Iceland Visa Types & Application Process

Iceland is a truly unique and stunning country. Often known as the land of ice and fire, Iceland is filled with magical sights and experiences at every nook and corner. From the ice caves in the Langjokull glacier to 128-meter deep volcanoes and the stunning northern lights, there is so much to see here. No wonder tourists spent ISK 376.58 billion in the country in 2017, according to data provided by Statista. 

Traveling to Iceland requires a Schengen visa. A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that allows you to travel to Iceland for the purposes of tourism, business, medical treatment, etc., for up to 90 days within a period of six months. Before applying for an Icelandic Schengen visa, however, you first need to decide on the type of visa most suitable for you.

Types of Visas to Iceland

Depending upon the nature and purpose of your visit, you can choose from the following visa categories:

Iceland Tourism Visa

The tourism visa is issued to those who wish to travel to Iceland for the purposes of leisure and sightseeing. This visa allows you to travel around Iceland for 90 days during a six-month period.

Iceland Transit Visa

This visa is issued to those who wish to travel via Iceland to another destination. They might change their means of transportation in the country. 

Iceland Business Visa

Under this visa, you are allowed to conduct business-related activities, such as conducting audits, attending business conferences and meetings or training courses, etc. 

Iceland Medical Visa

If you wish to travel to Iceland for the purposes of medical treatment, you should select this category on the application form. 

Iceland Visitor Visa

This visa is suitable for those who wish to visit friends or relatives living in Iceland. You need a letter of invitation from your friend/relative in Iceland for this visa.

Iceland Study Visa

If you are traveling to Iceland to attend a seminar, internship, language course, or any other educational course that is shorter than three months in duration, you can apply for this visa. You need to provide a letter of acceptance from a university or school in Iceland for this.

Visa for Official Visits

This category is suitable for those traveling to Iceland on an official visit, as part of a larger delegation.

Iceland Visa Application Process

The first step in applying for a visa to Iceland is to fill the Schengen Application Form. After you have filled and signed the form, you need to submit it, along with all the necessary documents. It is important that all the information and documents provided by you are correct to the best of your knowledge. 

Next, you need to pay the visa processing fee, which can vary, depending upon your age, nationality, and purpose of visit. The last step is to schedule and attend your visa interview at the nearest Icelandic embassy. 

Remember that the application form must be filled very carefully since any mistakes can lead to a delay in the processing of your application form or even outright rejection.