What Types of Visas for Iceland Can I Apply For?
The Iceland visa type you need to apply for is very important. The visa type defines which documents you should submit, and the activities you are permitted to perform while in Iceland.
To decide what visa type fits you best think about the reason why you wish to travel to Iceland, and what you plan to do there.
There are a few types of visas to Iceland depending on your purpose of entry and period of stay. These visas are categorized as follows:
- Iceland Transit Visa. If you need to land in Iceland only to catch another plane or vessel to your non-Schengen destination country.
- Iceland Tourist and Visitor Visa. If you need to travel to Iceland for a short-stay strip up to 90 days, within a six months period. It is a short-stay visa for Iceland and it permits you to travel throughout the whole Schengen territory.
- Iceland Business Visa. For business travelers to Iceland who have to attend conferences or business meetings and will not stay longer than 90 days.
- Iceland Cultural, Sports and Religious event visa.
- Iceland Medical Treatment Visa.
- Iceland Long Stay Visa.
- Iceland Digital Nomad Visa.
Iceland Visa Application
Based on the information given above you must have figured out whether you need a Schengen visa or not to enter Iceland. If you do not, then you can just travel to Iceland with your valid passport and documents related to your trip, in case the border officers ask you about it.
If you need a Schengen visa to enter Iceland person then you will have to follow some procedures to get it. The application process for an Iceland Schengen Visa contains several steps, which you need to follow in the given order below:
- Find out when you need to apply for a visa to Iceland.
- Check where you need to apply for an Iceland visa.
- File the Iceland visa application form.
- Collect the required documents.
- Schedule a visa appointment.
- Attend the visa interview.
- Pay the Iceland visa fee.
What If My Iceland Schengen Visa Is Rejected?
If your Iceland Schengen visa application is rejected, it can be disappointing and inconvenient. If this happens, you may consider taking the following steps:
- Review the rejection letter: Carefully read the rejection letter or notification provided by the embassy or consulate. It should specify the reasons for the rejection. Understanding the grounds for refusal will help you address any deficiencies in your application if you choose to reapply.
- Assess the reasons for rejection: Common reasons for visa rejections include incomplete or inaccurate documentation, insufficient financial means, lack of proof of ties to your home country, inadequate travel insurance, or doubts about the purpose or intention of your visit. Evaluate which aspect of your application may have contributed to the rejection.
- Seek clarification: If the rejection letter is unclear or you need further information, you can contact the embassy or consulate that processed your application. They may be able to provide additional details or clarification regarding the decision.
- Reapply, if possible: Depending on the reasons for rejection, you may have the option to reapply for an Iceland Schengen visa. Before reapplying, address the specific issues that led to the rejection. Ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and well-supported with the necessary documentation.
- Consider an appeal: In certain cases, you may have the right to appeal the rejection decision. The rejection letter should indicate whether an appeal is possible and provide instructions on how to proceed. Follow the outlined process and submit any required documents within the specified timeframe.
- Seek professional assistance: If you faced multiple rejections or complex circumstances, you might consider consulting an immigration lawyer or visa specialist. They can assess your situation, identify any weaknesses in your application, and provide guidance on how to strengthen your case.
Non-Schengen Countries You Can Visit With an Iceland Visa
An Iceland short-stay visa, which is a Schengen visa, is very powerful. It gives you the chance to visit all of the Schengen states plus several others. There are a few countries in the world that permit travelers to enter their territory when holding a valid Schengen Visa.
The countries you can visit with a valid Iceland visa are as follows:
- Albania
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Georgia
- Gibraltar
- Kosovo
- North Macedonia
- Montenegro
- Romania
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Serbia
- Turkey
Please Note that you will not be permitted to travel to these countries or the rest of the Schengen states if your Iceland visa says “LTV”. LTV stands for Limited Territorial Validity and indicates that the visa is valid only for the country it is issued for.
Quick facts about Iceland
Certainly! Here are some quick facts about Iceland:
- Location: Iceland is an island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is situated northwest of mainland Europe, and its closest neighbor is Greenland to the west.
- Capital City: Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland. It is also the northernmost capital city in the world.
- Population: As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Iceland has a population of around 366,000 people. The population density is relatively low, with vast uninhabited areas.
- Language: The official language of Iceland is Icelandic. It is a North Germanic language and is closely related to Old Norse.
- Currency: The currency used in Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK).
- Government: Iceland is a parliamentary republic. It has a multi-party system, and the President is the head of state. The Prime Minister holds the most executive power.
- Landscape: Iceland is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, glaciers, and waterfalls. The country has a diverse and unique geological features due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
- Renewable Energy: Iceland is a global leader in renewable energy. It utilizes its abundant geothermal and hydroelectric resources to generate clean energy for electricity and heating.
- Midnight Sun and Northern Lights: Due to its high latitude, Iceland experiences the phenomenon of the midnight sun during the summer months when the sun remains visible throughout the night. In winter, it offers excellent opportunities to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
- Tourism: Iceland has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination in recent years, attracting visitors with its natural wonders, outdoor activities, and unique cultural experiences.
Can I get Iceland visa from Pakistan?
Yes, it is possible to obtain an Iceland visa from Pakistan. Iceland, being a part of the Schengen Area, follows the common Schengen visa policy. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Pakistani citizens who wish to travel to Iceland for tourism, business, or other purposes that fall within the scope of the Schengen visa must apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of Iceland in Pakistan.
Here are the general steps you may need to follow to apply for an Iceland Schengen visa from Pakistan:
- Determine the purpose of your visit: Identify the purpose of your travel to Iceland, such as tourism, business, or visiting family/friends. This will help you determine the type of Schengen visa you need.
- Gather the required documents: Check the website of the Embassy or Consulate of Iceland in Pakistan for the specific list of documents required for your visa application. Typically, you will need a valid passport, completed application form, passport-sized photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, travel insurance, and supporting documents based on the purpose of your visit.
- Schedule an appointment: Contact the Embassy or Consulate of Iceland in Pakistan to schedule an appointment for submitting your visa application and providing biometric data (such as fingerprints and photographs).
- Submit the application: Attend the appointment and submit your completed application form and supporting documents. Pay the visa fee, which is non-refundable, as per the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate.
- Attend an interview, if required: In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview as part of the visa application process. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, purpose of visit, financial situation, and ties to your home country.
- Wait for a decision: After submitting your application, the embassy or consulate will process your visa application. The processing time may vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates. The embassy or consulate will inform you about the decision on your visa application.
Is Iceland a Schengen visa?
Yes, Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area, and therefore, an Iceland visa is essentially a Schengen visa. The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have abolished internal borders, allowing for the free movement of people within the area.
When you obtain a visa to Iceland, it grants you access to the entire Schengen Area, which consists of 26 countries, including Iceland. This means that with an Iceland Schengen visa, you can also travel to other Schengen member states, such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and many others, without the need for additional visas or border controls within the Schengen Area.
It’s important to note that the Schengen visa policy and requirements are uniform across the Schengen Area, and the visa application process is generally the same regardless of the specific Schengen country you are applying to. However, you should still apply for your Iceland Schengen visa through the Embassy or Consulate of Iceland in your country of residence or the country responsible for handling visa applications for Iceland in your region.
Is Iceland very expensive?
Yes, Iceland is generally considered to be an expensive country to visit. The cost of living in Iceland, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities, is relatively high compared to many other countries. Here are some factors that contribute to the higher cost of living in Iceland:
- Currency: Iceland has its own currency, the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Currency exchange rates and fluctuations can affect the cost of goods and services for international visitors.
- Remote Location: Iceland is an island nation located far from mainland Europe. Importing goods and resources can be costly, which can impact the prices of goods and services in the country.
- High Wages and Labor Costs: The wages and labor costs in Iceland are generally higher compared to many other countries. This can contribute to the higher prices of products and services.
- Tourism Boom: Iceland has experienced a significant increase in tourism in recent years, leading to increased demand for accommodations, tours, and activities. This can result in higher prices for visitors.