Can I travel to Iceland with Schengen Visa? This is not an uncommon question to ask and is common on travel forums and blogs due to Iceland’s location on the map. Some people even doubt Iceland is a part of Europe, but it is. The Northern European country has a long history and has come under the occupation of different countries over the last three centuries. It was also one of the famous outposts of the legendary Vikings of the North.
If you plan to apply for a Schengen visa and have Iceland in sight, then this post is for you. Continue below to gain all the necessary information about the Schengen visa.
What Is The Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Iceland visa is a travel permit or document that allows the holder to enter a Schengen country and stay for up to 90 days. The visa is valid for 180 days but can be extended under special circumstances, but the holder has to prove to the authorities why they need to extend their stay in the country. Schengen visas are issued by Schengen countries only; there are a total of 27 Schengen nations to date, all domiciled in Europe.
All Schengen countries are in Europe, but not all European countries are part of the Schengen zone. For instance, Romania and Albania are two examples of countries not in the Schengen zone, so they are not permitted to issue Schengen visas. Furthermore, to enter non-Schengen countries in Europe, you would have to apply for their respective national visas.
Is Iceland A Schengen Country?
Iceland is both an island and a country and has been a Schengen nation for decades. The process of becoming one started on December 19, 1996, when it signed the Schengen Agreement for the first time. The second agreement was signed on May 18, 1999, after the Schengen Agreement was incorporated into the laws of the EU with the Amsterdam Treaty. The agreement was finalized with the final implementation on March 25, 2001, and Iceland became an official Schengen State.
Can I Travel To Iceland With Schengen Visa?
Holders of an Icelandic Schengen visa can travel to Iceland because Iceland is a Schengen country. Not only that, but the government of Iceland can also issue this visa to applicants who meet the requirements. With a Schengen visa issued by Iceland or any other country, you can visit any of the 27 countries in the zone as it is recognized by them all.
The only caveat to bear in mind is that you must visit the issuing country first before traveling to other countries.
Who Needs A Schengen Visa To Visit Iceland?
This visa is required for visitors from
Non-Schengen countries
Non-visa-free countries
There are selected countries on the visa-free list whose citizens don’t need a Schengen visa to Iceland to visit the Schengen area unless they wish to stay for more than the stipulated 90 days period.
Countries in this category include Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the US, and the UK. If you are a passport holder from any of these countries, you don’t need a visa for a short visit to Iceland.
Citizens from other Schengen countries don’t need this visa to enter Iceland. However, if you are not from any of these countries, you need a visa to enter the country.
What Can I Use This Visa For?
You can use a Schengen visa to enter Iceland as a tourist, form medical treatment or a short course study, visit family and friends, attend a business engagement, or enjoy any sporting or cultural event on the island. A Schengen visa is basically for short visits only.
Other Visas To Apply For
If you don’t want to apply for a Schengen visa, there are other visas you can apply for besides a Schengen visa. They are as follows.
Transit Visa: If you are traveling to another country but need to take a connecting flight from Iceland and have plans to stay a few days before you depart, you may apply for a transit visa.
Business Visa: You can apply for a business visa to attend a meeting with your partners or suppliers. Business visas are also short term visas.
Visa for Digital Nomads: A nomad visa is a new visa designed for online freelance professionals. They can stay and work in Iceland on this visa for as long time
Long Stay Visa: This visa is for those who wish to settle in Iceland long term, and it qualifies the holder for a residency permit once they land in Iceland.
Other visa options include a medical treatment visa and a religious, sports, and cultural visa.
Iceland Schengen Visa Requirements
Completed Iceland Schengen visa Application Form
Valid Passport
Two recent photographs
Proof of financial means
Travel Insurance
Round trip itinerary
Proof of Accommodation
Cover letter
Can I travel to Iceland with Schengen visa? Yes, you can