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Iceland Visa For Indians Simplified : Documents, Application and Fees

Last Update: 10-08-2024

Iceland Visa For Indians

⚡ Quick Summary

Do Indians need a visa to visit Iceland?

Yes, Indians need a Schengen visa to visit Iceland.

Processing time

15 days

Fees

Visa fee - € 90 or ~₹8,200 VFS fee - ₹ 2,243

Validity

180 Days

Stay duration

90 Days

How to apply?

Apply through VFS Global visa application centres in India

Documents Required

  1. Visa Application Form
  2. Passport
  3. Photograph
  4. Travel Health Insurance
  5. Cover Letter
  6. Travel Itinerary
  7. Round-trip Flight Reservation
  8. Proof of Sufficient Funds - Bank Statements, etc.
  9. See the detailed list below

Introduction

Does the thought of experiencing Iceland’s captivating landscapes and vibrant culture? Do the majestic waterfalls, dramatic volcanoes, and ethereal Northern Lights beckon you to explore this enchanting Nordic island? But are your spirits dampened just by thinking of the Iceland visa application process?


Navigating through the Iceland visa application process may seem challenging at first. That's why we've crafted this detailed guide on Iceland visas for Indians to simplify every step of the way. From understanding the different visa types to gathering essential documents, from the application process to visa fees – we have it all covered.


Let’s embark on the journey to the Land of Ice and Fire!

Table of Contents


  1. Types of Iceland Visas for Indians
  2. Documents Required for Iceland Visa for Indians
  3. Photo Specifications for Iceland Visa for Indians
  4. Iceland Visa Application Procedure for Indians
  5. Where to Apply for Iceland Visa for Indians
  6. Iceland Visa Fees for Indians
  7. What is the Iceland Visa Processing Time for Indians?
  8. How to Track the Application Status of Iceland Visa for Indians?
  9. Iceland Visa Extension and Renewal for Indians
  10. Common Reasons for Iceland Visa Rejection for Indians
  11. FAQs

Do Indians Need an Iceland Visa from India?

Yes, ordinary Indian passport holders need a visa to visit Iceland. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, which means that Indian passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter Iceland for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. This visa allows travellers to visit Iceland and other Schengen countries for tourism, family visits, or short business trips.

Types of Iceland Visas for Indians

Broadly, there are two kinds of Iceland visas for Indians-


  • Short-term Schengen Visa (Type C): A Schengen visa allows Indians to make a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day timeframe to Iceland and 28 other Schengen countries. It is primarily used for tourism, family visits, or short business trips. You can apply for an Iceland visa from India only through VFS Global - Iceland’s official visa-handling partner in India.
  • Long-term National Visa (Type D): The Long-term National Visa (Type D) for Iceland allows Indian citizens to stay in Iceland for longer periods, for purposes such as work or study. This visa is designed for stays exceeding 90 days within a 180-day time period. Applicants must meet specific requirements and provide supporting documents related to their intended stay, such as employment contracts or enrollment in educational institutions. 

Application for D Visas for Iceland should go to the Directorate of Immigration Department, Iceland. Once the application is accepted, the Directorate will request the applicant to visit the nearest visa application centre to submit the application.

Documents Required for Iceland Visa for Indians

Below is the list of all documents required for applying for an Iceland visa from India:

Online Iceland Visa Application Form and harmonised Schengen visa application form

Completed online, printed, and signed by the applicant.

Valid Passport

  • Issued within the last 10 years.
  • Should be valid for at least 3 months after the intended return.
  • Must have at least 2 blank pages.
  • Old/cancelled passports – including any valid visas for Schengen or USA/UK (issued in the last 3 years)

Colour Photograph

  • White background.
  • Dimensions:  35mm x 45mm.  
  • Should be taken in the last 6 months.

Travel Health Insurance

  • Minimum coverage of € 30,000.
  • Valid for all Schengen countries. 
  • Should cover the costs of emergency medical treatment in case of and even repatriation in case of death.
  • must clearly specify the period of validity and must cover the entire duration of the trip including the date of arrival & departure.

Proof of Accommodation

  • Hotel booking reservation, or
  • Proof of rental home, or
  • Campus residence reservation.
  • If you intend to stay with family/friends, provide proof of private accommodation from the host or proof of sponsorship
  • If you’re travelling to other Schengen states, proof of accommodation in each of them.

Flight Reservation

  • Roundtrip flight reservation.
  • If the applicant is travelling to several Schengen States, proof of intra-Schengen flight reservation, train itinerary, or car rental. 
  • The tickets do not have to be paid, only the flight booking needs to be submitted.

Cover Letter

  • Should include an introduction of the applicant explaining the purpose and duration of the visit in brief. 
  • Detailed day-to-day itinerary within the Schengen area.

Original Bank Statement

  • Last 3 months’ bank. 
  • Stamped and signed by the bank.
  • The account should be in the name of the applicant. 
  • The statements must show that you have 4000 ISK per day for staying in a hotel or 2000 ISK per day if the stay expenses are borne by a third party.

Income Tax Return Acknowledgement

ITR-V of the last 2 years.

Other Documents

If the Applicant is Employed

  • Last 3 months' pay slips.
  • Employment Contract.
  • Letter from employer approving your leave

If the Applicant is Self-Employed

Certificate of Registration of the business.

If the Visit is Sponsored

  • Proof of sponsorship and a letter from the sponsor. 
  • Copy of the sponsor’s photo ID (e.g., passport, residence permit card).
  • If sponsored by a spouse, provide a marriage certificate.
  • Bank account statement of the sponsor of the trip. It should be accompanied by a signed sponsorship letter and a signed copy of the sponsor’s passport.

If the Applicant is Retired

  • Pension statement for the last 3 months.
  • Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business.

If the Applicant is a Student

Letter confirming enrolment in the college/university.

If the Applicant is a Minor

  • Copy of passport of both parents/legal guardians. If not, copies of the photo ID card of the parents, if not applicable a photocopy of a birth certificate of the applicant and copies of the ID cards of the parents.
  • If the minor is travelling without any parent/legal guardian - notarized consent of both parents or legal guardians. 
  • If a minor is travelling with one parent - notarized consent of the non-travelling parent or legal guardian.

Additional documents if the applicant is applying for a Business Visa:

Signed Invitation Letter

Containing contact details of the inviting party; the applicant's identity; the purpose of the journey (meetings, conferences, training, or business-related events); and the period and place of intended stay.

Cover Letter from Employer on Company Letterhead

  • confirming the applicant’s identity, and the purpose of the journey (meetings, conferences, training, or business-related events).
  • The dates, place, and purpose of the trip.

Additional documents if the applicant is visiting friends and family

Proof of family relationship

  • If visiting spouse living in Iceland - a copy of the Marriage Certificate or proof of cohabitation.
  • If visiting close relatives - Fill out the online invitation form (Invitation Letter for visitors).
  • Online sponsorship form (Guarantee form for visits)

Photo Specifications for Iceland Visa for Indians

Photo requirements for Iceland visas for Indians should meet the following criteria:

  • The photo should be taken within the last 6 months.
  • The background should be white.
  • The face should be in focus and should take up to 70-80% of the photograph
  • The facial expression should be neutral.
  • Headwear is only allowed if worn for religious reasons.
  • Sunglasses are not permitted. Glasses in spectacles should not reflect light. 
  • Photo dimensions: 3.5 X 4.5 cm.

Iceland Visa Application Procedure for Indians

Indians need to submit their Schengen type ‘C’ visa application to Iceland VFS Global visa application centres - the official visa partner of the Icelandic government in India. VFS Global then transfers the application to the Embassy of Iceland which finally decides on your application. 


It becomes confusing sometimes to determine where to apply for your Schengen visa. Here are some pointers that can help -


  • When travelling to more than one Schengen country, remember to submit your application with the Embassy of the country where you will be staying the longest. 
  • In case of equally long stays, apply with the Schengen country where you arrive first. If you plan on travelling to a country outside of the Schengen Region (for example the US or Saudi Arabia), apply for the other visa first, before applying for the Schengen visa.

Below is the step-by-step guide to applying for your short-term Schengen type ‘C’ Iceland visa through VFS Global-


Step 1: Identify Your Visa Type

The first step is to determine the right visa for your trip. For tourism apply for a tourist visa, for business trips, apply for a business visa, etc. These are all categorised under Schengen type ‘C’ visa. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, and know your Iceland visa requirements for Indian citizens, the fee and documentation required for your visa type, etc. Also, ensure that your documents are in English. 


Step 2: Fill Out Your Iceland Visa Application Form

Collect all the required documents for your Iceland visa application. 

Fill out the Iceland visa application form online and the harmonised Schengen visa application form. After you have applied, you must print and sign the forms and submit them along with supporting documents and supply biometrics at the VFS Visa Application Centre.


Step 3: Book an Appointment With VFS Global

Schedule an Iceland visa appointment at the VFS Visa Application Centre to submit your visa application form and the required documents. You need to apply in person (including babies and children). If travelling in a group, book an individual appointment for each group member. 


Step 4: Pay Your Visa Fees

Pay your Icelandic visa fee online. A Schengen visa costs around € 90 for people above 12 years of age. VFS has additional charges for their services. If you download the form to print and bring it to the Visa Application Centre, payment will be made at the time of your appointment.


Step 5: Pay a Visit to the VFS Visa Application Centre

Submit your printed application form and documents at the VFS Global office. Also, pay the fee (if not paid online) and submit your biometrics. You must attend the appointment in person. You cannot send someone to your place.


Step 6: Collect Your Documents

Once the visa authorities have decided on your Iceland visa application, you can collect your documents back from them. You can either collect the documents in person or avail of their courier services at an additional price. 


You will need the Original ICR & Copy of Govt ID Proof for collecting your documents in person.


Your immediate family members (i.e. parents, siblings, spouse, or children) or representatives of a company can also collect the documents on your behalf. 


Third parties need to carry the following documents-

  • Photocopy of Govt. ID card of all applicants
  • Original ICR
  • Authorization Letter from the applicant. In the case of a company representative, the letter needs to be on the letterhead of the company and the representative should also carry their official ID card.

In case an applicant loses their ICR, they need to come in person for the collection of their passport from the counter.


It can take approximately 15 days to get a decision on your Iceland visa application. In case, your application is rejected, you can appeal against the decision or reapply your visa application.  


You can also avail of the ‘Visa At Your Doorstep’ (VAYD) service offered by VFS. Through this service, VFS representatives visit you at their preferred location to collect biometric data, and documents, and help streamline the visa application procedure.

Where to Apply for Iceland Visa for Indians

Here is the complete list of VFS Visa Application Centres for Iceland in India:

LocationOpening Hrs. (Mon-Fri)

Ahmedabad

08:00-16:00

Bengaluru

08:00-13:00

Chandigarh

08:00-16:00

Chennai

08:00 - 15:00

Goa

08:00-16:00

Hyderabad

08:00-16:00

Kochi

08:00-16:00

Kolkata

09:00-13:00

Mumbai

08:00-13:00

New Delhi

09:00 - 16:00

Pune

08:00-16:00

List of Iceland Embassy and Consulate Locations in India -

LocationContact Details

Embassy of Iceland, New Delhi

Address:  33, B. S. Radhakrishna Marg, Chanakyapuri 110021 New Delhi, India Phone: +91 (0) 11 4353 0300

Honorary Consulate of Iceland, Mumbai

Address: Pijikay Group of Companies, 7, Elysium Mansion, Walton Road, Colaba Causeway Mumbai 400 001 Phone: (022) 2285 6161 or 2288 6688

Honorary Consulate of Iceland, Kolkata

Address: 19/1, Camac Street Kolkata-700017, West Bengal Phone: 033 6652 7200 / 033 2287 2090

Honorary Consulate of Iceland, Chennai

Address: 4/1 Kalaignar Karunanidhi Salai Kapaleeswarar Nagar, Neelankarai Chennai 600 041 Phone: (044) 4232 6700

Iceland Visa Fees for Indians

Here is the fee applicable for short-term Iceland visas for Indians (i.e., Schengen visa type ‘C’ for tourism, attending business conferences, visiting friends & family, etc.)-

FeeAmount

Visa fee for 12+ year olds

€ 90

Visa fee for 6 - 12 year olds

€ 45

Visa fee for below 6 year olds

0 (no visa fee)

VFS service charge for short-term visa (applicable to all age groups)

  ₹ 2,243

VFS service charge for long-term visa

₹ 4,486

Important points to note for Iceland visa fees for Indians -

  • The fees are non-refundable.
  • Additional charges will apply if you decide to avail of services such as video conferencing, SMS & courier service, premium lounge at the VFS visa centre, etc.
  • The Iceland visa fees for Indians are also subject to change without notice based on factors such as foreign exchange fluctuations, policy updates, etc.

What is the Iceland Visa Processing Time for Indians?

The Icelandic Embassy takes around 15 working days to process your visas. The Iceland visa processing time may extend up to a maximum of 45 working days in individual cases, like when further scrutiny of the application is needed or when there’s a sudden influx of applications with the Embassy.


All applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the intended travel date. You can submit your Schengen visa applications as early as 6 months before your intended travel date. 

How to Track the Application Status of Iceland Visa for Indians?

To track your Iceland visa application form, access VFS Global Iceland visa application tracking page. Input the details asked for - reference number, and date of birth. Enter Captcha and hit ‘Submit.’ The screen will look as shown in the screenshot below. 

Tracking the application status of Iceland Visa for Indians

Iceland Visa Extension and Renewal for Indians

For Indian citizens, the validity of an Iceland Schengen visa typically ranges from the intended duration of stay, usually up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.


Schengen visa extensions are possible in exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure situations or unexpected events like natural calamities or severe health issues. Applicants must submit extension requests before their visa expires, providing valid reasons and supporting documentation.

Common Reasons for Iceland Visa Rejection for Indians

Here are the most common reasons why your visa application to Iceland can get rejected-

  1. Providing Inaccurate Information: Providing inaccurate, false or incomplete information on your Iceland tourist visa application form is a guaranteed way to get your current and future visa applications rejected. Remember, honesty is the best policy, even when it comes to filing your visa application forms. 
  2. Lack of Funds: Inadequate funds in your bank account hint at your inability to cover your stay expenses. Make sure you have enough funds in your bank and you also provide ample proof in the form ITRs, salary slips, and bank statements to substantiate your claim. 
  3. Criminal Background: A history of criminal activities or involvement in illegal actions can lead to visa rejection.
  4. Weak Ties to India: Lack of strong ties to India suggests one may overstay their visa in Iceland. To avoid this, highlight strong connections like family, job, property, or other commitments here in India.
  5. Suspicion of Fraudulent Intent: Failing to explain your visit's purpose clearly can make Icelandic officials suspicious. For example, a tourist visa to Iceland is not meant for employment. Icelandic authorities can reject those visa applications where they suspect an intention to work while touring Iceland.

FAQs

Do I require a visa for Iceland from India?

Indian passport holders do require a visa to visit Iceland. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, which means Indian citizens need to obtain a Schengen visa to enter Iceland for tourism, business, or other short-stay purposes.

How much does it cost to get an Iceland visa from India?

The Schengen visa for Iceland from India is €90 for adults (12 years and older) and €45 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. In addition there is a VFS fee amounting to ₹ 2,243.

Is travel insurance mandatory for an Iceland visa for Indians?

Yes, travel insurance is generally mandatory for an Iceland visa for Indians. The insurance policy must provide coverage for medical expenses, emergency medical treatment, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000, valid for the entire duration of the stay in Iceland and all Schengen countries.

What financial proof is required for an Iceland visa for Indians?

Applicants for an Iceland visa from India typically need to provide proof of sufficient financial means to cover their expenses during the stay, such as bank statements, ITR-Vs, salary slips showing a stable income, sponsorship letters, or a combination of these. 

Are there specific photo requirements for an Iceland visa for Indians?

Yes, there are specific photo requirements for an Iceland visa for Indians. Among other things, the most important specifications are that the photo should be against a white background, sized 3.5 X 4.5 cm and should not be older than 6 months.

How early should Indians apply for an Iceland visa before their travel date?

The earlier the better. All applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the intended travel date. You can submit your Schengen visa applications as early as 6 months before your intended travel date. 

What is the rejection rate for Iceland visas for Indians?

At around 2 to 2.5% Iceland has the lowest visa rejection rate for Indians amongst all the Schengen countries. 

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