Iceland Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

To enter Iceland, most nationals require a permit. If the purpose of the visit is tourism, the permit is called as the Iceland Schengen tourist visa. This allows you to enter the country and stay there for a period of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. The permit is issued as a single entry, double-entry, or even multiple entries. 

The process of applying for the Iceland tourist visa from India is done through the Danish embassy. The visa handling for Iceland is done by the Denmark embassy in New Delhi. As a result, the application has to be done directly to the embassy or the VAC. Before starting the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to get the tourist permit. After this, you may proceed as follows. 

1. Acquire all the documents that are required. 
2. Visit the ApplyVisa portal of the Denmark Ministry of Foreign Affairs and create an account.
3. Fill the online Schengen application form. Keep in mind that the Iceland tourist visa application form is the same as the one used for Denmark tourist visa.  
4. Proceed to pay the fees online. 
5. Book an appointment at one of the Denmark Visa Application Centres (VAC). You may do this by visiting the website of the VAC and booking online or by calling them. 
6. Visit the respective VAC with the appointment confirmation mail and the exact documents. You will have to submit your biometrics here.

Please note that you can book the appointment directly at the Denmark Embassy in New Delhi. However, due to the ease of access, it is strongly suggested to submit the application at a VAC for faster processing as well. Also, keep in mind that if you have submitted your biometrics for a Schengen Visa in the past 5 years, the data is stored in the VIS, and as a result, you are not required to submit them again. In this case, you do not have to go to the VAC in person. You may send the application through a third party provided that they hold an authorization letter signed by you. 

Ensure that you carry all the original documents to the centre. However, you may be required to submit only photocopies of some of these documents as you may not receive them back. Also, provide only genuine documents and true information. Submission of fake documents and false information can get your application refused. Schengen visa rejection is a huge hurdle and will affect your future travel. 

To be able to apply for the Iceland tourist visa for Indian citizens, you must meet the following basic eligibility criteria. Failure to do so can lead to rejection. 

• You must be in India while applying in the country. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign nation, you can apply it to the embassy over there. 
• 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 tourism-related activities.
• You must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the stay in Iceland.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Iceland is your only destination, or
  2. Iceland is 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. 

As per the Iceland tourist visa requirements, the following are the documents you will have to possess to be able to apply. 

• A valid passport- 

• 1. It must consist of at least 2 blank pages.
  2. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  3. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.

• A covering letter - 

• 1. This must include the applicant's details as well as that of the visit.
  2. It should clearly mention the source of funds.
  3. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  4. It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of Denmark.

• Travel itinerary/documents - 

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

• Medical travel insurance coverage of at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation - 
  1. Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc
• Financial documents -

1. 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 and prescription are permitted
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the application for the tourist permit depends on several factors such as the mode of submissions such as the VAC or the embassy, it also varies according to the volume of applications at the embassy, entry type, any express processing option, etc. Usually, you can expect to receive the visa in about 15 working days. However, in certain cases, this may take up to 30 days, or even 60 days in extreme scenarios. As a result, it is suggested that you apply for the permit well in advance. 

The fee for the permit is a variable that varies upon the duration of the permit, the entry type, biometric charges, as well as any other additional service charges. It can also depend on the currency exchange rates. As a result, it is necessary to check the exact fees before starting the application. 

Once you have submitted the application, the processing will begin. Even if you have submitted the application at a VAC, the processing is done by the embassy of Denmark alone. The VAC has power only over the collection and verification. Once accepted, you can collect the passport with the visa stamped, directly from the VAC in person, or you may have it delivered to you for an additional charge. You may also ask a third party to collect it on your behalf by providing them with an authorization letter. 

To check the status of your application, 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 you have applied to. Alternately, you may opt for SMS services provided by the VAC. 

following points before travelling, as well as during your tour. This is to ensure that you do not face any difficulties and have a pleasant and safe trip.

• Carry all your travel documents including passport, ID cards, etc before travelling.
• Make a note of the expiry date, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the sticker. 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 the country.
• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot take part in any work activities.
• You cannot extend the permit unless in extreme unforeseeable circumstances such as a force majeure, or other humanitarian reasons. 
• You are permitted to visit any of the Schengen nations with this.