Iceland is a member of the Schengen Zone. Besides, it is a small country that attracts thousands of travelers and tourists each year. Therefore, if you want to travel to this European country, you must apply for an Iceland Schengen visa.
Furthermore, the following article will help you gather all the documents needed. This will assist you in starting your application process for an Iceland visa.
Legal Documents Required for a Schengen Visa for Iceland
The embassy may request you to submit the following documents when applying for an Iceland Schengen visa.
Passport
Submitting a passport is the most important requirement while planning a journey to Iceland. This document identifies you. Moreover, you may need it throughout your journey to the Schengen region, especially Iceland.
Therefore, make sure that your passport stays valid for at least three months after your intended departure from the Schengen zone. Besides, it must have a sufficient number of blank pages for visa stamps. Usually, the visa officers require this space to attach your entry and exit visa stamps.
Furthermore, your passport should be in good condition. This means that it should have zero signs of damage. In case of expiry, renew your passport in advance, as it may lead to your Iceland Schengen visa application rejection.
Besides, the validity of your passport is the center of your whole travel experience within the Schengen region and Iceland. If you fail to meet this requirement, it could lead to unexpected visa results.
So, to avoid problems with your travel plans, it is highly recommended to check the expiry date of your passport and start the renewal process if needed.
Flight reservation for Schengen visa application
Another important requirement for an Iceland visa is proof of flight reservation. For this purpose, you should attach evidence of a booked flight ticket. This will help show your intended dates of entry and exit from the target country.
Moreover, it also shows that you are committed to your travel plans and helps the officers verify the purpose and duration of your stay.
In addition, make sure that the information given in this document matches the details provided on the Schengen visa application form. This may include your arrival and departure dates. Besides, the reservation should be made from your home country to Iceland and back.
Also, please note that a flight reservation is different from an actual ticket. Airlines or travel agencies provide reservation options to secure your seat temporarily. However, you are not required to make the payment on the spot.
As a result of this flexibility, you can fulfill the requirements of your Iceland Schengen visas without paying for a non-refundable ticket until your visa is approved.
Travel health insurance
Purchasing travel health insurance is important when you apply for a Schengen visa. This is a vital part of the visa application process. This is because it ensures that you have sufficient coverage for any unforeseen medical expenses during your stay in Iceland.
Furthermore, the insurance policy you choose should meet the criteria of the Schengen visa authorities. For example, it must have a coverage amount of at least 30,000 euros. Besides, it also covers,
- Emergencies
- Hospitalization
- Repatriation
As a result, you will be able to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. This requirement ensures that you are financially protected in case of any injury or illness during your stay in Iceland.
Therefore, ensure the policy mentions the Schengen area when selecting your insurance provider. Moreover, it should also meet the Schengen visa requirements. It also mentions your name and the entire duration of your Iceland Schengen visa.
You can choose RFV to meet all the rules mentioned above.
Proof of accommodation
Submitting proof of accommodation is an important Schengen visa requirement. This document will ensure that you have managed your stay during your visit to Iceland and the Schengen area.
Therefore, it is an important feature of your visa application that shows your preparedness for an organized trip. This will also ensure the embassy that you will not put a burden on the target country’s resources.
Furthermore, you can submit any of the following documents to show your accommodation reservation. This may include
- A hotel or hostel confirmation
- Guesthouse
- An invitation letter from the Icelandic host
Besides, the document must mention your name, the address of the place, the duration of your stay, and its contact information. Make sure that the details provided here match the information given on the Schengen visa application form.
It is crucial to make sure your hotel reservation is flexible as well. If your visa is denied, this will enable you to modify or cancel your reservation. Certain tourists make sure to select refundable reservations. This will assist them in avoiding any problems in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Your visa may be denied if you do not meet the Schengen requirements with valid proof of accommodations. Therefore, to strengthen your application, make these arrangements in advance, include important documents, and fulfill the requirements.
Bank statement
You must submit a bank statement as a part of the Iceland Schengen visa application. This document plays an important role in showing your financial health and ability to support yourself during your stay in Iceland.
Furthermore, this document should show a consistent bank balance to cover the planned expenses of the entire trip. So, you are required to provide statements for three to six months. This is because the specified period gives a sufficient overview of your financial situation.
Moreover, ensure that your financial documents display your name and account details including the bank’s name and contact information. Its details should match the information given in your Schengen visa application. This may also include the costs of your trip and the length of your stay.
In case you fail to provide this document that meets the visa requirements, you may face delays in your visa application. So, it is important to include this document with the rest of the visa paperwork to show your financial ability to bear the expenses while in Iceland and the Schengen area.
Cover letter
Writing and submitting a cover letter is another requirement that you must fulfill when applying for a Schengen visa. This document allows you to introduce yourself to the visa officer. It also provides a chance to,
- Explain the purpose of your trip
- Your itinerary
- Other important details
Moreover, you should start your letter by addressing it to the relevant Icelandic mission or embassy. You can include your name, contact details, and the date of the application. Then, mention the intention to apply for a Schengen visa to travel to Iceland.
You can then briefly describe the reason for your trip. This might be for travel, business, or spending time with loved ones. Do not forget to include the dates of your trip and how long you plan to stay in the country of destination.
Finally, you can give a summary of your itinerary. This could include any destinations you have planned or activities you would like to go to. You can also mention it in the letter if you have an invitation letter.
Visa application form
The last important visa requirement is to fill out an application form. This forms the basis of your visa application. It may ask you for essential information about yourself, travel details, and the purpose of your visit to Iceland.
In addition, ensure that the information you provide is accurate and current when filling out the visa form. For example, your details, passport information, and contact number. Also, be clear when specifying your intended travel dates and the length of your stay in the destination country.
Furthermore, the form may also require you to mention the purpose of your visit. For instance, it could be for reasons such as,
- Tourism
- Business
- Family visits
- Study purposes
So, it is vital to be consistent with the information you provide in other documents such as your cover letter and itinerary.
Also, review your form after completing it for any errors before submission. A well-crafted application form that shows your travel intentions and supporting documents may increase the chances of your Iceland Schengen visa application being successful.
So, complete the visa application form correctly and submit all the required documents as part of the Iceland Schengen visa package. Because any inaccuracy may complicate your application process down the road and you may have to restart the process.
List of Additional Documents Required if You Are a Student
If you want to visit Iceland as a student, you must apply for a student visa. This will require you to bring the following documents to the embassy.
- Letter of acceptance from a Greek institution
- Proof of tuition fees
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Health insurance
- Proof of criminal record
- Passport-size photos
List of Supporting Documents If You Are Applying for a Business Visa
Furthermore, make sure to attach the following documents with the application form when applying for a business visa.
- Invitation letter from a Greek company or organization
- Business correspondence
- Proof of employment
- Financial documents
- Company registration
Iceland Schengen Visa Processing Time
When you apply for an Iceland Schengen visa, the embassy will process it for you. It can also rely on numerous factors. For instance, this may include,
- The mission or embassy where you submit your application
- When you apply for the process (time of the year)
Usually, the standard processing time for a Schengen visa is up to fifteen working days. Moreover, the processing time starts from the date the embassy receives your documents and visa application form.
Iceland Schengen Visa Fee
The Schengen visa fees depend on the age group to which you belong. So, if you are an adult of age 12 or above, you must pay 80 euros to the embassy. Besides, children between the ages of six and eleven are bound to pay 40 euros.
Surprisingly, minors under the age of six are exempted from paying the visa fee. Also, please note that visa fees may change over time and additional fees or exemptions may apply depending on numerous factors. This may include,
- the type of visa you are applying for (eg tourist, business, or family visit)
- other factors
Minimum Proof of Subsistence for Iceland Schengen Visa
You must disclose your financial health to the embassy when applying for an Iceland Schengen visa. This will help you showcase that you can support yourself during your stay in the target country.
Furthermore, the minimum proof of financial resources requirements differ depending on the availability of accommodation.
- If you have accommodation, you must show a minimum of 4,000 ISK (27 euros) per day.
- Without proof of accommodation, you are required to have 8,000 ISK (53 euros) for daily expenses.
Financial documents
In addition, you can submit the following documents to the embassy to prove your financial status.
- Copies of bank statements for three to six months with enough balance to cover your expenses
- Salary slips, letter from employer, or tax returns to show proof of your income
- Travel insurance policy with a coverage amount of 30,000 euros
- Proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a friend or relative
- Available funds in the form of credit card statements
- Investment statements to analyze your financial means
- Pension slips for retired applicants
Additional points
- Moreover, make sure that you translate your documents into English or Icelandic language.
- You should also keep copies of the submitted documents for record purposes.
- In case of any large withdrawals or deposits, be ready to explain the reasons.
- If you fail to provide sufficient financial documents, it may lead to visa rejection. This may also result in submitting additional documents to process the visa refusal.
- Besides, you should carefully review the documents and requirements to strengthen your visa application. This will increase your chances of getting the desired Schengen visa.
Where to Submit Iceland Schengen Visa Application?
You can submit your application to the relevant mission or embassy of Iceland in your home country when applying for an Iceland Schengen visa. Depending on your location, the specific office may vary. So, it is important to locate the correct mission.
Furthermore, the following step-by-step guide will help you submit your Iceland Schengen visa application.
- You can visit the website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration to identify the embassy responsible for visa applications in your home country. You can also go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The second thing you need to make sure is to confirm the jurisdiction with your place of residence. Some countries have multiple offices but you should apply for a visa at the one that covers your area.
- Furthermore, you must make an appointment for visa submission. This is because some offices operate on an appointment basis to handle the application process properly.
- Then, you should download and complete the Iceland Schengen visa application form. Make sure that you fill it out accurately.
- After that, you should visit the embassy on the scheduled date to submit your application.
- On the same day, the embassy may require you to submit your biometric data. This may include your fingerprints and photos.
- Besides, you are also required to pay the visa fee. The application amount and the payment methods vary as per the visa application center through which you apply for the process.
- Once you complete all these steps, the embassy may send you an email with a tracking number. You can monitor the status of your application from the embassy’s website.
- Lastly, make sure that you always check the embassy’s guidelines when applying for an Iceland Schengen visa application in your country. This is because the requirements may be subject to change.
A Bit about Iceland
Recently, Iceland has become a famous destination for tourists who love adventure and peace. It is a land of fire and ice that lies in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Furthermore, the country has a beautiful culture and landscapes with a blend of modern and traditional times. Also, it is full of Nordic islands.
Geography and landscapes
Geographically, Iceland is an extraordinary country. It has waterfalls, geysers, glaciers, and volcanoes. For example, it may include,
- The Gullfoss waterfall
- The geothermal area of Geysir
- The landscapes of Thingvellir National Park (the meeting point of North American and Eurasian tectonic plates)
These are the most visited places by international tourists and travelers.
Glaciers
Glaciers are the most prominent feature of Iceland. Europe’s largest glacier is Vatnajökull, which covers a sufficient part of the country. You can witness icebergs floating in waters at lagoons such as Jökulsárlón. Moreover, you can also explore Reynisfjara to visit black sand beaches.
Northern lights
Iceland is the best place to see the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. It is a place away from the urban pollution, where the dark winter nights provide an ideal scene to witness.
Culture
The Norse traditions have a strong impact on the culture of Iceland, despite its small population. The sagas and the literary works from medieval times mention the history and myths of the country. Reykjavik, the capital city, is the center of museums, music industry, and art galleries.
Language
The people of Iceland also take pride in their language. It has remained consistent over the years. Moreover, established in 930 AD, the Icelandic Alþingi is the oldest parliament in the world. This shows the commitment of the nation to democratic rules and governance.
Geothermal power
Iceland uses its geothermal resources both for electricity and heating. Iceland is a global leader in renewable energy, because of its continuous commitment to energy practices. Furthermore, you can experience this in the Blue Lagoon. It is a geothermal spa surrounded by a volcanic landscape.
Iceland Schengen Visa Validity
The validity of an Iceland Schengen visa identifies the period during which the applicant is allowed to enter and stay in the target country. The following details will help you in this regard.
Maximum stay duration
You can use an Iceland Schengen visa for a short period. As a result, this visa will allow you to stay in the Schengen area for at least three months within one hundred and eighty days. This time limit applies to the entire Schengen area and not Iceland.
180-day period calculation
The 180-day period starts when you first enter the Schengen area. During these six months, you can spend almost ninety days in the Schengen countries.
Single or multiple entries
You can enter the target Schengen country either single or multiple times using this visa. Your visa sticker will have the following types of entries.
- A single entry type will allow you to enter and exit the Schengen area only once during the visa validity.
- A multiple entry permits you to travel to the Schengen region multiple times.
Visa validity dates
The visa sticker on your passport displays the validity dates. It also indicates the period during which you are allowed to use the visa for entry. Moreover, it is important to follow these dates, as entry before or after the expiry is not allowed.
Duration of stay per entry
You can enter the Schengen area and stay for almost ninety days within six months. Therefore, it is necessary to check the duration of each visit to follow the visa regulations.
Extension limitations
Generally, you cannot extend short-stay Schengen visas, including that for Iceland. You can apply for an extension only in rare cases, such as,
- Humanitarian reasons
- Force majeure
Purpose of the visit
The validity of your visa is directly related to the purpose of your trip. You can travel to any Schengen country for tourism, visit, or business purposes. Therefore, you should fulfill the intended purpose of your visit to the destination country.