For any visitor to enter Iceland, they must show a Schengen visa Iceland at the international airport in Reykjavik before they will be allowed in. The same is the case if they wish to enter through the seaport. The visa is an important travel document that allows free entry and exit from one Schengen country to another, and it has become one of the most powerful visas in the world. Keep reading to find out more about the Schengen visa process and requirements.
Iceland At A Glance
Iceland is one of the coldest countries in the world and is located in Northern Europe and surrounded by frozen waters. It is one of the most underpopulated nations on earth, with large parts of the land left empty with no human life. Only 368,000 people live on the island, with a total land mass of 103,000 km2.
The most populated city, where roughly two-thirds of the population dwell, is Reykjavik which also serves as the country’s capital. Reykjavik is the largest city and the most developed. Iceland became a Schengen member in 2001 but is not part of the European Union, however, it is a member of the EFTA and the European Economic Area.
The country thrives off fishing due to its natural location and also generates some revenue from tourism.
As a result of the harsh weather conditions, Iceland is one of the least visited countries in Europe and is also the country that receives the least Schengen applications. Visitors who are able to brave the journey and cope with the weather will find Iceland a very nice place to visit, even if it is only for a short time.
Iceland Schengen Visa
A Schengen Iceland visa for Iceland is valid for 180 days from the day of issue and allows the holder to stay on the island or travel to other countries in the Schengen zone for a maximum period of 90 days. The visa allows the holder to enjoy the borderless policies of Schengen countries, so rather than apply for a different visa for each individual country you wish to visit, you can apply for a single visa to Iceland and use the same visa to visit 26 other Schengen countries in the zone.
As long as the visa is valid, you will have no problem with border agents or immigration agents at the airport when you visit Iceland or any Schengen country you visit.
What Can You Do With A Schengen Visa?
This visa is issued for short visits to Schengen countries. Due to the 90-day stay you are afforded, you cannot use this visa for any long term commitment in Iceland. Also, the visa does not qualify you for a residence permit. This visa is mostly issued for tourism purposes, but you can also use it to visit family and friends, attend fairs, business meetings, or sporting and cultural events.
Where To Apply For a Schengen Visa Iceland
To apply for this Schengen visa to Iceland, you have two options
Iceland Embassy: You must submit your visa application to the Iceland embassy or consulate in your home country or the country you reside in. The visa officers will process your application and issue the visa if you qualify.
Visa Application Center: Another option is to apply for the visa at Schengen visa applications center if an embassy or consulate doesn’t exist in your area. Iceland has a limited number of consulates scattered across the world, but they have accredited agents who handle visa applications on behalf of their ministry of foreign affairs. You can submit your application to them for processing.
Visa Processing Time
This visa takes about 15 calendar days before it is out. To ensure that the visa arrives on time, ensure that you submit only valid documents.
You should also submit the application at least one or two months before the date you’ve earmarked for your trip. By so doing, the visa will get to you on time, and there will be no delays or trip postponements.
Visa Application Fee
Your application will not be processed if you don’t pay the visa application fee. The standard fee for Schengen visas is €80, but the fee is half of that for minors between 6-11 at €40. There’s no visa charge for minors under six years of age. Kindly note that this fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee that your application will be approved. It is only meant for document processing and nothing more.
The good news is that if your documents are valid and you meet the requirements, you are more than likely going to get the visa because Iceland has one of the lowest visa application and rejection rates in the zone.
Schengen Visa Iceland Documents
Completed application form
Valid passport (6 months minimum)
Two recent passport photographs
Travel Insurance (€30,000)
Proof of Accommodation
Proof of financial means
Round trip itinerary