group-2line-73

Blog

Get started

Iceland Visa Processing Time: How Long Does It Take to Get Your Visa?

Last Update: 25-09-2024

A woman sitting in a cafe with a cup of hot chocolate, wearing a red sleeveless top and resting her chin on her hand.

Tejeswini murali

Man standing inside a blue ice cave.
Home
>
Iceland
>
Iceland Visa Processing Time: How Long Does It Take to Get Your Visa?

Planning a trip to Iceland? Understanding the visa processing time and requirements is essential for a smooth travel experience.

Whether you're applying for a tourist, business, work, or student visa, this blog covers everything you need to know about Iceland visa processing times for Indian citizens, required documents, and how to track your application. Avoid delays and ensure your Iceland visa is processed efficiently by following these key steps.

Table of Contents

  1. Iceland Visa Processing Time for Indians
  2. Iceland Tourist Visa Processing Time
  3. Iceland Business Visa Processing Time
  4. Iceland Visa to Visit Family or Friends Processing Time
  5. Iceland Long- Term Visa Processing Time
  6. Iceland Work Visa Processing Time
  7. Iceland Student Visa Processing Time For Indians
  8. How to Track the Status of my Iceland Visa?
  9. Reasons for Delay in Iceland Visa Processing Time
  10. Learn more about Iceland Visa
  11. FAQs

Iceland Visa Processing Time for Indians

The typical processing time for an Iceland visa for Indians is 15 working days for short-term visas, such as tourist or business visas. For long-term visas, like residence or work permits, the processing time can extend to 90 days. To avoid delays, ensure all documents are complete and apply well in advance.

Visa CategoryProcessing Time

Iceland Tourist Visa

15 to 45 working days

Iceland Business Visa

15 to 30 working days

Iceland Visa for Family/Friends

15 to 30 working days

Iceland Long-Term Visa

30 to 45 working days

Iceland Work Visa

Up to 90 days

Iceland Student Visa

30 to 45 days

Iceland Tourist Visa Processing Time

The processing time for an Iceland tourist visa is normally 15 working days. However, in some cases, additional inquiries are needed, which can extend the processing time to a maximum of 45 days.

The processing time begins once a complete and admissible application is submitted to a diplomatic mission or Visa Application Centre. To avoid delays, ensure all documents are accurate and complete before submission.

Documents required for an Iceland Tourist Visa:

  1. Iceland Visa Application Form: Completed online, printed, and signed by the applicant.
  2. Valid Passport: Issued within the last 10 years, valid for 3 months after return, with 2 blank pages. Include old/cancelled passports and any valid visas (Schengen, USA, UK).
  3. Colour Photograph: White background, 35mm x 45mm, taken in the last 6 months.
  4. Travel Health Insurance: Coverage of €30,000, valid in all Schengen countries, covering medical emergencies and repatriation.
  5. Proof of Accommodation: Hotel booking, rental home, or private accommodation proof from host.
  6. Flight Reservation: Round Trip booking or intra-Schengen travel itinerary (flights, trains, car rentals).
  7. Cover Letter: Brief introduction with purpose, duration of visit, and day-to-day itinerary.
  8. Original Bank Statement: Last 3 months, stamped and signed, showing sufficient funds (4000 ISK/day for hotel, 2000 ISK/day if sponsored).
  9. Income Tax Return: ITR-V of the last 2 years.

Iceland Business Visa Processing Time

An Iceland business visa normally takes 15 working days to process. However, in some cases, further inquiries may be required, extending the processing time to a maximum of 30 days.

Along with the mandatory documents such as a valid passport, photograph, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and flight ticket, for an Iceland business visa, you will need to additionally carry:

  • Signed Invitation Letter: Includes contact details of the inviting party, applicant's identity, purpose of the visit (meetings, conferences, etc.), and intended stay details.
  • Cover Letter from Employer: Confirms applicant's identity, purpose of the trip, dates, location, and reason for travel (meetings, conferences, etc.), on company letterhead.

Iceland Visa to Visit Family or Friends Processing Time

The processing time for a visa to visit family and friends in Iceland is typically 15 working days. However, in some cases, further inquiries may be necessary, which can extend the processing time to a maximum of 30 days. The timeline starts once a complete application is submitted at a diplomatic mission or Visa Application Centre.

Documents you need to carry to visit your friends or family in Iceland:

  • Application Form: Fully completed and signed.
  • Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond return date with two blank pages.
  • Photograph: Two recent colour photos with a white background.
  • Travel Insurance: Coverage of at least €30,000 valid in all Schengen countries.
  • Flight Itinerary: Round Trip ticket.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation from the host.
  • Proof of Financial Means: Recent bank statements, pay slips, or proof of employment.
  • Proof of Family/Friend Relationship: Documentation such as birth/marriage certificates linking the applicant to the host.
  • Invitation Letter: From the host in Iceland detailing the visit’s purpose, duration, and relationship to the applicant. Must include contact details of the inviting party.
  • Cover Letter from Applicant: Explaining the purpose of the visit, duration, and itinerary.
  • Employment Proof: Employment contract, recent pay slips, and leave permission from the employer.
  • Student Status: Proof of enrollment and leave of absence if applicable.
  • Personal Interview: May be required to verify details of the planned visit.

Iceland Long- Term Visa Processing Time

It generally takes around 30 to 45 working days for a Long-term Iceland visa to process.

An Iceland long-term visa allows a person to stay in the country for up to 90 days beyond the regular tourist stay limit. It can only be issued once every 12 months. However, this visa does not give you a social security number or the right to work in Iceland.

Iceland Work Visa Processing Time

The estimated processing time for an Iceland work visa is typically 90 days from the date the complete and adequate documentation is submitted. If any supporting documents are missing or incomplete, this may extend the processing time. It's advised to apply as early as possible once you have secured a job in Iceland to avoid delays.

Eligibility for a Iceland Work Visa:

  • Secured Employment: You must have a confirmed job offer in Iceland.
  • Signed Employment Contract: A signed employment contract is required to accompany your application.
  • Pre-arrival Application: The work visa application must be submitted before arriving in Iceland.
  • Residence Permit: The work visa is processed alongside a residence permit application.

Iceland Student Visa Processing Time For Indians

An Iceland visa can generally take up to 30 to 45 days to process. To ensure that your Iceland student  visa is granted before the start of the school semester, your application must be submitted by June 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester.

An Iceland student visa is a residence permit granted to individuals who intend to pursue full-time studies at an Icelandic university. It also covers postgraduate students, exchange students, interns, and technical or workplace studies at higher education levels. It is not granted for studying at secondary schools or for language courses.

What are the requirements for an Iceland student visa?

  • Completed Application Form (submitted in paper form)
  • Payment Receipt for the 16,000 ISK processing fee
  • Supporting Documents such as proof of enrollment, criminal record, and other required documents specific to your study program
  • Bank Transfer Receipt showing the processing fee has been paid
  • Any Necessary Identification Documents like your passport

Make sure all documents are prepared ahead of the deadline and submit them either by mail or in person at the Directorate of Immigration.

How to Track the Status of my Iceland Visa?

To check the status of your Iceland visa application via VFS Global:

  1. Navigate to the VFS Global online tracking page.
  2. Select the country where you submitted your Iceland visa application.
  3. Enter the application reference number you received during the payment process at the VFS centre.
  4. Enter your surname to proceed with the status check.

VFS Iceland visa tracking

Reasons for Delay in Iceland Visa Processing Time

There are several factors that can cause delays in the processing of an Iceland visa:

  1. Incomplete Documentation: Missing or incorrect documents can cause processing delays. Always ensure you submit all required paperwork in the correct format.
  2. High Application Volume: During peak travel seasons, visa processing may slow down due to an increased number of applications.
  3. Additional Background Checks: If further inquiries or security checks are needed, this can extend the processing time.
  4. Delayed Payment: Not paying the visa processing fee on time can hold up your application.
  5. Incorrect Application Submission: Errors in the application form or submission to the wrong visa centre may lead to rejections and further delays.

To avoid delays, always apply well in advance and double-check all your documents before submission.

Learn more about Iceland Visa

Final thought

In conclusion, being well-prepared and informed about the Iceland visa processing times and requirements is crucial for a hassle-free experience. Whether you're applying for a tourist, business, work, or student visa, submitting complete documentation and applying well in advance will help avoid unnecessary delays.

By following the guidelines outlined in this blog, you can ensure your Iceland visa application process goes smoothly and efficiently. Safe travels!

FAQ

logo