Iceland Schengen Visa – Essential Travel Guide and Requirements
Planning a trip to Iceland? A Schengen visa allows you to visit Iceland and 28 other European countries. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the application process and requirements.
Why Visit Iceland?
Iceland is known for its unique landscapes, geothermal spas, and vibrant culture:
Tourism: Witness the natural beauty of the Northern Lights (opens in new tab), explore the iconic Blue Lagoon, and visit the stunning waterfalls and glaciers.
Business: Iceland is a growing destination for renewable energy, tourism, and tech industries, making it an attractive location for business travelers.
Iceland Schengen Visa Requirements
To apply for an Iceland Schengen Visa, you’ll need the following documents:
- Visa Application Form
- Complete the Schengen visa application form, date, and sign it. The form is available on the official Iceland visa portal (opens in new tab).
Photograph: A recent passport-size color photo with a white background that meets Schengen visa photo requirements (opens in new tab).
Travel Document:
Valid for at least 3 months after the planned journey, issued within the last 10 years, and containing at least 2 blank pages.
Submit any expired passports containing valid or expired visa stickers if applicable.
- Proof of UK Residence:
Printed proof of immigration status with a share code from GOV.UK (opens in new tab).
Proof that you have at least one month of residency in the UK remaining after your planned exit from the Schengen area.
- Proof of Employment/Student/Sponsorship/Retirement/Unemployment Status:
Employed: A recent, official, and signed employer letter with details of the applicant’s position, salary, and company contact information, plus pay slips for the last three months.
Self-Employed: A recent, official, and signed letter from an accountant, banker, or solicitor with full contact details, verifying self-employment or business ownership in the UK, and a self-assessment form from HMRC.
Student: A recent, official letter from the applicant’s UK school, college, or university, confirming enrollment, study type, weekly lesson hours, and attendance record.
Sponsored: Proof of sponsorship, a letter from the sponsor, and a copy of the sponsor’s photo ID.
If Supported by Spouse or Parents: Marriage or birth certificate, the spouse’s or parents’ bank statements, and a letter of financial support.
Retired: Pension statements for the last three months or proof of income from property or business ownership.
Unemployed: Proof of sponsorship or sufficient funds.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds:
Original personal UK bank statement showing the applicant’s name, account movements over the last 3 months, and stamped/signed by the bank.
The account should be in the applicant’s or sponsor’s name; if sponsored, include a sponsorship letter and a copy of the sponsor’s passport.
Provide credit card statements showing the applicant’s name and monthly limit or spending cap.
Minimum funds: £45 per day if staying in a hotel or £23 per day if expenses are covered by a third party.
- Flight Booking:
Provide a roundtrip flight reservation with a valid PNR number, showing the applicant’s name.
If visiting multiple Schengen countries, include proof of intra-Schengen travel (e.g., flight reservation, train itinerary, or car rental confirmation).
- Proof of Accommodation:
Submit hotel reservations, rental confirmation for a holiday home, or campus residence booking.
If staying with family or friends, provide proof of sponsorship or private accommodation confirmation from the host.
For multi-country travel within Schengen, submit proof of accommodation in each country.
Travel Health Insurance: Must show the applicant’s name, have coverage of at least €30,000, be valid in all Schengen countries, and cover the entire period of intended stay in the Schengen area. The insurance must be obtained from a company based in the United Kingdom or a Member State.
Purpose of Visit (if applicable):
Visiting Family/Friends: Use the online invitation form (opens in new tab) for visitors, or a sponsorship form if supported by the host.
If no sponsorship form is provided, submit a copy of the host’s biodata page or residence permit and proof of family relationship, if applicable.
Business/Conferences: Include an original signed invitation from a company or authority explaining the purpose, nature, and duration of the visit.
Special Events (Conferences/Fairs): Provide proof of paid registration for events related to trade, industry, or work.
- For Minors (Under 18 Years) Traveling:
If Traveling with One Parent: A notarized consent from the other parent or guardian, unless sole custody or guardianship is in place.
If Traveling Alone: Written consent from both parents or the legal guardian.
Copies of both parents’ passports (or ID cards with signature).
A photocopy of the minor’s birth certificate.
When to Apply for an Iceland Schengen Visa
Submit your application at least 15 days before your intended travel date and no earlier than 6 months before departure. Early application helps avoid delays and ensures sufficient time for processing.
Iceland Visa Processing Time
Standard Processing Time: Minimum processing time for a visa application is 15 calendar days.
Extended Processing for Certain Nationalities: Some applications may require additional consultation with other Schengen countries, potentially increasing the processing time.
Busy Seasons: During peak times (e.g., Easter, summer holidays, and Christmas), appointments fill up quickly due to limited daily processing slots. Applying early during these periods is highly recommended.
Types of Visas for Visiting Iceland
The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your trip:
- Short-Stay Visa (Type C):
Suitable for tourism and business visits, this common Schengen visa allows travel to Iceland and across all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period from entry into the Schengen zone.
Iceland Schengen Visa Fees
A Schengen visa to Iceland comes with standard fees, as these are uniform across Schengen countries:
Consulate Fee: €90 for adults.
Children (Aged 6–11): €45.
Children Under 6: Free.
Visa Center Fee: £38.
Premium Lounge Fee(Courier Fee Included): £70.
Courier Return: £16.95.
Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it’s advisable to confirm the current rates before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in Iceland with a Schengen visa?
Can I visit other Schengen countries with my Iceland visa?
Can I extend my Schengen visa in Iceland?
Is it possible to work in Iceland with a Schengen visa?
Can I study in Iceland on a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa only allows short-term studies or training lasting less than 90 days. For longer study programs, you will need a student visa.
If you want to apply with us, please start your application here.

