Iceland

Iceland: The Ultimate Schengen Visa Guide

 

Are you dreaming of an adventure in Iceland? Picture yourself exploring a land of volcanic landscapes, stunning geysers, and magnificent glaciers. As part of the Schengen Zone, a visitor visa for Iceland opens doors not only to its incredible natural wonders but also provides access to 25 other Schengen State Countries.

This in-depth guide is a vital tool, carefully crafted to demystify the entire visa application procedure. We’ve compiled all the essential information you’ll need to confidently navigate your schengen visa application journey. We’ll give you a detailed document checklist, a step-by-step breakdown of the official forms, and helpful tips to prevent common mistakes. Our main goal is to ensure you feel fully prepared for every part of the process. We will also help you find the right visa office and connect with professional visa assistance whenever you need it.

 

1. Do You Need an Iceland Visa? (Eligibility Check)

 

Before you begin your application, you must confirm if a visa is necessary for your visit to Iceland. Your passport’s nationality and your current residency in the UAE are the key factors.

 

A visa is required if you:

 

• Hold a passport from a country that is not part of the Schengen Area’s visa-free program.
• Are a stateless person or a refugee with a travel document issued by the UAE.
• Are a citizen of a nation that doesn’t have a visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen Zone.

 

A visa is NOT required if you:

 

• Have a UAE passport 🇦🇪. UAE citizens can enter Iceland and the entire Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Possess a passport from a visa-exempt country (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, Japan).
• Already hold a valid visa or a residence permit issued by another Schengen country. This allows you to travel freely throughout the Schengen Zone.

For UAE residents who do need a visa, the process is straightforward if you follow the steps outlined here. Remember, an e visa or electronic travel authorization is not a substitute for a physical sticker visa for this trip.

 

2. Your Step-by-Step Iceland Visa Application Process

 

In the UAE, the Embassy of Iceland has authorized VFS Global to handle visa applications. You will submit your application at one of their centers. The entire procedure follows strict Schengen rules. Here is a clear, seven-step plan to guide you. Iceland Application form

 

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

 

For tourism, you will need a Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C). This visitor visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.

 

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

 

The official visa online form must be filled out with complete accuracy. This is a crucial step that requires careful attention, as any small mistake can lead to a refusal.

 

Step 3: Collect All Your Documents

 

Refer to our detailed checklist below to prepare your complete visa file. An incomplete set of documents is a very common reason for application rejection. This step involves gathering all the required paperwork to demonstrate your genuine travel purpose.

 

Step 4: Book Your Appointment (Visa Scheduling)

 

You must book your mandatory in-person appointment through the official VFS Global website. During peak travel seasons, it’s wise to book your slot well in advance, as appointments fill up quickly. This step is your visa scheduling.

 

Step 5: Attend Your Biometrics Session

 

This is a required part of the process. At the designated visa office, you’ll submit your documents, provide your fingerprints (biometrics), and pay the fees.

 

Step 6: Track Your Application

 

You can monitor the progress of your application online using the reference number from your VFS Global receipt. This helps you stay informed while waiting for a decision. Iceland tracking application status

 

Step 7: Pick Up Your Passport

 

Once you receive a notification, you can collect your passport from the VFS Global center. If your application is approved, your new Schengen visa will be inside.

 

3. Your Iceland Tourist Visa: Detailed Document Checklist

 

You must submit a signed visa application form and all the required documents. All documents must be in English. Provide an A4 copy of each document. This is a sticker visa process, not an e visa.

Iceland documents checklist

 

Core Documents Required

 

• Signed Application Form: Your signature on the form confirms all the information is true. Giving false information can lead to a long-term ban from the Schengen Area.
• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date, issued within the last 10 years, and have at least two blank pages. Submit copies of your passport’s biodata page and any previous visas.
• Passport Photo: Provide one recent photo with a white background, not older than six months.
• UAE Residence Permit: You must include a copy of your valid visa UAE residency permit. It must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure from the Schengen territory. This proves your legal status in the UAE.
• Travel Itinerary: A detailed plan for your trip, including where you will visit, how you’ll travel, and your hotel reservations.
• Proof of Financial Means: Show you have enough funds to support your stay. You must prove you have at least €40 per day for your trip. Submit bank statements for the last three months, stamped by the bank.
• Travel Medical Insurance: This is mandatory for all Schengen Visa Countries. It must cover your entire stay in the Schengen Area with a minimum of EURO 30,000 in coverage.
• Flight Reservation: A round-trip flight reservation for a trip of no more than 90 days. Do not buy the final ticket until your valid visa is granted.

 

Supporting Documents Based on Your Status

 

These prove your ties to the UAE.

• For Employees: An original letter from your employer stating your job, title, and salary.
• For Self-Employed: A copy of your valid trade license.
• For Students: A certificate of enrollment or student ID.
• For Family Members: If you are a family member of an EU/EEA citizen, include a copy of their UAE residence permit.
• For Minors (Under 18): If traveling with a child, you need extra documents to prove parental consent. This is a key part of the family visa process.
  • Consent from the other parent if traveling with only one.
  • Copy of the non-traveling parent’s passport.
  • If a third party is traveling with the child, a notarized affidavit from both parents is required.
  • Proof of the minor’s school enrollment.

 

4. A Detailed Guide to the Schengen Visa Form

 

The application form is the cornerstone of your submission. Every field must be filled out precisely. Here is a detailed breakdown to help you do it correctly.

 

Section 1: Personal and General Information (Fields 1-10)

 

These fields require personal details exactly as they appear on your passport.

• Fields 1-3: Surname, Surname at birth, and First name(s).
• Fields 4-6: Date of birth, Place of birth, Country of birth.
• Field 7: Current nationality and Nationality at birth.
• Field 8: Sex. Select Male or Female.
• Field 9: Marital status.
• Field 10: For minors, parents or legal guardians must provide their details here.

 

Section 2: Travel Document Details (Fields 11-16)

 

This section is about your passport.

• Field 11: National identity number. Enter your Emirates ID number here.
• Field 12: Type of travel document. Select Ordinary passport.
• Fields 13-16: Number of travel document, Date of issue, Valid until, Issued by.

 

Section 3: Contact and Professional Details (Fields 17-20)

 

This part confirms your residency and employment.

• Field 17: Applicant’s home address and e-mail address, Telephone number(s).
• Field 18: Residence in a country other than the country of current nationality. Select Yes and provide your residence permit number and expiration date.
• Field 19: Current occupation.
• Field 20: Employer and employer’s address and telephone number.

 

Section 4: Trip Details (Fields 21-30)

 

This section outlines the purpose and dates of your trip.

• Field 21: Main purpose(s) of the journey. Check Tourism.
• Field 22: Member State(s) of destination. Write “Iceland.”
• Field 23: Member State of first entry.
• Field 24: Number of entries requested. Select Single entry or Multiple entries.
• Field 25: Duration of the intended stay.
• Fields 29-30: Intended date of arrival and Intended date of departure.

 

Section 5: Accommodation and Finances (Fields 31-33)

 

This is key for showing you have a place to stay and funds for your trip.

• Field 31: Surname and first name of the inviting person(s).
• Field 32: For business visits.
• Field 33: Cost of travelling and living… is covered.
  • By the applicant: If you are paying for yourself, check this box.
  • By a sponsor: If a sponsor is paying, check this box.

 

5. Visa Fees, Processing Times, and Biometrics

 

Knowing the costs and timelines will help you plan without last-minute stress. The Schengen visa fees are set, but you’ll also pay a service fee to VFS Global.

Important: All Schengen visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

Pro Tip: It’s best to submit your schengen visa application 4 to 6 weeks before your trip, especially during busy seasons. While processing is usually around 15 days, it can take up to 45 days.

 

6. The First Entry Rule for Schengen Visas

 

This is a vital rule if you’re visiting multiple Schengen Visa Countries. You must apply for your visa at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time. If your stays are of equal length, apply at the embassy of the country you will enter first.

Example: If you plan to spend 7 days in Iceland, 5 in Norway, and 3 in Sweden, your visa application must go through the Icelandic Embassy. This rule applies to all Schengen Visa Countries.

 

7. Common Reasons for Refusal (and How to Avoid Them)

 

Most visa rejections happen because of simple, avoidable mistakes. Here’s a quick guide on what to watch out for.

• Incomplete Application: Make sure every field on the form is completed accurately.
• Insufficient Financial Proof: Your bank statements must clearly show you can afford your trip.
• Vague Itinerary: A poorly planned itinerary can raise doubts about your travel intentions.
• Invalid Insurance: Your insurance must meet the minimum coverage and be valid across all Schengen Visa Countries for your entire stay.
• Weak Ties to the UAE: You need to show strong ties—like a job, family, or property—to prove you will return home.
• Previous Violations: Any past overstays are logged in the Schengen Information System (SIS) and can lead to a refusal.

 

8. After Your Visa is Granted: Final Steps

 

Receiving a valid visa is a major achievement, but your journey isn’t over until you pass through border control.

• Check Your Visa: As soon as you get your passport back, check the dates and entries on your visa sticker for any errors.
• Bring Documents: Carry physical copies of all documents from your visa online application, including flight and hotel bookings. Border officers may ask for them.
• Be Prepared: Be ready to answer questions about the purpose, duration, and details of your trip. Your answers should match your application.

 

9. The Consequences of Overstaying

 

Overstaying a Schengen visa has serious consequences. The 90/180-day rule is strictly enforced. Even one extra day can cause problems.

• Consequences: You could face fines, deportation, or a ban from entering the Schengen Zone for up to 5 years.
• SIS Database: Overstays are logged in the Schengen Information System (SIS), which will make it extremely difficult to get a future visa for any Schengen Visa Countries.

 

10. Get Expert Support

 

Need help with your visa application? Our experts can assist you in preparing your file to increase your chances of approval. We provide dedicated visa assistance to help you with the complexities of international travel.

Phone: +91563632360

Email: info@esahulattourism.com

Website: esahulattourism.com

 

Disclaimer

 

This information is for general purposes only. Visa regulations can change, so always verify the latest requirements with the official Embassy of Iceland or VFS Global before you apply. We are not responsible for any visa rejections, delays, or travel issues.