Iceland Business Visa - Definitive Guide

To enter Iceland for the purpose of taking part in business-related activities, you will need a business visa. However, for nationals of other Schengen countries and from other visa-exempt nations do not require a permit to enter Iceland. Being a form of the Schengen category, the Iceland business visa duration is of 90 days in a 180-day period and can be available in single-entry, double-entry, as well as multiple-entry types.

The application for the Iceland Schengen business visa is done to the Embassy of Denmark. The Embassy of Iceland has outsourced the visa handling to Denmark in India. Before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to apply for the business type. After this, you must proceed to get all the documents required for this category. You may then follow the following steps to make the application.

1. Visit the ‘ApplyVisa’ portal of the Denmark embassy and create an account for the application.
2. Fill the online Iceland business visa application form. Please note that the form is the same as the one used for Denmark Schengen visa. You will only have to mention Iceland as your main destination.   
3. You must then proceed to pay the fees online. 
4. Book an appointment for the application submission at one of the Denmark Visa Application Centres (VAC). You can do this by either visiting the website of the VAC and booking online, or by calling them. 
5. Visit the respective VAC. You will have to submit biometrics here as well 

Please note that you may book the appointment directly at the Denmark Embassy in New Delhi instead of a VAC. However, due to the difficulty in access, it is strongly suggested to submit the application at a VAC located across India. Also, keep in mind that if you have submitted your biometrics for any Schengen Visa in the past 5 years, you do not require to submit them again. In this case, you do not have to go to the VAC in person. 

Also, ensure that you carry all the original documents to the appointment centre. You will have to show them to the officers present. However, you may be required to submit only photocopies of some of these documents. Please provide only genuine documents. Submission of forged documents and false information can get your application refused. A Schengen visa rejection is taken seriously and can affect your future travel.

To be able to apply for a business permit, you must meet the conditions for this. If you do not meet them, you may apply for another category visa. The following are the eligibility criteria -

• You must be in the country you are applying in. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign nation, you can apply it to the respective embassy in that country. 
• You must possess a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in business activities only. 
• You must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the entire stay period in Iceland.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Iceland is your only destination, or
  2. Iceland is only one of your multiple Schengen destinations -  in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or
  3. Iceland is your port of entry. 

The following are the list of documents you must submit for the successful receipt of the business visa - 

• A valid passport- 

• 1. It must have at least 2 blank pages.
  2. Passports older than 10 years are not allowed.
  3. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  4. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.

• A covering letter from the sending company - 

• 1. This should include traveller’s basic details.
  2. It should clearly mention the source of funds.
  3. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  4. It must be on the company letterhead and must contain the seal. 
  5. It should be addressed to the Embassy of Denmark

• Invitation letter from the Icelandic organisation/company stating complete details of the visit
• Travel itinerary/documents - 

• 1. A detailed travel itinerary 
  2. Round trip flight tickets
  3. Proof of accommodation 

• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation - 
  1. Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc
• Financial documents -
  1. Financial documents such as bank statements of the past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc.

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured - within last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral facial expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed/prescription 
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The processing time for the business permit depends on aspects such as the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, previous travel history, and so on. Normally, this takes around 15 working days. However, in a few cases, it may take up to 30 working days. In certain extreme cases, this can even take up to as long as 60 days. As a result, it is suggested that you apply for the visa well in advance. You must apply at least 15 days before the date of travel, but no more than 3 months before the travel date.

The total fees for the visa depend on several factors. It can depend on the entry types, duration, biometric charges, as well as any other service charges. It can also vary upon the exchange rate of the currencies. It is, therefore, necessary to check the exact amount before applying. 

After the submission of the application, the processing will begin. Note that even if you have submitted the application at a VAC, the processing is done by the Embassy of Denmark. The VAC has no role in the processing whatsoever. If the visa is accepted, you may collect it directly from the VAC in person, or you may have it delivered to you for an additional charge. You may also collect it via a third party by providing them with an authorization letter. 

You can track the status by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/ and entering your reference number and date of birth. You may also contact the travel agency for them to track it for you. You also have SMS services you can acquire to get updates regarding your status.

Once you receive the business visa, you must keep in mind the following points before travelling, as well as during your tour. This is necessary to avoid any complications during your visit.

• Ensure to carry all your travel documents such as your passport, ID cards, etc before travelling.
• Check the visa sticker for the entry type, duration, and validity of the visa. You must not stay back in Iceland beyond this period.
• Always carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are travelling within Iceland.
• While you are in a business category visit, you cannot take part in any work activities.
• You cannot extend the Schengen unless in certain circumstances such as a force majeure, medical reasons, or other unforeseeable reasons.
• You are allowed to move freely within the Schengen region.