Iceland is an Island nation in Northern Europe and is one of the coldest regions on earth with a significant human population. The country is a base for geological research and a colony for several animal and plant species. If you want to visit Iceland and are not an EU citizen or a citizen of a visa-free country, you must fill out the Iceland Schengen visa application form. The form is an important document that contains your data which the visa officer will use to process your information for the visa. Keep reading to learn more about Iceland and how to apply for an iceland visa successfully.
Iceland
Iceland has a tiny population of 368,792 people judging to the last census conducted on the island. It has a land mass of 103,000 km2, and roughly two-thirds of the population live in Reykjavik, the capital city. The capital City is also the largest human settlement and city in the region, as other cities and regions have fewer inhabitants. Due to the harsh climatic conditions, the Schengen country has the least percentage of visa applicants and visitors. Iceland is cold for most of the year, so visitors, particularly those from the Southern Hemisphere, find it hard to cope.
The country became a Schengen member state in 2001 and had been issuing Schengen visas ever since. With its membership, the Schengen visa became the only document non-Schengen travelers could use to access the Island.
Taking a trip to Iceland is indeed an adventure, and travelers are advised to prepare for a culture shock, especially those who are not from Europe. The sun is up around the clock, and temperatures can reach minus degrees during parts of the year.
Filling Out The Iceland Schengen Visa Application Form
When filling out the application form, applicants are advised to provide only valid information so their applications will not be rejected. There are several sections on the form, such as personal information, education, work experience, the purpose of travel, etc. All sections must be filled out correctly and signed. The information you provide must be the same as the information on your passport and other documents.
The official in charge of document review will crosscheck every detail on the application form, so endeavor to provide only correct information.
Iceland Schengen Visa Documents
The application fee for an Icelandic Schengen visa is not the only document that will be required of you; there are other documents, such as the ones listed below.
Passport: You will need a valid passport for this application. The embassy will not accept passports issued more than ten years ago. In addition, only passports with at least three months of validity from the day of departure will be accepted. It must also have at least two blank entry and exit stamp pages.
Photograph: Two recent passport photographs that meet the Schengen requirements for visas.
Proof of accommodation: The embassy will request proof of accommodation. You can book for hotel reservation online in advance.
Previous Visa: If you have been issued a visa in the past, attach it to the application.
Proof of Financial Means: The embassy official would like to know whether you have the financial capacity to cover your expenses. The minimum daily expense amount for visitors is €29 for each day you stay in Iceland and a minimum entry amount of €145. Applications are treated on a case-by-case basis.
Travel Health Insurance: All applicants in the Schengen area must have travel insurance coverage for any medical emergency. The minimum coverage is €30,000.
Cover Letter: A Cover letter explaining why you want to visit, how long you plan to stay, where you will live, and when you plan to leave.
The documents that will be requested will depend on the visa type you want and why your nationality. For instance, those taking connecting flights to other countries as Transit visitors may not need some of the documents listed above, while others may require additional supporting documents. Make sure you crosscheck your documents before submitting them for review.
Do I Need To Pay A Processing Fee?
Unless you are under the age of six and above the age of 80, you need to pay a processing fee for an Iceland Schengen Visa. The fee for 6-11-year-olds is €40 while the fee for 12-80-year-olds is €80. This fee is not refundable once paid and doesn’t guarantee the visa. It is only a processing fee. How you pay will depend on the center treating your application. It may be paid via bank transfer or with a credit or debit card.
All documents should be attached to the Iceland Schengen visa application form and submitted to the visa officer during the interview.