Iceland Visit Visa - Definitive Guide

The visit visa is an endorsement that lets people enter Iceland to meet their friends or family living in the country. However, nationals of Schengen countries and other countries with a visa-exempt arrangement do not require this to enter the country. Being a type of short term Schengen C category, this is issued for a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. And is available as single-entry, double-entry, and even multiple-entries. 

To apply for the Iceland Schengen visit visa, the application must be done to the Embassy of Denmark. The Embassy of Iceland does not issue the visa and is handled by Denmark. Before starting the application, ensure that you are eligible to apply for this category. You can then apply as per the following -

1. Obtain all the documents required for the visit permit.
2. Enter the ‘ApplyVisa’ portal of the Denmark embassy and register.
3. Fill the online Iceland visit visa application form. The form for this is the same as the one used for a general Denmark Schengen visa. You will have to mention Iceland as your main destination and visit as the purpose.  
4. You must then proceed to pay the fees online. 
5. Proceed to book an appointment for the application submission at one of the Visa Application Centres (VAC). You can do this by visiting the website of the VAC and booking online, or by calling them. 
6. Visit the respective VAC to submit biometrics and the application.

You can also book the appointment directly at the Denmark Embassy in New Delhi. However,  due to the difficulty of its access to the rest of the country, it is strongly suggested to submit the application at a VAC located across India. If you have submitted your biometrics to the Visa Information System (VIS) in the past 5 years, you do not require to submit them again. 

Ensure that you carry all the original documents when you visit the appointment centre. However, you will be required to submit only photocopies of some of the documents. Provide only genuine documents and true information. Submitting fake documents and false information can lead to visa rejection. 

In order to be able to apply for this, you will have to meet the following conditions - 

• You must be within the country you are making the application in. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign country, you can apply it to the respective embassy.
• You must possess a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
• Your primary motive of the visit must be to meet your friends and family living in Iceland and must be invited by them.
• You must possess 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 requirements, the following is the list of documents you will have to submit to apply for this visa - 

• A valid passport- 

• 1. It must contain 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 must 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
• Invitation letter from the relative/friend including all the details of the visit
• Proof of occupation - 

Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc

• Financial documents -

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 processing time for the visit permit depends on several factors such as the volume of applications at the embassy, Iceland visit visa duration, entry type, any express processing option, etc. Normally, it is processed in about 15 working days. However, in certain cases, this may take up to 30 days, or even 60 days in extreme cases. As a result, it is suggested that you apply for the permit well in advance. It is suggested to apply at least 15 days before the date of travel, but you cannot apply more than 3 months prior to the date.

The fees for this type of permit depends on the number of entries, biometric charges, as well as any other service charges. It can also fluctuate depending upon the foreign exchange rates. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting the application. 

Once you have submitted the documents and the application, it will begin processing. If the embassy requires any additional documentation, you will be contacted. Even if your application has been submitted at the VAC, the processing is done by the embassy only. As a result, the VAC will not be able to influence any of the processing. Once approved, you can collect the visa from the VAC or embassy directly, or you can have it delivered to you for an additional charge. 

During the process, you may want to know the status of your visa. You can, however, check the status easily by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/  and entering the reference number and date of birth. You can also contact your travel agency to have them track it for you. 

To experience a pleasant trip, you must stick to the following points during your visit - 

• Do not forget to carry all the necessary travel documents.
• Keep a note of the expiry date, stay duration, 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 travel documents while you are travelling within the country.
• While you are on a visit visa, you cannot take part in any work activities.
• You cannot extend the permit in normal conditions.
• You can any of the Schengen nations with this permit.