The new visa waiver program for Europe’s Schengen Area will be arriving later than expected. The latest announcement from the European Union (EU) has stated that the ETIAS system will now be launched in 2025 instead of 2024. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been in the works for several years. It
Visa policy for Iceland
The visa policy of a country determines what a foreign citizen needs to be able to enter its borders without problems.
As Iceland has signed the Schengen Agreement and forms a part of the Schengen Area, it shares the same visa policy as all of the other 25 countries in this passport-free zone.
Whether or not a foreign national needs a visa to visit Iceland depends on their nationality and the length and purpose of the intended stay.
Those who do not need a visa to enter Iceland can travel to the country for varying periods of visa-free stay depending on their nationality.
Citizens of all Schengen member states are granted freedom of movement to Iceland by implying presenting a valid national ID card at border checkpoint.
All other visa-exempt nationals for Iceland are required to present a passport with a minimum validity of 3 months from the date of arrival, to be granted a visa-free stay of up to 90 days for purposes of tourism, business, transit, or medical treatment.
However, it should be noted that from 2025, these same citizens will be required to hold an approved electronic travel authorization (ETIAS) to visit Iceland for the same periods of stay.
If these same citizens wish to visit Iceland for a longer period of stay or other purposes, they will be required to apply for a Schengen embassy visa from an Icelandic government diplomatic office in advance of travel.
All other nationalities are required to apply for an embassy visa for Iceland no matter the purpose or intended length of stay in the country.
You can find additional information related to visa types for Iceland in the boxes below.
