Prepare for your trip to Iceland, the land of natural wonders and cultural diversity, by familiarizing yourself with the visa requirements. In 2022, all Trusted Icelandic embassies and consulates in the US received a total of 3,479 visa applications. With a remarkable 96. 55% approval rate, the hope of obtaining an Iceland Schengen visa is fairly high, and many travelers from the United States of America may find this as a plus.
US Citizens Visa Exemptions.
Americans find the fragrance of Icelandic nature as this is visually overwhelming. However, citizens of the US can enjoy the privilege of visa exemption in case of an underlying short stay in Iceland and the Schengen Area, as well. In the context of movement across borders, this stands for having the liberty to investigate Iceland for 90 days as an aggregate of 180 successive days, including but not limited to activities like tourism, taking part in economic deals (for example, services and investments), short-term studies, social activities, sports, and medical treatment.
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
Green Card holders and US residents have access to a variety of Iceland Schengen visa types tailored to specific entry purposes:
Iceland Airport Transit Visa:
In this case, because I am going from another non-Schengen destination, an Icelandic airport is the right choice.
Iceland Tourist/Visitor Visa:
It is to attract people who intend to see the natural amazing view of Iceland, meet and greet friends and relatives, or dive into cultural vultures.
Iceland Business Visa:
The sole purpose of this area is to facilitate the work of those individuals who are involved in meetings, conferences, and collaborations for business purposes.
Iceland Official Visit Visa:
Specifically, the official delegations should be kept in mind that represent governments or institutions when they go for a visit in Iceland.
Iceland Medical Visa:
Participation in the development of personal healthcare given to patients during tourist visits or medical consultations within Iceland.
Iceland Short-term Study Visa:
Collaboration with Icelandic educational institutes for participants with courses not exceeding three months.
Iceland Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews:
This guide provides an overview of the procedures and requirements for participants in cultural events, sports activities, or film productions in Iceland.
Document Checklist for Iceland Visa Application
The key to preparing an impeccable and detailed Iceland Schengen visa application should not be disregarded. Green Card holders must ensure they assemble the following essential documents:
Completed Application Form:
Carefully put information in the application form and sign it with the blue pen. Instead, the downloadable format stays as a foundation.
Valid Passport:
Never run down memory of age more than 10 years and only have at least two blank visa pages of visa. Make sure there is a gap of three months after the expiry date of the visa.
Recent Passport-sized Photographs:
You must follow Schengen specifications, which ask for a white background, as well as size and dimension limitations.
Proof of US Residency:
Provide either your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or your valid USA residence visa, and in addition give the US official the proof that you have the right to return to the US.
Travel Arrangements Evidence:
Shine a spotlight on your flights that are already booked; share your flight booking details so your travelers can seamlessly follow your itinerary from your start to your end destinations.
Travel Medical Insurance:
Get travel medical insurance of at least €30,000 (or equivalent in USD) covering emergencies and repatriation.
Accommodation Proof:
Document therefore the arrangements that could justify your accommodation, which can include hotel booking confirmation, rental deals, or invitations.
Comprehensive Cover Letter:
Start a beautifully written cover letter that comprehensively expounds the purpose of the visit, how long you will be staying, and the different aspects.
Visa Fee Payment Receipt:
Provide a copy of the receipt to indicate that you have paid for the visa.
Financial Capability Proof:
Submit documents that depict your financial ability to cater to your Icelandic stay during your Icelandic stay like Bank account statements, sponsorship letters, or a combination of both.
Employment Verification:
Send copies of work-relevant documents based on your current job, such as work contracts, bank statements, employer leave permission, and documents related to payment taxes.
Civil Status Documentation:
To support the credibility of the dying witness, remove the documents that indicate the condition or age of the witness. Such documents include marriage certificates, birth certificates, or death certificates.
Additional Documentation:
Depending on whether or not you are planning to travel for personal or business reasons, the required paperwork may vary. For instance, you may need, among other documents, references from your institution, an invitation letter from the relevant institution, and others.
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.
