Although not yet a part of the European Union, Iceland is a part of the dreaded Schengen immigration zone. This means that travelers from the USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia are only given 90 days to visit Iceland and the 24 other countries of the region, and visitors from other countries are often given less time.
Published on September 9, 2011
Follow me on Twitter here.
Support VBJ’s writing on this blog:
Travel Visas to Iceland
Although not yet a part of the European Union, Iceland is a part of the dreaded Schengen immigration zone. This means that travelers from the USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia are only given 90 days to visit 25 countries, and visitors from other countries are often given less time. After this relatively short amount of time for such a large block of countries, the traveler must completely exit the region for no less than 91 days before returning. All travelers from outside the EU need to have a passport that is valid for at least 90 days to enter Iceland. European Union citizens just need their national identification card.
Travelers who can enter the Schengen zone without a pre-arranged visa can also enter Iceland. The following map shows what country’s citizens can just hop on a plane and go to Iceland and be given a tourist C visa on arrival.
The countries in green can enter Iceland without a pre-arranged visa
Citizens from the countries in green can enter Iceland and the rest of the Schengen zone without a pre-arranged visa. These countries are:
The USA, Canada, Mexico, all the countries of Central America, Venezuela, French Guiana, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.
Keep in mind that if you do need to arrange a visa in advance to go to Iceland, visas are now being issued by Danish consulates — NOT ICELAND.
 |
 |
Frequently asked questions about visas to Iceland
Can you return to Iceland after an unpunished overstay?
I overstayed in the Schengen 3 years- I have one stamp on my passport coming into Amsterdam- and one stamp flying out of Iceland. I was questioned but I wasn’t punished. I received a normal stamp on my passport and was told that what I had done would have gotten me banned or fined somewhere else. They took a copy of my passport and told me not to come back in the area for 90 days. I asked them if I was in trouble and what would happen now. They said nothing- I go home. My questions is this… On my passport I’ve got 2 stamps obivously showing I have overstayed. I have been gone for 90 days as of today and I want to go back in 2 months time. Should I get a new passport to hide the stamps? Since I wasn’t banned or punished (as far as I know) I won’t be flagged in the system. Or should i just leave it? I want to know if it’s possible and likely for me to get punished for overstaying when I try and come back.
It is often not very clear if you were entered into the SIS or not. Many cases have been reported back to us about how immigration told a traveler that they were not punished and then they find themselves banned from Schengen Europe. But, in your case, there is a good chance that you were really not entered into the SIS as a visa overstayer, so you should be clear to return to Iceland.
More information about travel visas
Add information or ask questions about visas to Iceland below
|
If so, then take a look at our Schengen visa community forum. It is specifically for people who have questions or concerns related to Europe’s Schengen immigration zone. |
About the Author: VBJ
I am the founder and editor of Vagabond Journey. I’ve been traveling the world since 1999, through 91 countries. I am the author of the book, Ghost Cities of China and have written for The Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Diplomat, the South China Morning Post, and other publications. VBJ has written 3705 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.
Support VBJ’s writing on this blog:
VBJ is currently in: New York City
0 comments… add one
Next post: Food in Honduras
Previous post: Bus Travel Villa de Leyva to Mongui, Colombia
