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2 ways to enter

Iceland visas

Iceland transit visa

Most travellers can change flights without a visa if they stay in one airport's international transit area for less than one day. Travellers from 12 listed countries need an airport transit visa unless an exemption applies.

Ways to get a Iceland transit visa

  1. Transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Travellers outside the 12-country airport transit list, and travellers on that list who meet an exemption.

    Stay
    Less than 24 hours in one airport's international transit area.

  2. Airport transit visa

    Visa needed

    Citizens of the listed countries who cannot use an airport transit exemption.

    Fee
    General Schengen visa fees apply: EUR 90 standard, with reductions and exemptions.
    Processing
    General decision period: 15 calendar days for an application accepted for processing with no issues.
    1. Apply through the relevant embassy or consulate before travel.
    2. Follow the general Schengen application process, including an in-person first application and fingerprints if required.

Who needs it

Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka need an airport transit visa unless exempt.

Who doesn't

Exemptions cover qualifying visa or residence permit holders, diplomatic passport holders, family members of European single market citizens and flight crew.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
If your connection requires leaving the international transit area, Iceland's normal entry rules apply. An airport transit visa covers the airport transfer, not a visit to Iceland.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
Stay in the international transit area of one airport for less than 24 hours. Your connection and the airport layout must allow this. Travellers from the 12 listed countries also need a qualifying exemption to transit without a visa.

How to apply

  1. Check whether your nationality requires an airport transit visa and whether you qualify for an exemption.
  2. Check that your connection can be made without leaving the international transit area.
  3. If you need a visa, apply through the relevant embassy or consulate before travel.

Good to know

  • Remain in the international transit area when using airport transit permission.
  • Iceland has no additional nationality requirements beyond the common 12-country list.
  • A connection involving entry into Iceland must meet the normal entry requirements.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Iceland?

Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka need an airport transit visa unless exempt. Exemptions cover qualifying visa or residence permit holders, diplomatic passport holders, family members of European single market citizens and flight crew.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Iceland?

There are 2 options: Transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy).

How long can I stay on a Iceland transit visa?

The general visa-free airport transfer rule covers less than one day. A stay limit for the airport transit visa is not specified.

How much does a Iceland transit visa cost?

The general Schengen visa fee is EUR 90, with age-based reductions and other exemptions.

How long does a Iceland transit visa take?

The general decision period is 15 calendar days for an application accepted for processing with no issues.

How do I apply for a Iceland transit visa?

1. 1. Check whether your nationality requires an airport transit visa and whether you qualify for an exemption. 2. 2. Check that your connection can be made without leaving the international transit area. 3. 3. If you need a visa, apply through the relevant embassy or consulate before travel.

How long can I stay in transit in Iceland?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Stay in the international transit area of one airport for less than 24 hours. Your connection and the airport layout must allow this. Travellers from the 12 listed countries also need a qualifying exemption to transit without a visa.

Can I stay inside the airport in Iceland without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: If your connection requires leaving the international transit area, Iceland's normal entry rules apply. An airport transit visa covers the airport transfer, not a visit to Iceland.

What rules do I have to follow on a Iceland transit visa?

Remain in the international transit area when using airport transit permission. Iceland has no additional nationality requirements beyond the common 12-country list.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Iceland?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Iceland visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

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