The midnight sun in Iceland is an incredible phenomenon that never gets old. After all, how can anyone deny the allure of summer nights with 24-hour daylight? But staring at the clear skies is not all that calls people to this country. It is also home to indulgent geothermal spas, huge whales, picturesque glaciers, breathtaking mountains and parks, delicious foods, and tons of outdoor and indoor activities. Once people set foot in Iceland, they cannot get enough of it. But, of course, to be part of these and more attractions, you must meet all the Iceland entry requirements. We explain what they are and how you can meet them to enjoy the best that this country offers!
Visa Requirements
Iceland allows its visitors to escape into tranquility and reconnect with nature. But does this require a visa? Let’s consider the current Iceland entry requirements:
1. No Visa Required
US citizens traveling to Iceland for tourism or business visits shorter than 90 days do not need a visa. Instead, you can get past customs with the following documents:
- A valid passport.
- A return or onward travel ticket.
- Evidence of enough funds to cover your stay.
- Proof of accommodation.
Your entry hinges on your ability to prove your eligibility for visa-free status, and immigration authorities will base this decision on the documents you provide. It is thus important to have the above paperwork.
2. Visa Required
If you are traveling for more than 90 days or for reasons beyond tourism and business, you must have a relevant visa. Below are the possible categories:
1) Family Reunification – this allows US citizens to join their relatives who are Iceland residents or citizens.
2) Work – this permit is for qualified workers, professionals, and athletes. This category includes subcategories such as au pairs, volunteers, missionaries, and remote workers.
3) Study – you can use this visa to seek education in Iceland.
The Iceland visa requirements for each visa type depend on your travel plans and duration. However, the following conditions apply to all applicants:
- A valid passport.
- Two recent passport photos.
- A complete visa application form.
- An FBI background check.
- Health insurance.
- Evidence of enough funds to support your stay.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Supporting documentation. Per each category, different Iceland visa requirements will be necessary. For example, a family reunification visa applicant can provide a marriage certificate if they are joining their spouse in Iceland.
Once you arrive in Iceland, you will need to process a permit to stay in the country under your visa category. Do you need a visa? Travel Visa Pro handles applications for US citizens traveling to Iceland. We can advise you on the best Iceland visa for U.S citizens for your travel needs and help you get one in just days, thanks to our expedited visa services.
Passport Validity
Your passport will be your primary identification document in Iceland and will enable you to enter and leave the country. For it to be acceptable, it must meet the Iceland entry requirements below:
- It must be valid for at least three months. Please note that more validity will be necessary for people applying for long-term visas and those with onward tickets. You should match your passport expiration dates to your travel plans and determine if they align. If you run the risk of traveling with an expired passport or one with low validity, you should apply for a renewal.
- It must have at least two blank pages, excluding the endorsement pages. More pages will be necessary if you have an onward destination, and immigration authorities will check this when processing your entry. If your passport does not have enough pages for your travel plans, you should renew it.
- It should be in good condition. Does your passport have permanent marks, missing pages, or other physical signs of damage or alteration? Such a passport is not valid for travel, and you must replace it with a new one.
Iceland entry requirements are strict and you can get turned away at the airport for failing to meet these requirements. Travel Visa Pro is here to help you get a new passport that checks all these boxes. Not only do we offer consultation and document review services, but we also expedite applications, enabling you to get your passport in a few days!
Health Requirements and Vaccination
Iceland entry requirements do not require travelers to get vaccinations. However, traveling through this country can put you at risk of contracting illnesses. Thus, the CDC recommends getting routine vaccinations a month before leaving the US.
1. Vaccination Recommendations
As you set your sights on what Iceland offers, getting the following vaccinations is a good idea:
- COVID-19: for all travelers. Booster shots are also important for vaccinated travelers.
- Hepatitis A: Consider this if you will travel to rural regions.
- Hepatitis B: This vaccine works for people of all ages.
- Measles: Get the MMR vaccine. Infants aged 6 months and above should also get a dose.
- Rabies: While Iceland is free of rabies, people working with wildlife should get this vaccine.
Your doctor can review your travel plans and help you determine the best vaccine per your health status.
2. Prevention Recommendations
Besides the vaccine-preventable illnesses above, travelers should also be aware of non-vaccine-preventable diseases that spread through rodents and contaminated air, water, and soil. They include:
- Hantavirus
- Leptospirosis
- Tuberculosis (TB)
For these diseases, prevention is the best approach. You can achieve this by avoiding rodents, sick people, and crowds. It also helps to practice hygiene, eat food from clean places, and drink clean water.
COVID-19 Entry Protocols
Iceland welcomes visitors from the US. But does this come with strict COVID-19 entry protocols? Let’s consider the current Iceland entry requirements:
- Vaccination: Everyone is welcome to visit Iceland, regardless of vaccination status. You will not need to provide proof of vaccination or previous infections.
- Testing: Mandatory testing before or after arrival in Iceland is no longer in place. Travelers also don’t need to fill out health forms.
- Quarantine: You can start exploring the country immediately after arrival, as there is no mandatory isolation period. People who test positive for COVID-19 do not need to isolate either.
- Social distancing: Restrictions on social gatherings no longer exist, and public spaces are open to everyone, including unvaccinated travelers.
- Masks: While wearing masks in crowded spaces is advisable, you do not need one.
As such, all Iceland COVID entry requirements are no longer in place, enabling US citizens to travel freely through the country. Even so, the government recommends that travelers take precautions to protect themselves and others. These include getting vaccinated, practicing hygiene, avoiding crowds, staying away from people who have tested positive for the virus, and isolating yourself if you contract the virus.
Travel Insurance
Since US citizens do not need a Schengen visa for short-term stays in Iceland, travel insurance is not mandatory. However, getting a cover protects you in the following incidences:
- Injuries and illnesses: Medical expenses from injuries and illnesses can quickly add up in Iceland. Your travel insurance pays for these costs, enabling you to seek quality healthcare from trusted hospitals.
- Thefts and losses: While Iceland is a safe country, you may still incur losses and thefts that can add to your travel expenses. Travel insurance helps you replace lost and stolen items, including travel documents.
- Accidental death and dismemberment: Your beneficiaries do not have to worry about the costs arising from these unfortunate incidents. Instead, they can rely on the benefits of the coverage to meet these costs.
- Emergency evacuation: Suppose you need to return to the US for urgent treatment. Your travel insurance can cover the costs of this and ensure you get the help you need immediately.
- Delays and cancellations: Changes in your bookings can hamper your travel plans. But with a good cover on your side, you can avoid these inconveniences and rebook your flights at no extra cost.
With travel insurance, you can look forward to a smooth trip that fits your budget. The TVP team is always here to walk you through the best plans for your travel needs so you can enjoy your Iceland adventures without worrying about costs.
Entry for Business and Work
Iceland is a wonderful destination for US citizens seeking work or investment opportunities. If you’d like to head here to pursue investment or career goals, here are the requirements to meet:
- A valid passport.
- Two recent passport photos.
- A return or onward travel ticket.
- An FBI background check.
- Health insurance.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Evidence of enough funds to cover your stay.
- Supporting documentation – the paperwork required will depend on your visa subcategory. For example, someone applying for a work visa should have an employment contract and an application for the relevant work permit. So, if you were to apply for work as an au pair, you’d provide a written contract between you and your host family.
The paperwork required to complete your visa application will vary based on what you want to do in Iceland and for how long. At TVP, we help you achieve your business and career goals by directing you to the right documents to present for your application. Additionally, we allow you to apply for Iceland visa online and get your paperwork ready within days!
Special Entry Considerations
Besides the standard requirements to enter Iceland, the following groups of travelers may be subject to additional documentation, as follows:
- Minors: Anyone under 18 must travel with their legal parents or guardians. If this is not the case, the absent parent(s) or guardian(s) must provide the child with a notarized letter of consent, even if a relative has accompanied the minor.
- Pregnant Women: Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world and does not pose health risks to pregnant women. However, after the 28th gestation week, you will likely need a fit-to-fly form from your doctor, as most airlines will request this approval.
Consulting your legal or medical advisors is important to ensure you comply with these special considerations.
Documentation and Checklist
Having adequate documentation helps you get through customs easily. We have provided a checklist of the requirements to enter Iceland that you can use as you prepare for your trip; not all documents will apply to your travel purpose, and you can choose the ones that do:
- A valid passport.
- A visa (or supporting documentation for a visa-free visit).
- A return or onward travel ticket.
- Evidence of enough funds to cover your stay.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Health or travel insurance.
- A fit-to-fly form.
- A notarized letter of consent.
Anyone seeking residence in Iceland should include additional documentation per their visa type and requirements to enter Iceland, e.g., students should carry their school enrolment letters.
Overall, Iceland entry requirements are pretty lenient and straightforward. As such, meeting them is quite easy for US citizens traveling to this beautiful country.
