This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor. For application guidance, see How to Apply for an Iceland Visa (2026).
Planning to visit Iceland in 2026? Depending on your nationality and purpose of travel, you may need an Iceland Schengen Visa. As a member of the Schengen Area, Iceland applies the same visa rules as 26 other European countries under the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009).
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Iceland
A visa is required if you:
- Are a citizen of a country that is not visa-exempt under Schengen agreements.
- Plan to stay in Iceland for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Do not already hold a valid Schengen visa or residence permit.
Nationals of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and EU/EEA countries may enter Iceland visa-free for short stays.
Types of Iceland Visa (2026)
Iceland issues several types of short-stay and long-stay visas depending on your purpose of travel:
- Tourist Visa: For leisure travel, sightseeing, or visiting family/friends.
- Business Visa: For short business visits, meetings, and events.
- Student Visa: For studying at Icelandic universities or institutions.
- Medical Visa: For scheduled treatment or consultations.
- Family Visa: For dependants joining family members in Iceland.
- Transit Visa: For travellers connecting through Keflavík Airport.
Stays longer than 90 days require a residence permit or long-stay visa issued by the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration (UTL).
Visa Validity and Duration
A standard Schengen visa for Iceland:
- Is valid for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Allows travel throughout the Schengen Area, provided Iceland is your main destination or point of entry.
- Cannot be extended except under exceptional circumstances, see Visa Extension Guide.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate that they:
- Have a valid passport (issued within the last 10 years).
- Can justify the purpose of their visit and planned itinerary.
- Have sufficient financial means to cover the trip.
- Hold valid travel and medical insurance covering at least €30,000.
- Intend to leave the Schengen Area before their visa expires.
Refer to Eligibility and Entry Requirements (2026) for details.
Application Procedure
Visa applications are processed via VFS Global or Iceland’s official embassies abroad.
- Complete the visa application form online or by hand.
- Book an appointment with your nearest Icelandic embassy or VFS Global centre.
- Submit biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at the appointment.
- Pay the visa fee and service charge.
- Track your application online and collect your passport once processed.
See full steps in How to Apply for an Iceland Visa (2026).
Visa Fees (2026)
- Adults: €90
- Children aged 6 to 11: €45
- Children under 6: Free
Additional service charges may apply when applying via VFS Global, see Visa Fees and Charges (2026).
Processing Time
Most Iceland visa applications are processed within:
- 15 to 30 calendar days (standard service).
- 10 to 15 days for priority cases.
Processing can take longer during peak travel periods. See Processing Times (2026) for details.
Documents Required
Applicants must provide:
- Completed visa form and passport photographs.
- Valid passport and travel insurance.
- Proof of accommodation and financial means.
- Return flight booking or itinerary.
See the full Iceland Visa Documents Checklist (2026) for complete requirements.
Useful Contacts
- Directorate of Immigration (UTL): utl.is/en
- Embassy of Iceland, London: government.is
- VFS Global Iceland Portal: visa.vfsglobal.com
Related Guidance
- Eligibility and Entry Requirements
- How to Apply for an Iceland Visa
- Documents Required for Iceland Visa
- Visa Processing Times (2026)
About This Page
Author: Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor.
Last Updated: 23rd January 2026.