Iceland, known as the ‘land of fire and ice,’ is a country of stark contrasts, offering a visual feast from icy glaciers to fiery lava-spewing volcanoes. This nation boasts hot springs, majestic mountains, and the mesmerizing aurora borealis among its many attractions. Thanks to the Iceland tourist visa, everyone now has the opportunity to explore these wonders.

Understanding the Iceland Tourist Visa:

For most nationalities, entry into Iceland requires a visa. If your purpose of travel is tourism, you’ll need an Iceland Schengen tourist visa. This visa allows you to enter Iceland and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is available as a single entry, double entry, or even multiple entries.

How to Apply for an Iceland Tourist Visa:

The application process for an Iceland tourist visa from India is facilitated through the Danish embassy, which handles visa processing for Iceland. The Denmark embassy in New Delhi manages this process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:

1. Prepare Required Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents.

2. Visit ApplyVisa Portal: Access the ApplyVisa portal of the Denmark Ministry of Foreign Affairs and create an account.

3. Fill Out Online Application: Complete the online Schengen application form. Keep in mind that the Iceland tourist visa application form is identical to the one used for a Denmark tourist visa.

4. Pay Fees Online: Proceed to pay the visa fees online.

5. Book Appointment: Schedule an appointment at one of the Denmark Visa Application Centres (VAC). You can do this by booking online through the VAC’s website or by calling them.

6. Visit the VAC: Attend your appointment at the designated VAC, carrying the appointment confirmation email and all required documents. Biometrics will be collected at this stage.

It’s important to note that while you can book appointments directly at the Denmark Embassy in New Delhi, it is strongly recommended to use VACs for faster processing due to their accessibility. Additionally, if you have submitted your biometrics for a Schengen Visa within the past five years, this data is stored in the VIS (Visa Information System), and you are not required to submit biometrics again. In this case, you may send your application through a third party with an authorization letter signed by you.

Ensure that you bring all original documents to the center, as you may not receive them back. Provide only genuine documents and truthful information, as submitting fake documents or false information can result in application rejection, which could affect future travel.

Eligibility for an Iceland Tourist Visa:

To be eligible for an Iceland tourist visa for Indian citizens, you must meet basic eligibility criteria:

• You must be in India when applying.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended travel date.
• The sole purpose of your visit must be tourism-related activities.
• You should have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Iceland.
• Apply for the permit if:
  • Iceland is your sole destination,
  • Iceland is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, and you plan to spend the majority of your time there, or
  • Iceland is your port of entry.

Documents Required for an Iceland Tourist Visa:

As per Iceland tourist visa requirements, the following documents are typically needed for your application:

• A valid passport with at least two blank pages, not older than ten years, and with a validity of at least six months from your travel date. Include any old passports, if applicable.

• A covering letter including your details and the purpose and duration of your visit. It should also mention the source of funds. This letter should be addressed to the Embassy of Denmark, signed by you, and on your company letterhead if applicable.

• Travel itinerary/documents, including a detailed travel itinerary, round-trip flight booking, proof of accommodation, and medical travel insurance coverage of at least €30,000.

• Proof of occupation, such as an employment letter, copy of a business license, etc.

• Financial documents, which may include bank statements for the past three months, a copy of your passbook, and income tax returns (ITR).

Iceland Tourist Visa Photo Specifications:

Ensure that your visa application photos meet these specifications:

• Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm
• Color: Colored
• Central positioning of the head
• Recent photo (captured within the last three months)
• Background: Solid, plain white, or grey
• Face coverage: 80%
• Neutral facial expression
• Non-thick framed and prescription glasses are permitted
• Headgear is allowed for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

Iceland Tourist Visa Processing Time:

The processing time for a tourist permit varies depending on factors like the mode of submission (VAC or embassy), volume of applications, entry type, and express processing options. Generally, you can expect to receive the visa in about 15 working days. However, in some cases, processing may take up to 30 or even 60 days in extreme scenarios. Thus, it is advisable to apply well in advance.

Iceland Tourist Visa Fee:

The visa fee is variable and depends on factors such as the duration of the permit, entry type, biometric charges, and additional service fees. Exchange rates also affect the exact fee amount, so it’s crucial to check the fees before applying.

After Submission:

Once you’ve submitted your application, the processing begins. Even if you applied through a VAC, the embassy of Denmark handles the processing independently. VACs are responsible for collection and verification only. If your visa is approved, you can collect your passport with the visa stamp directly from the VAC in person or opt for delivery at an additional cost. Alternatively, you can authorize a third party to collect it on your behalf with an authorization letter.

How to Check Visa Status:

To check your application’s status, you can visit https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/ and enter your reference number and date of birth. You may also contact the travel agency through which you applied or opt for SMS services provided by the VAC for status updates.

While Holding the Tourist Visa:

Once you have received your tourist visa, keep these points in mind before and during your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit:

• Always carry your travel documents, including your passport and ID cards.
• Take note of the visa’s expiry date and the number of entries specified on the sticker; do not overstay your permitted duration in Iceland.
• Carry copies of your passport and other travel documents during your stay.
• While on a tourist permit, you are not allowed to engage in any work activities.
• Extending the permit is generally not possible unless exceptional, unforeseeable circumstances like force majeure or other humanitarian reasons apply.
• You are permitted to visit any Schengen nation with this visa.