Do I need an Etias to travel to Iceland? Traveling to Iceland used to be a straightforward process for passport holders from visa free countries. All they had to do was show their passports at the airport in Reykjavik, and the immigration officers would let them through. But all that is set to change in 2024 as the European Commission has announced the launch of a new policy.
Here's everything that you need to know about it.
The New ETIAS Policy
The current policy in Europe is that many nationals from non European countries are allowed to visit Iceland and mainland Europe without a visa. This practice will remain in place but with a twist; the EU has announced a new policy called the European Travel Information and Authorization System. This system is designed to strengthen border security and ensure that travelers with questionable characters on the watchlist are not allowed into Europe.
The policy is set to go into full force in 2024, but it will be tested by mid-2023 for effectiveness. During this phase, visitors will be allowed to visit Iceland and any other EU country with only their passports, but once the policy goes into full effect by 2024, no eligible travelers will be allowed into Iceland without it.
Who Needs ETIAS?
ETIAS is not for everyone, only those from visa-exempt countries. If you already require a visa to visit a Schengen country, you are not eligible for ETIAS. ETIAS is similar to the United States’s ESTA and is only for visa free visitors.
Do I Need An ETIAS To Travel To Iceland?
You don’t need an ETIAS to visit Iceland if you are not from a visa exempt country. Travelers from most African and Latin American countries will not require ETIAS but a Schengen visa to travel to Iceland. The same is the case for travelers from most Asian countries.
How Long Can I Stay In Iceland With ETIAS?
You can stay in Iceland for up to 90 days per visit. The ETIAS approval is valid for three years, and you can use it as many times as you wish, but you can’t stay in Iceland or any other EU country for more than 90 days within a six month period.
Visa free travelers will enjoy the same visa free travel as before, so you can visit other Schengen countries with the same document. However, Iceland has to be your first port of call before visiting any other country on your list.
Iceland In The Schengen Zone
Iceland is one of the Scandinavian countries in Northern Europe and is a member of the EU and the Schengen Zone. The Island country is one of the least visited countries in the region because of the climate and its northern location.
Although Iceland can technically be tagged an EU country, it is not, as it has its own unique customs policy. For instance, while other countries in the EU spend Euros, the official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Krona.
However, it is considered a Schengen country and has remained so for many years now. The island has unique landscapes with hot springs, geysers, and dormant volcanoes found nowhere else. The capital, Reykjavik, is also the most populated island, with several museums displaying historical artifacts and telling tales of the past when Vikings tile the land.
If you have plans to visit Iceland anytime soon, there is so much to see and do, but you will not enjoy as much outdoor time due to the climate for much of the year.
How To Apply For ETIAS To Iceland?
If you are from an eligible country, you can apply for ETIAS for your upcoming trip to Iceland via VisaHQ.
You don’t have to submit a physical document or visit the Iceland embassy or visa center; from the comfort of your home, you can fill out and submit the application form online and get it approved within minutes. Take these steps to apply for ETIAS to Iceland
Log onto VisaHQ
Choose Iceland as your destination
Choose your country of citizenship
Select ETIAS
Fill out the application form
Attach the required documents
Pay the fee
Submit for approval
The application fee should be paid with a debit or credit card, and only after that will you be able to submit the application.
ETIAS Information
You will be asked to provide the following information when filling out the application form:
Valid passport to cover your stay in Iceland
Passport information, including the number, issue, and expiry date
Medical history
Education and work history
Criminal record, if any
Previous rejection or deportation history
Citizenship
Minors traveling to Iceland will also need ETIAS approval, but their parents or legal guardians can fill it out.
Do I need an Etias to travel to Iceland? You only need one if you are from a visa-free country. If you are, visit VisaHQ now to submit your details for approval.