VISA FOR ICELAND:  WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

 

FOR ICELAND: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you're planning a trip to Iceland soon and want to understand whether you need a visa (or other entry permits), this guide will help. Below you’ll find updated links, contacts, and official requirements as of 2025.

Important reminder: This information is for orientation only. Always verify with official authorities or your local embassy/consulate for the most current rules.

ENTRY & VISA REQUIREMENTS

Schengen Membership & Short-Stay Travel

Iceland is a full member of the Schengen Area, so it follows the common Schengen rules for short stays.

• Travelers with a valid Schengen visa can enter Iceland without needing a separate Icelandic visa.

• If you plan to stay in Iceland (or the Schengen area) for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may or may not need a visa depending on your nationality.

• For nationalities that require a visa, you must apply for a uniform Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate responsible for your area or at the one for your main destination. 

Documents & Conditions for Entry

Non-EEA / non-EFTA citizens must meet certain conditions at entry:

• Valid travel document or passport (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area)

• The travel document should have been issued within the last 10 years

• Proof of purpose of stay (tourism, visiting family, business, etc.)

• Financial means to support yourself during your stay and return travel 

• No entry bans or alerts in the Schengen information system

If you intend to stay in Iceland longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit. 

VISA APPLICATION PROCESS & WHERE TO APPLY

• You must lodge your Schengen visa application at the embassy or consulate (or application center) responsible for your country or your main destination within Schengen. 

• Icelandic embassies directly issue visas in London, New Delhi, Beijing, and Washington, D.C. 

• In many other cities, Iceland tasks other Schengen states to handle visa processing on its behalf. 

• Be sure to check the website of the specific embassy or consulate (or visa center) you’ll use, because procedures, opening hours, and document checklists may differ. 

WORK & RESIDENCE PERMITS (FOR STAYS BEYOND 90 DAYS)

If your plan is to live and work in Iceland, here’s what you need to know:

• For non-EEA / non-EFTA nationals, having a visa for short stay does not entitle you to work. Separate residence and work permits are required. 

• The prospective employer usually must submit the application for a work permit. 

• The Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) handles residence permit applications, and if conditions are met, forwards the case to the Directorate of Labour for the work permit side. 

• Work permits are tied to a specific employer and role; switching jobs or employers usually requires a new permit application.

• Different categories include “expert knowledge,” “shortage of labor,” “athletes,” and service/collaboration contracts.

• Processing times vary; first residence permit approval can take several months. 

CONTACTS & RESOURCES

• Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) – handles residence, visas, immigration matters. 

• For visa and immigration info, the official government site “Visa to Iceland” is a key resource. 

• For embassy locations globally, see Iceland’s “Iceland Abroad / Embassies” section on its official site.

• Always consult the local Icelandic embassy or consulate in your country of residence for the latest requirements.

VISA FOR ICELAND