Get ready for your trip to Iceland, a place full of natural beauty and cultural diversity, by learning about the visa requirements. In 2022, Icelandic embassies and consulates in the U.S. received 3,479 visa applications. With a high approval rate of 96.55%, many travelers from the United States have a good chance of getting an Iceland Schengen visa, which is great news for those planning to visit.
US Citizens Visa Exemptions.
Americans are captivated by the stunning beauty of Iceland’s nature. Fortunately, U.S. citizens can travel to Iceland and the Schengen Area without needing a visa for short stays. This means they can explore Iceland for up to 90 days within 180 days. During this time, travelers can engage in various activities, including tourism, business deals, short-term studies, social events, sports, and medical treatments.
Nevertheless, for those having bigger motives than short-term visits, like job and academic work, residence, or settling in Iceland, knowledge of the procedure of how to get a (D) Visa is an unquestionable necessity.
The Dawn of ETIAS
In 2024, envision a dynamic transformation unfolding as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) takes effect, enhancing the travel experience for US citizens visiting Iceland. ETIAS, an electronic authorization system, plans to facilitate travel entry for the citizens of the countries that are exempt from visa requirements, among which is the USA. In contrast with the traditional visa applications, the newly proposed system removes the requirement of border crossing. Individuals can travel as many times as they desire within the passport’s validity period and will receive a three-year stay, which authorities may extend until the passport’s expiration date.
Deciphering Green Card Holder Visa Requirements
As a Green Card holder settled in the United States, embarking on a journey to Iceland presents some challenges, one of which is that according to your country of origin your passport will not serve as a means for entering Iceland Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
Passport holders from countries with visa liberalization agreements under the European Union (EU) don’t need a visa to visit Iceland or any EU State. Similarly, if your original passport does not subscribe to such an agreement, visiting Iceland will require completing the visa application process.
Eligibility and Application Process for Green Card Holders
The residents holding Green Cards in the USA can apply for Schengen visas in Iceland but must ensure they meet some requirements. To initiate your application journey, consider the following aspects:
Residence Status: You will surely need legal residence in the US to be a holder of a Green Card or other right visas such as F1 (I-20), H1B, G1, and J1, which are all relevant and valid.
Residence Validity: For an uninterrupted trip to the Schengen area, the period of your residential status in the US should not be less than 3 months after you finish the visit. You will be able to re-enter the US smoothly and legally once the contraction to Icelandic exploration is done.
Visa Denial History: While you have been cleared for the non-visa system in Iceland or Schengen States before, you should stick to the Iceland Schengen visa application.
Iceland Visa Types for US Residents and Green Card Holders
When planning a trip to Iceland, US residents, and Green Card holders should be aware of the various visa types available depending on the purpose and duration of their stay. Here’s a detailed overview of the visa categories applicable to these travelers.
Visa Categories
1. Short-Stay Visas (Schengen Visa Type C)
- Purpose: For tourism, business, family visits, or cultural events.
- Duration: Allows stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.
- Types:
- Tourist and Visitor Visa: For general tourism purposes.
- Business Visa: For attending meetings or conferences.
- Cultural, Sports, and Religious Event Visa: For participation in specific events.
- Medical Treatment Visa: For medical purposes.
2. Long-Stay Visas (National Visa Type D)
- Purpose: For those intending to stay longer than 90 days for reasons such as work, study, or family reunification.
- Duration: Can allow stays of up to 180 days; extensions beyond this period require a residence permit.
- Types:
- Long-Stay Visa for Work or Study: Requires specific documentation related to employment or educational enrollment.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Designed for remote workers who wish to live in Iceland while working for non-Icelandic companies.
Document Checklist for Iceland Visa Application
When applying for an Iceland visa, it is crucial to prepare a comprehensive set of documents to ensure a smooth application process. Below is a detailed checklist of the required documents for both short-stay (Schengen) and long-stay visas for US residents and Green Card holders.
General Requirements
- Valid Passport:
- Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area.
- Should be issued within the last 10 years.
- Must contain at least two blank pages.
- Visa Application Form:
- Complete and sign the Schengen visa application form.
- Ensure all information matches your supporting documents.
- Passport-Sized Photographs:
- Two recent color photos (35 x 45 mm) with a white background, not older than six months.
Supporting Documents
For All Visa Types
- Proof of Financial Means:
- Bank statements from the last three months, stamped and signed by the bank.
- If sponsored, include a signed sponsorship letter and the sponsor’s bank statements.
- Travel Medical Insurance:
- Coverage must be at least €30,000 and valid throughout the Schengen area for the entire duration of your stay.
- Proof of Accommodation:
- Hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Iceland, including their address and contact details.
- Proof of Transportation:
- Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary indicating entry and exit from Iceland.
Additional Documents Based on Visa Purpose
- For Employment:
- A letter from your employer detailing your position, salary, and approval of leave for the duration of travel.
- For Students:
- Proof of enrollment in an educational institution (e.g., I-20 form if applicable).
- For Retirees:
- Documentation proving financial support such as pension statements or savings.
- For Family Visits:
- Proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate) if visiting relatives.
Specific Requirements for Long-Stay Visas (Type D)
- Additional Application Form:
- Complete the specific application form for long-stay visas.
- Proof of Intent to Return:
- Documentation that shows ties to your home country (e.g., property ownership, family ties).
- Employment or Study Documentation:
- For work permits: employment contract or job offer.
- For study permits acceptance letters from an educational institution in Iceland.
Submission Process
- Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest Icelandic embassy or consulate.
- All documents should be submitted in photocopy format, with originals available upon request.
- Ensure that all documents are in A4 size and translated into English if necessary.
Financial Prerequisites and Accommodation Considerations
Meeting the financial prerequisites for an Iceland Schengen visa application is crucial:
- Besides a minimal amount of ISK 8,000 (about USD 64. 03) per day, you will need money for your trip to Iceland.
- For the house crew members who are sponsored by another crew member, it is reduced from ISK 8,000 to USD 29.43 per day.
- Similarly to hotels, the fixed rate of ISK 8,000 per day has been established for the duration of stays.
- For partially reserved places, you should furnish evidence of possession of financial transactions taking place on both reserved (distributing) and autonomous days.
- In the absence of the advance accommodation booking, a person needs to have written proof of the daily receipts that amount to at least USD 294. 35 or ISK 40,000.
Application Process through VFS Global
The application process unfolds as follows:
- Online Appointment: Begin the process by submitting the authorization form online and picking up the schedule for your appointment.
- Form Completion: Have the visa application form filled in carefully, making sure it is error-free and complete.
- Document Compilation: Get all documents that meet all checks list.
- Submission: Please visit the closest VFS Global Visa Application Center which is located in your residence city for your procedure.
- Biometric Data: Take fingerprints and photos when your appointment takes place.
- Visa Fee Payment: In this case, pay the visa fee using a credit card or other modes of payment accepted.
- Application Review: All the documentation will be examined and additional facts may be required if needed.
- Processing Time: The duration considered for that process averagely takes 15 days. This time could reach 30 days during peak periods and exceeds even 60 days in case of all extreme situations.
- Passport Collection: After approval, go to the application center and bear in mind that your passport with the visa stamp will be at the application center.
Iceland as a Green Card holder necessitates a meticulous understanding of visa requirements, document preparation, and application processes. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, Green Card holders can embark on a seamless and enriching Icelandic experience.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your application for Iceland Schengen Visas straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a National Visa for Students or a Schengen Visa (Type C), we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas they need for Iceland Schengen Visas. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
