit — experience the land of fire and ice
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Iceland Visa
Quick 4-step process — most travelers approved within 5-15 business days
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined application form with your travel details and personal information. Our intelligent validation system pre-checks every field against Icelandic immigration requirements, catching errors before submission and ensuring your Schengen visa application is complete and accurate.
2
Upload your documents
Submit a clear passport scan (bio page with photo), recent passport photographs meeting Schengen specifications, travel insurance proof, and supporting documents. Our document specialists verify everything meets Iceland's embassy requirements, significantly reducing processing delays.
3
We process your visa
Your verified application is prepared for submission to the Icelandic embassy or consulate. We track processing status continuously and notify you immediately of any updates, interview requirements, or additional documentation requests via email and SMS.
4
Receive your visa
Once approved, your Schengen visa sticker will be placed in your passport. Collect it from the embassy or receive it by courier. Welcome to Iceland — prepare to explore Europe's most dramatic volcanic landscape and witness the spectacular aurora borealis!
Iceland Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Schengen Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
Short-stay visa for tourism and visiting Iceland
Visa-Free Entry
Up to 90 days
Visa-free access for EU, EEA, and eligible countries
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For meetings, conferences, and business activities
Work Permit
Up to 2 years
Long-stay visa requiring job offer and sponsorship
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond planned departure
- Travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage
- Proof of sufficient funds (approx EUR 100/day)
- Confirmed accommodation bookings for entire stay
- Return or onward flight ticket confirmation
- Purpose of visit documentation or invitation letter
Schengen Visa & Visa-Free Entry
Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, allowing borderless travel across 27 European countries with a single visa. However, Iceland is not part of the European Union — it's a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). This distinction matters for some visa and residency rules.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of over 60 countries can visit Iceland visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes travelers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and all EU/EEA nations. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area — time spent in France, Germany, or other Schengen countries counts toward your Iceland allowance.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Travelers from countries not on the visa-free list must apply for a Schengen visa at an Icelandic embassy or consulate, or through a visa application center. This includes citizens of China, India, Russia, South Africa, Philippines, and many other nations. The Schengen visa allows stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be issued for single, double, or multiple entries depending on your travel history and circumstances.
Work & Long-Stay Visas
Work Permits
Working in Iceland requires a work permit regardless of your nationality (EEA citizens excepted). The process typically requires: a job offer from an Icelandic employer, employer sponsorship and application to the Directorate of Labour, evidence that no suitable EEA worker is available for the position, and relevant qualifications. Work permits are usually granted for up to 2 years and can be renewed. Some in-demand professions (healthcare, IT, skilled trades) may have expedited processing.
Student Visa
International students enrolled in Icelandic universities for programs longer than 90 days need a student residence permit. Requirements include: acceptance letter from a recognized Icelandic educational institution, proof of sufficient funds (approximately ISK 130,000 per month), health insurance valid in Iceland, and accommodation arrangements. Study permits allow limited part-time work during the academic year.
Family Reunification
Spouses, partners, and dependent children of Icelandic residents may apply for family reunification permits. The sponsor must demonstrate ability to financially support family members and provide suitable housing. Processing times vary but typically take 3-6 months.
Application Requirements & Fees
Required Documents for Schengen Visa
• Completed application form signed and dated
• Passport valid minimum 3 months beyond planned departure with at least 2 blank pages
• Two passport photographs (35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months)
• Travel insurance covering minimum EUR 30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, rental confirmation, or invitation letter from host)
• Flight itinerary showing entry and exit from Schengen area
• Proof of financial means (bank statements from past 3 months, employment letter, tax returns)
• Cover letter explaining purpose and itinerary of visit
• Travel history (previous Schengen visas, passport stamps)
Visa Fees
Schengen visa fee is EUR 80 for adults (EUR 40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6). Some nationalities may have reduced fees based on bilateral agreements. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the visa decision. VFS Global service centers charge an additional service fee (approximately EUR 30-40).
Entry Points & Processing Times
Main Entry Point
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) handles virtually all international flights to Iceland, located 50km southwest of Reykjavik. Direct flights connect Iceland to major cities across North America and Europe including New York, Boston, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and many more. Icelandair and PLAY are the primary carriers, with various European airlines also serving the route. The Flybus and shuttle services connect the airport to Reykjavik in approximately 45 minutes.
Cruise Port
Reykjavik's Old Harbour and Sundahofn port welcome numerous cruise ships during summer months. Cruise passengers typically receive shore leave without additional visa requirements if holding valid Schengen visa or from visa-exempt countries.
Processing Times
Schengen visa applications for Iceland typically take 5-15 business days from submission. During peak summer season (June-August), processing may extend to 30 days. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel dates. Express processing is not available for Schengen visas. Work and residence permits take 2-4 months on average.
Important Tips
• Apply at the embassy or VFS center responsible for your country of residence
• Book refundable flights and accommodation until visa is approved
• Iceland's weather is unpredictable — pack layers regardless of season
• Consider travel during shoulder seasons (May or September) for fewer crowds and lower prices
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.7Customer rating
98%Approval rate
"Applied for my Schengen visa through DoVisa for my Iceland trip. The document checklist was incredibly helpful and my visa was approved in just 8 days. Seeing the Northern Lights was magical!"
"DoVisa made the Schengen application so much easier. They caught a mistake in my travel insurance that would have caused a rejection. Excellent service!"
"Good support throughout the process. The visa took 12 days which was within expectations. Would have liked more updates during processing."
"Third time using DoVisa for European trips. Always reliable. Iceland was absolutely incredible - the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle exceeded expectations!"
"As a Chinese citizen, the Schengen visa process seemed daunting. DoVisa guided me through every step and my visa was approved for my dream Iceland aurora trip!"
"Helpful team that answered all my questions about the Schengen rules. My visa was approved and I had an amazing time exploring Iceland's waterfalls."
"Perfect service for our honeymoon trip to Iceland. Both our visas were processed together and approved. The support team was always available to help."
"DoVisa's document review service saved me from a potentially rejected application. They noticed my bank statement format was incorrect. Very professional!"
"Straightforward process. The embassy still required an interview but DoVisa prepared me well for the questions. Iceland was worth every bit of effort!"
"Used DoVisa for my first Schengen visa. The step-by-step guidance was perfect for a first-timer. Now I'm hooked on travel!"
"Business visa for a conference in Reykjavik was processed smoothly. DoVisa handled all the corporate documentation requirements efficiently."
"Good experience overall. The fees are reasonable for the level of support provided. My Iceland trip was absolutely unforgettable."
Iceland Visa FAQs
What types of visas are available for Iceland?
Iceland offers several visa categories as part of the Schengen Area. Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) allows visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. Visa-free entry is available for citizens of over 60 countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and all EU nations. Work permits require employer sponsorship and are issued for up to 2 years. Student residence permits are for those enrolled in Icelandic educational institutions. Family reunification permits allow joining family members residing in Iceland. The appropriate visa depends on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended duration of stay.
Do I need a visa to visit Iceland?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of EU/EEA countries, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and approximately 60 other countries can visit Iceland visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This includes the entire Schengen Area — time spent in other Schengen countries counts toward your 90-day limit. Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list (including China, India, Russia, South Africa, Philippines) must apply for a Schengen visa before traveling. Check your specific nationality requirements before planning your trip.
What documents do I need for an Iceland Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa application for Iceland requires: completed application form signed and dated; valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond departure, with 2 blank pages); two passport photographs (35x45mm, white background, recent); travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage; proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter); flight itinerary showing entry and exit; proof of financial means (bank statements, employment letter); cover letter explaining your travel purpose; and supporting documents depending on visit purpose (business invitation, conference registration, etc.). All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.
How long does Iceland visa processing take?
Schengen visa processing for Iceland typically takes 5-15 business days from the date of application submission. During peak travel season (June-August), processing may extend up to 30 days. We recommend applying at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date. Applications can be submitted up to 6 months in advance. Work permits and residence permits take significantly longer — typically 2-4 months. Express or rush processing is not available for Schengen visas. Track your application status through the embassy or VFS Global portal.
How long can I stay in Iceland with a tourist visa?
With a Schengen visa or visa-free entry, you can stay in Iceland (and the entire Schengen Area) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is calculated on a rolling basis — you cannot simply leave and immediately re-enter to reset the count. Any time spent in other Schengen countries (France, Germany, Spain, etc.) counts toward your 90-day limit. For longer stays, you must apply for a national visa (Type D) or residence permit. UK citizens post-Brexit are subject to the same 90/180 rule as other non-EU nationals.
Can I extend my Iceland visa or stay?
Extending a Schengen visa in Iceland is generally not possible except in extraordinary circumstances such as medical emergencies, force majeure, or serious humanitarian reasons. You must have documentation proving the exceptional situation. Regular tourists cannot extend their stay beyond 90 days. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the Schengen Area and wait until you have sufficient days remaining before returning. For work or study purposes, you must apply for the appropriate long-stay permit before your Schengen authorization expires. Overstaying is a serious violation that can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.
Can I work in Iceland with a tourist visa?
No, working in Iceland with a Schengen tourist visa or visa-free entry is strictly prohibited. Any paid employment, freelancing for Icelandic clients, or business activities beyond meetings and conferences require a proper work permit. EEA/EU citizens can work freely in Iceland without permits. Others need employer sponsorship and approval from the Directorate of Labour. Working illegally can result in deportation, fines, and multi-year entry bans to the entire Schengen Area. Volunteer work may also require permits depending on the organization and duration.
Do I need to print my Iceland visa?
Iceland Schengen visas are physical stickers placed in your passport — not electronic visas. You must visit an embassy, consulate, or VFS Global application center to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and your passport. Once approved, the visa sticker is affixed to a blank passport page. You cannot travel without the physical visa sticker in your passport. For visa-free travelers, no documentation is needed beyond a valid passport, though carrying proof of accommodation, return flights, and financial means is recommended.
What is the best time to visit Iceland?
Summer (June-August): Midnight sun provides 24-hour daylight, warmest temperatures (10-15°C), accessible highland roads, best for hiking and outdoor activities. Peak tourist season with highest prices. Winter (November-March): Prime Northern Lights season, dramatic ice caves accessible, unique blue twilight atmosphere, much colder (-5 to 5°C), some roads impassable. Shoulder seasons (May, September-October): Fewer crowds, lower prices, chance of Northern Lights in autumn, pleasant weather in May. Iceland's weather is famously unpredictable year-round — expect rain, wind, and rapid changes regardless of season.
What if my Iceland visa application is rejected?
Visa rejections for Iceland/Schengen visas occur but are not common with proper documentation. Common rejection reasons: insufficient proof of funds, weak ties to home country (immigration risk concerns), incomplete documentation, inadequate travel insurance, previous Schengen violations, or inconsistencies in application. If rejected, you receive a letter explaining the reason. You can appeal within a specific timeframe or reapply with stronger documentation addressing the concerns. DoVisa's document review service helps identify potential issues before submission. If rejection results from our error, we provide full service fee refunds.
Is Iceland part of the European Union?
No, Iceland is not an EU member state. Iceland is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which grants it access to the EU single market and participation in the Schengen Area. This means: Schengen visas are valid for Iceland; EU/EEA citizens can live and work freely; but Iceland maintains its own currency (Icelandic Krona, ISK), fishing policy, and some independent regulations. For visa purposes, Iceland follows Schengen rules, so a visa valid for France or Germany works for Iceland too.
What currency is used in Iceland and how much should I budget?
Iceland uses the Icelandic Krona (ISK). Credit and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere — Iceland is nearly cashless. Budget expectations: Iceland is one of the world's most expensive destinations. Budget travelers should plan for approximately EUR 150-200 per day including accommodation, food, and activities. Mid-range travelers: EUR 250-400/day. Luxury: EUR 500+/day. Specific costs: restaurant meal EUR 25-50, hostel EUR 40-60/night, hotel EUR 150-300/night, car rental EUR 80-150/day. Groceries and cooking can significantly reduce costs. The Blue Lagoon entry is approximately EUR 70-100.
Do I need travel insurance for Iceland?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants. Coverage must include minimum EUR 30,000 for medical expenses and emergency repatriation, valid for the entire Schengen Area, and covering your complete travel dates plus a few days buffer. For visa-free travelers, insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. Iceland has excellent healthcare but costs for visitors are extremely high. A simple medical consultation can cost EUR 150+, ambulance services EUR 500+, and evacuation from remote areas can exceed EUR 10,000. Adventure activities (glacier hiking, ice climbing) often require specialized coverage.
Can I drive in Iceland with my foreign license?
Most foreign driving licenses are valid in Iceland for tourists. Licenses from EU/EEA countries are accepted without restrictions. Licenses from other countries (US, Canada, Australia, etc.) are valid for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not strictly required for English-language licenses. Important driving rules: Iceland drives on the right side; speed limits are 50km/h in towns, 90km/h on paved roads, 80km/h on gravel roads; F-roads (highland roads) require 4WD vehicles and are only open in summer; off-road driving is illegal to protect fragile ecosystems.
What are the entry requirements besides a visa?
Beyond visa requirements, Iceland requires: Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your departure date and 2 blank pages; Proof of accommodation for your stay; Return or onward travel tickets; Sufficient funds for your stay (approximately EUR 100/day); Travel insurance (mandatory for visa holders, recommended for all). There are no specific vaccination requirements for Iceland. Customs regulations limit duty-free imports of alcohol and tobacco. Strict biosecurity rules prohibit importing raw meat and dairy products. Fishing and outdoor equipment should be disinfected before arrival.
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