Applying for a Travel Visa to Visit Iceland - A Handy Guide

What is the Schengen Area?

Iceland is part of the Schengen Area - a zone comprising 26 European countries that have eliminated passport and other border controls at their mutual borders. The zone allows for the unrestricted movement of people within its boundaries, essentially acting as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes. 

• See also: Where is Iceland?

The Schengen Area is not synonymous with the European Union. Some EU countries, like Ireland, are not part of the Schengen Area, while others, like Iceland and Norway, are non-EU members but are part of Schengen. If you're planning a trip to multiple European countries, a single Schengen Visa can grant you entry to all member states. However, conditions apply, and visas are generally given by the country that is your primary destination. For more information, see this list of all the countries within the Schengen area. 

Why Do I Need a Schengen Visa?

If you do not have visa-free travel to Iceland, you will require a Schengen visa, casually referred to as a tourist visa, if you want to visit the country. This short-stay visa allows its holder to travel freely within the 26 countries of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within 180 days. The visa is commonly used for tourism, business trips, or transit.

Citizens of certain countries outside of Schengen, such as the United States, do not require a Schengen Visa for short stays within the Schengen area. This is because visa-free arrangements between individual countries and the Schengen member states allow for reciprocal short-term travel.

How to Apply for a Visa to Visit Iceland

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Before you delve into the application process, it's probably best to start by determining if you actually need a visa to visit Iceland. You wouldn't want to do unnecessary paperwork, would you? If you're unsure whether or not you have visa-free travel to Iceland, you can look at the list of countries that require a Schengen visa. 

Applying for a Visa

You can apply for a visa to Iceland in the countries and cities listed on this site. Icelandic embassies issue visas in four cities: London, New Delhi, Beijing, and Washington D.C. In about 120 other cities, other Schengen member states issue visas on Iceland's behalf.

The Icelandic Government has an informative site detailing the process of applying for a visa to visit Iceland. Applications should not be filed more than 6 months before the start of the intended visit or 9 months in the case of seafarers. As a rule, the application should not be filed later than 15 days before the start of the visit.

Photo by ConvertKit.

There are several documents you will need before applying for the Schengen visa. The following are the basic requirements, but your embassy might require further documents:

• A visa application form.
• Two recently taken passport photos (35 x 45 mm). 
• A valid passport that's no older than 10 years and should be valid for three months beyond your final stay in the Schengen Area.
• Your round reservation or itinerary, including dates and flight numbers.
• Your travel insurance policy.
• Proof of accommodation, such as your hotel/guesthouse booking, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from the person hosting you.
• Proof of financial means to show that you have enough money to support yourself through your stay in the Schengen Area. This can be a bank account statement, a sponsorship letter from another person who will support you financially during your stay, or a combination of both.

When applying, you must be ready to present biometric data such as fingerprints and pay the visa fee (€80 for adults and €45 for children from 6 to 12 years old.) After you finish your application, you should expect to get an answer in the following weeks. Once your visa arrives, you will be ready to travel to Iceland and get started on your adventures.

What if My Visa Application is Refused?

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It's essential to follow the instructions carefully when filling out your Schengen visa application, as there are many instances where these applications get refused. Make sure that you start your application early so you have the option to amend any mistakes before you run out of time.

Several reasons can lead to the denial of a Schengen visa application. Here are some examples: 

• A failure to provide all required documents, such as missing bank statements, travel insurance, or incomplete application forms.
• The travel insurance does not cover the minimum required amount or the entire stay in the Schengen Area.
• Failing to provide confirmed hotel bookings, invitation letters, or other forms of accommodation proof.
• A lack of proof of financial sufficiency to support oneself during the stay.

If, for whatever reason, your application is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reason behind the decision. This refusal does not deny you the right to reapply for a Schengen visa at another time. 

If a Schengen visa application is refused by the Directorate of Immigration in Iceland, the applicant can appeal the decision to the Icelandic Immigration Appeals Board within 15 days of receiving the refusal letter. Along with appeals, the applicant can hand in supporting documents that could help grant the applicant the preferred outcome of the appeal.  

ETIAS Application for Iceland

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The process of applying for a visa to visit Iceland will change a bit in 2025 as the European Union plans to introduce ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). Once initiated, there will be a 180-day period of grace, after which all third-country nationals will require ETIAS approval. This electronic visa waiver will be mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers for the Schengen area and will allow them to travel to Iceland and other Schengen countries.

ETIAS will allow for a total stay of 90 consecutive days with each entry to Iceland and the Schengen Area, much like the current Schengen visa. ETIAS to Iceland will be valid for 3 years from the date of issue, meaning that you will not need to submit an application before every trip to Iceland.

Make sure to read all of the requirements to apply for ETIAS. They include: 

• Basic information such as name, date and place of birth, nationality, sex, education, occupation, etc.
• Contact information.
• Basic information such as name, date and place of birth, nationality, sex, education, occupation, etc.
• A €7 application fee. However, travelers under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 will not need to pay the fee. 
• Further information (see the link above).

Applying for the Iceland ETIAS should only take a few minutes to fill out an application form. Upon arrival at European border control, you will be able to present your ETIAS-linked passport to immigration officers to gain entry to Iceland and the Schengen area. 

Why Should You Visit Iceland?

The aforementioned paperwork might seem like a big hassle to overcome. You might even be asking yourself if it's even worth going through all that bother just to go on vacation. Is Iceland worth the hassle? Yes, it most certainly is! 

• See also: 40 Best Locations in Iceland

Iceland is a phenomenal travel destination, full of natural wonders and spectacular activities. Whether you wish to go whale-watching by the charming town of Husavik, take on the wilderness of the Highlands by renting a 4x4, or simply relax in one of the country's many geothermal hot springs, Iceland has something for everyone.

If you're not convinced, here are some of the best things to see in Iceland that might sway your mind.

The Northern Lights

One of the main reasons many people decide to visit Iceland is the northern lights, which dance wildly in the night sky in the winter months. This phenomenon can be seen in other parts of the world, but the spectacular landscape combined with great conditions make Iceland the best location to witness this natural spectacle.

While the northern lights are beautiful, they can also be unpredictable. The highest chance of seeing them is by going on a northern lights tour alongside a guided expert who will not only know the best place to see the aurora borealis but will also impart you with plenty of knowledge and stories. 

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, located in southeast Iceland, is a truly mesmerizing location. Giant icebergs of vivid blue colors, calved from a nearby glacier, drift serenely across this freezing cold lake before making their way to the ocean or onto the shores of the nearby Diamond Beach, where they glitter on black volcanic sands.

Given its stunning beauty, it is no surprise that the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is one of Iceland's premier attractions and a great spot for photography. The best way to experience everything the location has to offer is on a 1-hour zodiac boat tour of the glacier lagoon, where you will get up close and personal with the colossal icebergs.

Mount Kirkjufell

The arrowhead-shaped mountain Kirkjufell is one of Iceland's most iconic attractions. Located on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, a region famous for its natural diversity, Kirkjufell is accompanied by a quaint waterfall nearby that further enhances the location's charm.

• See also: The Ultimate Guide to Snaefellsnes Peninsula

A fun way to take in the beauty of the location from an unusual vantage point is on a guided 2-hour kayaking tour under Kirkjufell. The rest of the peninsula is definitely worth exploring as well, which you can do on the many Snaefellsnes tours available.

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most popular attraction. This geothermal spa is set amidst a lava field in the rugged landscape of the Reykjanes peninsula, filled with milky-blue waters that are believed to have skin-healing properties.

• See also: 22 Best Things to Do in Reykjanes Peninsula

A dip in these warm waters offers relaxation, while the surrounding lava landscape provides a stark and beautiful contrast, making it an oasis of calm and rejuvenation. Getting a ticket to the Blue Lagoon is something most people do when visiting Iceland, while some prefer extending their stay in the area by booking a hotel by the Blue Lagoon.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, is a charming city with a rich history. As the northernmost capital in the world, it offers stunning vistas of mountains and sea. Colorful rooftops paint the cityscape, and its streets are alive with creativity, from intriguing street art to innovative restaurant experiences.

• See also: Top 10 Things to Do in Reykjavik

There are plenty of things to see in Reykjavik, such as the views from the top of Hallgrimskirkja church or Perlan or the vibrant nightlife in Laugavegur. Taking one of the many fantastic walking tours of Reykjavik with a local expert is a great way to get acquainted with Iceland's unique culture.  

Overall, Iceland is a fantastic travel destination, and you shouldn't let a visa application should not stand in your way of getting to enjoy the country's wonders. 

That's it for our guide on applying for a visa to visit Iceland. Did we leave any of your questions unanswered? Do you have any tips for would-be visitors? Let us know in the comments below!