Schengen visa to Iceland: Requirements, visa types & how to apply

Though officially considered part of Europe, geographically speaking, Iceland is technically both in Europe and North America. But that’s in no way the only thing that makes this magical little island so interesting. The safest country in the world is also the only NATO member with no standing army. And home to some of the world’s most breathtaking nature and fascinating culture.

From lush greenery to volcanic peaks. From pristine glaciers to geothermal pools to the Northern lights. From the vibrant capital of Reykjavik to amazingly friendly people all around, Iceland draws in nearly 2 million international visitors a year.

And if you plan to be one of them and need a Schengen visa : AXA has all you need to know below.

• 🛂 Do I need a visa to visit Iceland?
• 👣 How do I apply for a visa to go to Iceland?
• 💰 How much does a Schengen visa for Iceland cost?
• 🔄 What about ETIAS and EES?
• ⭐ How can AXA help?
• 🗺️ How to apply for a Schengen visa for other countries
• ❓ FAQ about visas before your trip to Iceland

Do I need a visa to visit Iceland?

Iceland has been part of the Schengen Area since 2001, although it is not a member of the European Union. As a result, Iceland follows the common Schengen visa policy for short stays. Nationals of countries subject to the EU visa requirement must generally obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to Iceland, while eligible travelers can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Which travelers don’t need a Schengen visa to come to Iceland (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You don’t need a Schengen visa for Iceland if you are:

• A national of the Schengen area or one (or more) of the European Union member countries.
• A citizen of a non-EU country that has signed a visa exemption agreement with the EU : for example, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mexico, Taiwan, the U.K.,* the U.S., and roughly 50 more.

And AXA can tell you more about who doesn’t need a Schengen visa too.

*NOTE FOR VISITORS FROM THE U.K.: If you are a U.K BRP (i.e., biometric residence permit) and/or IRL (i.e., indefinite leave to remain) holder, then whether you need a Schengen visa or not will depend on the country where you hold citizenship. So to make sure you have all the latest info : we recommend you consult the UK Government’s Official Website’s Travel to the EU/Schengen section. And double-check with the Official Website of the EU (and that of your home country) too.

Which travelers are required to apply for a Schengen visa for Iceland?

You will generally need a Schengen visa for Iceland if you are a national of a country subject to the EU visa requirement. This applies to citizens of many countries worldwide, including China, India and Russia.

PRO-TIP 1: You can see a list of countries whose citizens must have a visa when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement.

PRO-TIP 2: And AXA can help you figure out whether you need a Schengen visa in no time too.

How do I apply for a visa to go to Iceland?

If you need a visa to travel to Iceland, the application process depends on the purpose and duration of your trip. Start by identifying the visa category that applies to your stay, then gather the required documents and submit your application through the appropriate authority or visa application center.

What are the different types of Schengen visas?

For short stays in Iceland, the main visa categories are the short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) and, for certain travelers only, the airport transit visa (Type A).

The Type C visa is the most common and allows stays in the Schengen Area of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It can be issued for different purposes of travel, including tourism, business, visiting family or friends, cultural or sporting activities, medical reasons, and short-term study.

A Type C visa may allow a single entry, two entries or multiple entries, depending on the visa issued. If you plan to travel to the Schengen Area regularly, you may be eligible for a multiple-entry visa, which can be valid for up to five years while still limiting stays to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Certain nationals need an airport transit visa (Type A) to transit through an Icelandic airport without entering the Schengen Area. This may apply, for example, to an international connection at Keflavík Airport between two countries outside the Schengen Area.

However, if your onward flight is to another Schengen country — for example, New York–Iceland–Berlin — Iceland is your point of entry into the Schengen Area. In this case, if your nationality is subject to the visa requirement, you will need a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) rather than simply an airport transit visa.

You can check the applicable rules and examples in the official Icelandic government information on airport transit visas.

What if I want to stay in Iceland for more than 90 days?

If you intend to stay in Iceland for more than 90 days, a short-stay Schengen visa is not sufficient. Third-country nationals who wish to reside in Iceland for more than 90 days must generally apply for a residence permit. Different immigration rules may apply depending on your situation, including if you have a partner living, working or studying in Iceland.

Icelandic immigration rules also changed in 2026: the provisions concerning the former long-term visa were repealed and a new short-term residence permit was introduced. This permit is intended for certain foreign nationals who wish to remain in Iceland for more than 90 days without establishing permanent residence there.

Subject to certain conditions, it may be granted for an extended visit to a close family member or for stays as an artist, scientist or athlete, provided the purpose of the stay does not fall under another residence permit category. The continuous stay authorised under this permit cannot exceed 180 days.

For the latest requirements and application procedure, check the official Icelandic government information on short-term residence permits.

What documents are required to obtain a Schengen visa for Iceland?

The exact documents required depend on your nationality, country of residence and purpose of travel. However, this Schengen visa checklist covers the main supporting documents generally required when applying for a visa to Iceland:

• A valid passport or travel document, issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and containing at least two blank pages;
  
• A completed and signed Schengen visa application form;
  
• A recent passport photo (35 × 45 mm);
  
• Travel medical insurance valid throughout the Schengen Area for the entire duration of your stay, with minimum coverage of €30,000;
  
• Proof of sufficient financial means, such as recent bank statements or a guarantee from your host;
  
• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or documentation from your host;
  
• Documents confirming the purpose of your trip, such as a letter of invitation or business invitation, where applicable;
  
• Proof of your intention to leave the Schengen Area before the end of your authorized stay, such as a return ticket reservation;
  
• Proof of legal residence in the country where you are applying, such as a residence permit or resident card, where applicable;
  
• Documents demonstrating your socio-economic situation and ties to your country of residence, such as proof of employment or studies, where applicable;
  
• For minors, parental or legal guardian consent and any additional documents required for the child's application, where applicable.

This is a general checklist only. Additional supporting documents may be required depending on the purpose of your trip and the embassy or consulate processing your application. Check the Government of Iceland's official website for the complete requirements that apply to your application.

When and where should I apply for my Schengen visa to Iceland?

You can generally submit your Schengen visa application up to six months before your intended trip and no later than 15 calendar days before your planned visit. Applying well in advance is recommended, particularly during busy travel periods. The standard processing time is generally 15 calendar days, although individual applications may take longer.

Schengen visa applications are generally submitted in person at the competent embassy, consulate or authorized visa application center. During your appointment, you will submit your supporting documents and provide your biometrics, such as fingerprints and a photograph, when required.

Where you apply depends on your country of legal residence. Iceland processes visa applications through a limited number of its own embassies and consulates. In many countries, applications are submitted through VFS Global, while in others another Schengen state may represent Iceland for visa applications. Check the official Icelandic authorities to identify the competent application location for your country.

The Icelandic government provides specific links for applying from China, India, the U.S., and the U.K. too:

• Embassy of Iceland in Beijing (VFS China)
• Embassy of Iceland in New Delhi (VFS India)
• Embassy of Iceland In Washington D.C. (VFS USA)
• Embassy of Iceland In London (VFS UK)

PRO-TIP 3 : Moreover, residents of India, the U.K., and the U.S. also have the option to begin their application process online.*

For other countries, consult the ísland.is Directorate of Immigration or foreign affairs resources.

* PRO-TIP 4 : You must be physically present to complete your online application form submission at an application center, though the EU plans to fully digitize the process.

How much does a Schengen visa for Iceland cost?

The standard Schengen visa fee for Iceland is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to under 12. Children under the age of six are generally exempt from the visa fee.

Reduced fees or exemptions may apply to certain applicants depending on their nationality or circumstances. Additional service fees may also apply if you submit your application through a visa application center such as VFS Global.

As visa fees can change, check the current amount with the competent Icelandic authority or visa application center before submitting your application.

What about ETIAS and EES?

ETIAS and EES are two separate European systems for non-EU travelers entering participating European countries, including Iceland. Neither system replaces a Schengen visa.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border management system that records non-EU nationals traveling for a short stay when they cross the external borders of participating European countries. It was progressively introduced from October 2025 and has been fully operational since April 10, 2026. EES electronically records travelers' entry and exit data and has replaced manual passport stamping. You can find the latest information on the EU's official EES website.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), meanwhile, is a travel authorization for visa-exempt non-EU nationals traveling to Iceland and other participating European countries for short stays. It is not a visa, and holders of a uniform Schengen visa do not need an ETIAS travel authorization. ETIAS is not yet operational and is currently expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026.

Once operational, an ETIAS travel authorization will be linked to the traveler's passport and will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It will allow eligible travelers to make short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. As the exact launch date has not yet been announced, check the EU's official ETIAS website for the latest information before traveling.

How can AXA help?

Iceland is only increasing in popularity with more and more Schengen and non-Schengen visitors alike each year.

And AXA continues to ensure that the millions of its non-Schengen visitors have a safe and stress-free journey there and back. Namely by providing affordable, top-quality, instant Schengen Travel insurance.

Travel medical insurance, meanwhile, is not only a good call but also a mandatory requirement when applying for a Schengen visa for Iceland. Moreover, your plan must meet the following criteria:

• Guarantee minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• Cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons
• Cover you in all member states of the Schengen Area (not just Iceland)
• Cover you during the entire duration of your trip and stay in the Schengen Zone.

Having appropriate insurance can be particularly important if you plan to take part in outdoor activities during your stay, given Iceland's environment and rapidly changing weather conditions.

And guess what? All three AXA plans (Basic, Essential, and Annual) meet the necessary requirements above.

Not only that, but if your Schengen visa application is officially refused, AXA can refund your insurance premium, subject to the applicable policy terms and conditions. You will need to provide the official visa refusal letter.

All AXA Schengen plans provide coverage throughout the Schengen Area, while some plans also cover additional European countries.

Getting an AXA travel insurance plan, meanwhile, is quick and easy.

Our plans can be purchased online today, and in just a few minutes.

Your travel insurance certificate is issued immediately after purchase and can be downloaded and printed for inclusion in your Schengen visa application.

So learn more about and compare our 3 comprehensive plans today. Because the right AXA plan is not only guaranteed to make your Schengen visa application process that much smoother. It will also ensure that your trip to the most peaceful, most literate, most well-read, and happiest country in the world per capita, that is is as safe, worry-free, and magical as it can be.

How to apply for a Schengen visa for other countries?

Planning to visit another Schengen country? Visa requirements and application procedures may vary depending on your main destination and personal circumstances. Check AXA's complete Schengen visa guide to learn more about the Schengen Area, visa requirements and how to apply.

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FAQ about visas before your trip to Iceland

How long does it take to process a Schengen visa?

The standard processing time for a Schengen visa application is generally 15 calendar days from the date the application is considered admissible. However, processing can take longer in individual cases, particularly when additional documents or further examination are required. Applying well in advance of your planned trip to Iceland is therefore recommended.

Can I travel to all European countries on an Iceland Schengen visa?

No. A valid Iceland Schengen visa generally allows you to travel throughout the Schengen Area, subject to the validity, number of entries and duration of stay indicated on your visa. However, the Schengen Area does not include every European country, and countries outside it may have their own entry and visa requirements.

Can I travel to Iceland if I have obtained a Schengen visa from another country?

Yes, a valid uniform Schengen visa generally allows you to travel to Iceland and other countries within the Schengen Area, provided you comply with the conditions of your visa.

However, when applying for a Schengen visa, you should apply to the country that is your main destination. If there is no main destination because you will spend an equal amount of time in several Schengen countries, you should generally apply to the country whose external border you will cross first.

Can I work or study in Iceland with a tourist visa?

A short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) does not automatically give you the right to work or undertake long-term studies in Iceland. Different immigration rules and permits may apply depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. AXA explains the rules for studying and working in the Schengen Area in more detail.

Can my Iceland visa be extended?

Yes, but only in limited circumstances. A Schengen visa may be extended in cases such as force majeure or humanitarian reasons, and an extension may also be considered for serious personal reasons. If exceptional circumstances prevent you from leaving Iceland before the end of your authorized stay, contact the competent Icelandic authorities as soon as possible. You can also learn more about extending a Schengen visa.

Is ETIAS the same as a visa?

No. ETIAS is a travel authorization, not a visa. Once operational, it will apply to eligible visa-exempt non-EU nationals traveling to participating European countries for short stays. Travelers who require a Schengen visa will continue to need one instead.

How much does an Iceland Schengen visa cost?

The standard Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to under 12, while children under six are generally exempt. Reduced fees or exemptions may apply to certain applicants, and additional service fees may apply when using a visa application center.