When you travel to Iceland, the border officers might ask you for an Iceland visa. Therefore, before traveling to Iceland, or any world country, you should first check whether you need a visa.
There are several factors that determine who needs a visa and who does not. Your nationality is decisive among others. Following in this article find if you need a visa to Iceland to transit, visit, or stay up to six months.
Do I Need an Iceland Airport Transit Visa?
You may need to apply for an Iceland Airport Transit Visa if you have to land at an airport in Iceland, in order to take another flight to your non-Schengen destination country. You will need to apply for this visa if you are a passport holder of one of the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Iran
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
If your destination country is a member of the Schengen Area, then a regular short stay visa enables you to transit through an Icelandic airport, without needing an Airport Transit Visa.
Please note that you will need to apply for a short-stay visa instead of an Iceland Airport Transit Visa if:
- you need to land at two or more airports within the Schengen Area
- you hold an open ticket to your destination country (your return date is not fixed)
- you have to pick up your luggage and/or have to check-in again
Do I Need an Iceland Schengen Visa?
If you wish to travel to Iceland, and remain there for up to 90 days within a six-month period, you may have to apply for an Iceland Schengen visa. You will have to apply for this kind of visa if you are a passport holder of one of the countries that do not have a visa facilitation agreement with Schengen.
Who Needs an Iceland Long-Stay Visa?
If you need to travel to Iceland for a period longer than 3 months, but shorter than six, and your case does not fall under any of the Icelandic residence permits, you can apply for an Iceland long-stay visa.
A long-term visa may be granted in certain circumstances to some individuals, e.g.:
- Relatives, as defined in paragraph 1 of art. 69 of the Act on Foreigners, who wish to prolong their visit to Iceland. The minimum age requirement of parents may be waived.
- Witnesses or parties to a court case who need to stay in Iceland for court appearance.
- Foreigners who are in Iceland for a legitimate purpose, such as artists, scientists or athletes, if they do not require a residence and work permit.