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Iceland visas

Iceland is one of the four non-EU members of the Schengen Area (with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein/Switzerland). For short stays — up to 90 days in any 180-day period — most travellers use the shared Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) or, if they are visa-exempt, ETIAS. For stays of more than 90 days, Iceland issues its own national long-stay visa (Type D) under its own rules. This hub explains both and links to the official European Commission sources; the shared short-stay rules are covered in full on our Schengen Area guide. Start your application online today — our visa experts will check everything before it is submitted.

Start your application Check which visa you need About the Schengen visa (Type C)

Important information

Get it right first time. Our visa experts check every answer and document before your application is submitted, so avoidable mistakes don’t lead to delays or a refusal. Start your application today and we’ll guide you through every step.

Icelandic visa categories

Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.

Icelandic visa application at a glance

From start to finish in five simple steps.

01Choose the right visa
02Check eligibility & documents
03Apply online
04Provide biometrics
05Wait for a decision

See the full application process

Iceland Visa

If you want to travel to Iceland, you can apply for a Schengen Visa. This will allow you to travel there for 90 days within a 6-month period and travel to other Schengen areas. Certain countries that have an agreement with the Schengen area will not need a visa.

We strongly advise to make any Visa Applications as soon as possible to ensure that you are approved for any visa when traveling to Iceland in time for your trip. You will not be allowed on your flight without a valid visa document.

Types of Iceland Visa

Iceland issues several short-stay and long-stay visa categories depending on the purpose of travel:

Tourist Visa: for leisure travel and visiting family or friends.
Business Visa: for short-term meetings, trade visits, and events.
Student Visa: for studying at Icelandic universities or institutions.
Medical Visa: for scheduled treatment or medical consultations.
Family Visa: for dependants or relatives joining residents in Iceland.
Transit Visa: for travellers passing through Iceland en route to another country.

About the Iceland Schengen Visa (2026)

The Iceland Schengen Visa allows short-term entry to Iceland and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It is issued for tourism, business, medical, cultural, or family visits. The visa is recognised across all 27 Schengen member states. Applications are reviewed by Icelandic embassies abroad or representing states, such as Denmark or Norway.

Who Needs a Visa

Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt under the Schengen Agreement must apply for a visa before travelling to Iceland. This includes applicants from India, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Citizens of visa-waiver countries (such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand) may enter Iceland visa-free for up to 90 days.

Visa Fees

Service and courier charges may apply through VFS Global. See full details in Iceland Visa Fees (2026). Visa fees are standardised across the Schengen Area, and as of 2026 the charges are:

Adults: €90
Children aged 6 to 11: €45
Children under 6: Free

Processing Times

For detailed embassy timelines, refer to Iceland Visa Processing Times (2026).

Documents and Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete set of supporting documents in accordance with the Schengen Visa Code. This includes a valid passport, recent photographs, proof of accommodation, evidence of sufficient financial means, and travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses.

Iceland Visa Application Process

Applicants should submit a completed Iceland visa application, including all required supporting documents, at least 15 working days before their intended travel date.

As part of the application process, you may be required to attend a biometric appointment.

If biometrics are required, you will receive instructions through UIS to schedule an appointment at an approved collection center or embassy. You must provide digital fingerprint scans as part of this process.

Biometrics and Digital Submission

All applicants aged 12 and above must provide fingerprints and a photograph as part of the visa process. Supporting documents can be uploaded digitally before the appointment using the secure VFS Global upload system. For full details, see Schengen Biometric Enrolment Process (2026) and Digital Document Upload Guide (2026).

Extending an Iceland Visa

Short-stay visas cannot normally be extended except under exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies or force majeure. Extensions are handled by the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration (UTL).

Tips for a Successful Application

Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel date.
Ensure all documents are current, verifiable, and translated into English or Icelandic.
Provide a clear itinerary covering accommodation and return travel.

Iceland — key facts

Short-stay visa: Schengen visa (Type C); Uniform across the whole Schengen Area
Short-stay limit: 90 days in any 180; The shared Schengen short-stay rule
Long stays: National visa (Type D); Issued by this country, for stays over 90 days
ETIAS: Travel authorisation; For visa-exempt travellers — expected to start in late 2026
EES: Biometric borders; Automated entry/exit, fully operational since 10 April 2026

Icelandic visas — people also ask

Iceland is in the Schengen Area, so short visits (up to 90 days in any 180) follow the shared Schengen rules. Whether you need a short-stay visa depends on your nationality — some travellers are visa-exempt (and, once it starts, will need an ETIAS travel authorisation instead). Check the official European Commission guidance for your situation.