Iceland Visa for Indians
Iceland is becoming very popular with travellers around the world and saw 1.8 million tourists in the first 9 months of 2025. The country’s amazing natural beauty, colourful Reykjavik and the Golden Circle route make it a dream destination in almost every Indian’s bucket list.
The South Coast has Vik with black sand beaches and Vatnajökull National Park with huge glaciers. You can see the Northern Lights, swim in the Blue Lagoon or walk through old volcanic areas. Iceland has something special for everyone. So, if you are planning a visit any time soon, getting an Iceland visa for Indians will allow you to experience the mesmerising landscapes.
Since there is no visa-on-arrival option for Iceland trips, you will need to apply for and get approval for a visa before you enter the country. All you need is a completed online application form and a few supporting documents to be submitted at the VFS Global visa application centre.
Before you book your tickets, learn about visa rules and Iceland travel insurance requirements. Getting these things right makes your trip easier and better.
Iceland Visa: All You Need to Know
Getting an Iceland visa starts with picking the right type for your travel purpose. Most Indian travellers need the short-stay Schengen visa (Type C), which works great for holidays, family visits or business trips and lets you stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
If you're planning to study or work there for a longer time, you'll need to apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) instead. For a student visa, you’ll need an acceptance letter from a university in Iceland and must apply 10 weeks in advance. And for a work visa, you’ll need a valid job offer from an employer in Iceland.
After choosing a visa type, the application process is simple and takes 15-30 days. Now, Iceland does not offer a visa on arrival, so you absolutely must have your approved visa in hand before you board the plane. Regardless of the visa type, make sure you also have travel insurance for Iceland for a successful visa application.
Iceland Visa Insights
In recent years, Iceland has emerged as one of the Schengen nations that offers Indian travellers an easy visa process.
In 2025, Iceland approved about 94 - 95% of visa applications from Indian citizens, with a rejection rate of just 2.2%. This makes it one of the friendliest places in Europe for Indians to visit, and applications get proper attention and fair evaluation.
Types of Iceland Visa
Iceland offers different types of visas depending on why you're travelling. Each visa has its own requirements and rules, so it's important to pick the right one for your trip.
Tourist Visa (Type C)
Purpose of Visa: For holidays, sightseeing and exploring Iceland's natural beauty. This is the most common visa type for Indian travellers visiting Iceland.
Validity: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Processing Time: 15-30 working days
What to Watch Out For: Also, make sure your itinerary shows you're staying in Iceland the longest if you are visiting multiple Schengen countries. And if Iceland is your primary detention you will need an Iceland tourist visa
Business Visa for Indians
Purpose of Visa: For attending business meetings, conferences, or work-related events in Iceland. You'll need an invitation letter from an Icelandic company.
Validity: Up to 90 days
Processing Time: 10-15 working days
What to Watch Out For: You must have a formal invitation letter from the Icelandic business or organisation you're visiting. Also include proof of your business ties in India, like employment letters or company registration documents, to show you'll return home.
Student Visa for Indians (Type D)
Purpose of Visa: For students who have been accepted into an Icelandic university or educational program. This is a long-stay visa sponsored by your educational institution.
Validity: Depends on your course duration
Processing Time: 4-6 weeks. Apply at least 10 weeks before your classes start.
What to Watch Out For: You'll need an acceptance letter from your university and proof of financial support for your studies. This cannot be applied for through VFS; you must work with the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.
Work Visa for Indians
Purpose of Visa: For professionals who have a job offer from an Icelandic employer. You need both a work permit and a visa to work legally in Iceland.
Validity: 1-2 years, renewable
Processing Time: 4-6 weeks
What to Watch Out For: Your Icelandic employer must apply for your work permit first before you can get the visa. Renewals must be started by your employer well before your current permit expires. This process also goes through the Directorate of Immigration, not VFS.
Transit Visa for Indians
Purpose of Visa: For travellers passing through Iceland on their way to another country. You're not entering Iceland but just transiting through the airport.
Validity: Up to 5 days
Processing Time: 7-10 working days
What to Watch Out For: You must show confirmed tickets to your final destination and have a valid visa for that country if required. This visa is only for airport transit; you cannot leave the international zone of the airport.
How to Apply for an Iceland Visa?
Applying online through VFS Global is faster and more convenient than the offline process. The online method lets you track your application status digitally and saves you time. You can also apply offline by visiting VFS Global or the Icelandic Embassy in person if you prefer.
Online Application Steps
Visit the Government of Iceland website of Foreign Affairs and go to the Visa to Iceland Page. Follow the instructions and start the online application there.
Fill out the application form carefully with accurate personal details, passport information, purpose of visit and the inviting person’s details.
Download your completed application form and book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
Visit the VFS Global centre along with your application form, original documents on the checklist and any other documents requested for your application.
Track application status online with reference number, wait for decision, processing takes fifteen to thirty days.
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Documents Required for A Iceland Visa
Having the right documents is crucial for your Iceland visa approval. All applicants need general documents like a passport and travel insurance. Depending on your visa type, you will need additional specific documents too.
General Documents
Passport: Valid for 3 months after your trip ends, issued in the last 10 years, with 2 blank pages.
Photographs: Two recent passport photos (35mm x 45mm), white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Visa Application Form: Completed and signed Schengen form. Also fill an online form at visa.government.is.
Travel Insurance: Must cover €30,000 across all Schengen countries for medical emergencies and accidents.
Flight Bookings: Round-trip flight reservation with PNR number showing your arrival and departure dates.
Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings or rental confirmation for the entire stay. Host's invitation if staying with family.
Cover Letter: Your personal letter explaining travel reasons, how long you are staying, destinations and trip details.
Proof of Money: Bank statement (last 3 months), stamped by the bank, showing 8,000 ISK per day for hotels.
Income Tax Returns (ITR): ITR documents for the last two years with barcodes showing your income.
Additional Documents
For Tourist Visa: Salary slips (last 3 months) and leave approval letter or student ID certificate.
For Business Visa: Invitation from an Icelandic company and a cover letter from your Indian employer about the trip.
For a Student Visa: University admission letter, tuition fee payment proof and financial support documents.
For Work Visa: Employment contract, work permit from the Directorate of Immigration and qualification proof.
For Visiting Family/Friends: Marriage or birth certificate, invitation form and sponsorship form.
For Minors (Under 18): Notarized consent from both parents and photocopies of parents' passports or ID cards.
For Sponsored Travellers: Sponsor's letter, their bank statement (3 months) and a copy of the sponsor's passport or ID.
For Self-Employed Applicants: Company registration with GST number, business bank statement and income tax returns.
For Retired Applicants: Pension statements (3 months) and proof of regular income from property or investments.
Note: This is a general overview of commonly required documents. For the complete and updated checklist specific to your visa type, please visit the official Iceland Embassy website or the VFS Global Iceland portal. Requirements may vary based on individual circumstances.
Iceland Visa Fees For Indians
Here's a breakdown of the visa fees you will need to pay when applying for an Iceland visa. The fees vary based on the type of visa and the applicant’s age. Remember that these fees are non-refundable, even if your visa gets rejected.
Visa Type |
Applicant Category |
Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
Tourist Visa (Type C) |
Adults |
90 |
Tourist Visa (Type C) |
Children (6-12 years) |
45 |
Tourist Visa (Type C) |
Children (under 6 years) |
Free |
Business Visa |
Adults |
90 |
Business Visa |
Children (6-12 years) |
45 |
Student Visa (Type D) |
Adults |
90 |
Student Visa (Type D) |
Children (6-12 years) |
45 |
Work Visa (Type D) |
Adults |
90 |
Work Visa (Type D) |
Children (6-12 years) |
45 |
Transit Visa |
Adults |
90 |
Transit Visa |
Children (6-12 years) |
45 |
Visiting Family/Friends |
Adults |
90 |
Visiting Family/Friends |
Children (6-12 years) |
45 |
Disclaimer: Visa fees are subject to change based on current exchange rates. For the most updated fee structure, please visit the official VFS Global website.
Monitor your Iceland visa application effortlessly using the VFS Global website online. Simply provide your credentials to receive instant updates about your application journey from submission to completion
Yes, you can apply for an Iceland visa extension, but only in special cases. Extensions are allowed only for visas given for less than 90 days. You cannot extend a 90-day visa beyond this limit.
Why Do You Need Iceland Travel Insurance for Indians?
Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for getting an Icelandic visa. It secures your trip while you explore Iceland's stunning landscapes, and having the best travel insurance for Iceland ensures you're protected.
Key Takeaways
Indian travellers need a valid Schengen visa to visit Iceland, with the tourist visa (Type C) being most common for stays up to 90 days. The application process involves a simple online application, followed by a final submission at the VFS Global. All you need is your passport, photos, flight bookings, hotel confirmations, bank statements and travel insurance covering €30,000 across all Schengen countries.
Since travel insurance is required to complete the visa application process, investing in the best policy will not only meet those requirements but also make your trip even more memorable. Our travel insurance for Iceland is designed to protect you beyond visa requirements. We offer sufficient coverage for your medical emergencies even in Iceland’s remote locations. Plus, we offer coverage for lost checked-in bags, flight cancellations due to weather and trip interruptions for family emergencies back home.
IndusInd General Insurance (formerly Reliance General Insurance) offers plans starting at just ₹306* with $500,000 in coverage and a refund of premiums if your visa is rejected. With 24/7 support*, quick claims, no medical check-ups and instant online purchase, you're ready to explore Iceland's Northern Lights and geothermal lagoons.
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