Indian citizens need a Schengen visa from an embassy or consulate before travelling to Iceland.

• Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
• Visa centre service fee Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee.
• Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• PassportMust be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, and have at least two blank pages.
• Schengen Visa Application FormDuly filled, dated, and signed. For minors, both parents/legal guardians must sign.
• PhotographTwo recent (not older than 6 months), passport-sized (3.5x4.5 cm), color photographs with a white background. Must meet Schengen photo requirements.
• Cover LetterA personal letter explaining the purpose of the visit, detailed itinerary, and duration of stay.
• Flight ItineraryRound-trip flight reservations, including onward travel if applicable.
• Proof of AccommodationConfirmed hotel bookings or other accommodation arrangements for the entire duration of stay in the Schengen area.
• Travel Medical InsuranceMandatory. Must be valid throughout the entire Schengen area, cover the entire period of intended stay, and have a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• Proof of Financial MeansBank statements for the last three to six months, salary slips, income tax returns, or a sponsorship letter with supporting financial documents from the sponsor.
• Proof of Employment/Student StatusFor employed individuals: No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer, employment contract, recent salary slips. For self-employed: Business registration, bank statements. For students: Enrollment letter from school/university, NOC from institution.
• Invitation LetterIf visiting family/friends or for business, an invitation letter from the host in Iceland, along with their passport/ID copy and proof of residence/business registration.
• Consent Form for MinorsIf travelling with a minor, a consent letter from the non-accompanying parent(s) and copies of their passports, along with the minor's birth certificate.

1. 1
   Determine the correct visa type based on your purpose of travel (e.g., tourism, business, visiting family).
2. 2
   Gather all required documents as per the checklist provided by VFS Global or the Embassy of Iceland.
3. 3
   Fill out the online Schengen visa application form accurately and completely. Print it and sign it.
4. 4
   Book an appointment at your nearest VFS Global application center for Iceland. Appointments are mandatory.

   Book an appointment with VFS Global
5. 5
   Attend your appointment at the VFS Global center. Submit your application form, all supporting documents, and provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). Pay the applicable visa fees.
6. 6
   Track the status of your application online using the reference number provided by VFS Global.

   Track your application
7. 7
   Once processed, collect your passport from the VFS Global center or opt for courier delivery.

• Insufficient proof of financial means.

  How to avoid: Ensure your bank statements, salary slips, or sponsor's financial documents clearly demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your entire stay in Iceland and the Schengen area, including accommodation, food, and return travel.

• Unclear purpose of travel or itinerary.

  How to avoid: Provide a detailed and coherent travel itinerary, including confirmed flight bookings, hotel reservations, and a cover letter clearly explaining the purpose of your visit and planned activities. Any discrepancies can lead to refusal.

• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation.

  How to avoid: Double-check that all required documents are submitted, are up-to-date, and that information across all documents (e.g., dates, names) is consistent. Missing documents or conflicting information can lead to rejection.

• Weak ties to home country (risk of overstay).

  How to avoid: Provide strong evidence of your ties to India, such as employment letters, property ownership, family responsibilities, or enrollment in a course of study. This assures the authorities you intend to return to your home country.

• Invalid or insufficient travel medical insurance.

  How to avoid: Ensure your travel insurance policy meets all Schengen requirements: minimum 30,000 EUR coverage, valid for the entire Schengen area, and covers the full duration of your intended stay.

• Previous visa violations or criminal record.

  How to avoid: Be truthful about any past visa refusals, overstays, or criminal history. Such issues can severely impact your application. If applicable, provide explanations and evidence of rehabilitation.

• Always carry your passport and visa (or a copy) with you. Icelandic authorities may request to see them.
• Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, even in summer. Pack layers, waterproof and windproof clothing.
• Respect Iceland's fragile nature. Stay on marked trails, do not litter, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Tap water in Iceland is safe and delicious to drink. Carry a reusable water bottle to refill.

• Can I extend my Schengen visa while in Iceland?

  Schengen visas are generally not extendable except in very exceptional circumstances (e.g., force majeure, humanitarian reasons, serious personal reasons) and only if the total stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. It is advisable to plan your trip carefully to avoid needing an extension.

• Can I work in Iceland on a tourist visa?

  No, a Schengen tourist visa (Type C) does not permit employment or any remunerated activity in Iceland or any other Schengen country. For work, a separate work permit and long-stay visa (Type D) are required.

• What should I do if my Iceland Schengen visa application is rejected?

  If your visa application is rejected, you will receive a refusal letter stating the reasons. You have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process and deadline will be outlined in the refusal letter. It is recommended to understand the reasons for refusal and address them in your appeal or a new application.

• Do I need a separate visa to visit other Schengen countries after Iceland?

  No, a valid Schengen visa issued by Iceland allows you to travel freely within all 27 Schengen member states for the duration and entries granted on your visa, provided Iceland was your main destination or first point of entry if no main destination could be determined.

• What is the typical processing time for an Iceland Schengen visa from India?

  The processing time for a Schengen visa application from India is typically 15 calendar days from the date of submission. However, it can take longer, especially during peak seasons or if additional documents are requested. It is advisable to apply well in advance, preferably 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date, but not more than 6 months prior.

• Is travel medical insurance mandatory for an Iceland Schengen visa?

  Yes, travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen visa applications. It must cover medical expenses, emergency hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR, and be valid throughout the entire Schengen area for the duration of your stay.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for Iceland?

  No, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area. You will need to renew your passport before applying for an Iceland Schengen visa. Ensure your new passport has at least two blank pages for the visa sticker.

• How much money do I need to show in my bank account for an Iceland visa?

  You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover your stay in Iceland and the Schengen area, as well as your return journey. The exact amount can vary, so you should check the official requirements from the Icelandic embassy or consulate in India. Generally, recent bank statements, salary slips, or a letter from your sponsor are accepted as proof.

• I want to travel to Iceland next month, is it too late to apply for a visa?

  Applying for an Iceland Schengen visa with only one month's notice is very tight and may not leave enough time for processing. The typical processing time for Indian citizens can range from 15 to 45 days, and sometimes longer during peak seasons. It is strongly recommended to apply at least 3-6 months before your intended travel date.

• I am self-employed, what documents do I need for my Iceland visa application?

  As a self-employed individual, you will need to provide proof of your business registration, recent bank statements for your business and personal accounts, and income tax returns. Additionally, a cover letter explaining your business and travel purpose is often required. Always consult the official checklist provided by the embassy or visa application center.

• What happens if my travel dates change after my Iceland visa is issued?

  If your travel dates change after your Iceland Schengen visa has been issued, you must ensure your new travel plans still fall within the validity period and duration of stay granted on your visa. If your new dates fall outside this period, you will need to apply for a new visa. Contact the embassy or consulate for specific guidance on your situation.

• How much does an Iceland visa cost for Indian citizens?

  There are usually two or three separate charges, and people often confuse them. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Visa centre service fee: Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for Blue Lagoon, or does this cover all of Iceland?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a Iceland visa is valid for the whole country — including Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Apply once for Iceland and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.