Iceland

General Information on Iceland Visas 2026

Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area. Therefore, citizens of the Republic of Turkey holding an Ordinary (Maroon) passport are required to obtain a valid Schengen visa for short-term travel to Iceland not exceeding 90 days. Holders of Special (Green), Service (Grey), and Diplomatic (Black) passports are exempt from the visa requirement for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Iceland visa applications are processed by the Danish Consulate and accepted through an intermediary service provider.

Types of Iceland Visas

Applications are categorized based on the purpose of travel. Choosing the correct visa type is one of the most crucial steps of the application process.

Schengen Visa (Type C)

This visa is issued for short-term stays of up to 90 days. The main Type C visa categories are:

• Tourist Visa: Required for travel intended for exploring Iceland's natural wonders, especially for witnessing phenomena like the Northern Lights, or for participating in cultural tours. This is one of the most frequently applied-for visa types.
• Business Visa: Issued for commercial purposes such as business meetings, trade fairs, client visits, or industry conferences. An invitation letter is a critical document for this visa type.
• Family and Friend Visit Visa: Applicants planning to visit family members or friends legally residing in Iceland must apply for this visa. An official invitation from the host is required.

National Visa (Type D)

This visa is for individuals planning to stay in Iceland for more than 90 days for reasons such as work, study, or family reunification. These applications are typically handled directly by the consulate or relevant national authorities and follow a different procedure.

How to Get an Iceland Visa? Application Steps

The Iceland Schengen visa application process requires following specific steps. Completing these steps in the correct order is important for a smooth process.

1. Determine Your Purpose of Travel: Choose the most appropriate visa type for your travel purpose, such as tourism, business, or a visit.
2. Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the online application form completely and accurately on the official visa portal of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and pay the visa fee online.
3. Prepare the Required Documents: Gather all the current and necessary documents according to the visa type you have selected.
4. Schedule a VFS Global Appointment: After completing the application form, book an appointment on the website of VFS Global, the authorized intermediary in Turkey, to submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) and documents.
5. Attend the Appointment and Submit Documents: Be present at the VFS Global application center at the scheduled date and time. Complete your biometric procedures and hand over your prepared document file to the official.
6. Track Your Application: After submitting your application, you can track the status of your passport through the VFS Global website.

Required Documents for Iceland Schengen Visa

The following list serves as a general guide. Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant's professional status and purpose of travel.

• Passport: A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned date of departure, with at least 2 blank pages, and issued within the last 10 years.
• Visa Application Form: A printout of the form completed and signed from the online portal.
• Biometric Photo: 2 recent biometric photos, 35x45 mm in size, with a white background.
• Travel Health Insurance: An insurance policy valid in the entire Schengen area with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Flight and Hotel Reservations: Round-trip flight ticket reservations and accommodation documents covering the duration of the trip (hotel reservation or proof of accommodation in the invitation).
• Proof of Financial Means: Stamped and signed salary and/or personal bank account statements from the last 3 months, showing sufficient funds.
• Professional Documents: For employees, a letter of employment, SGK social security statement, last 3 months' pay stubs, and a letter of leave from the employer. For business owners, a tax certificate, signature circular, and certificate of activity.

Common Reasons for Iceland Visa Rejection and Tips

Visa rejections often stem from specific shortcomings. Paying attention to these points can strengthen your application.

• Insufficient Financial Proof: Not having enough balance in the bank account to cover travel expenses is one of the most common reasons for rejection.
• Unclear Purpose of Travel: Inconsistent hotel/flight reservations or a poorly explained travel itinerary can raise suspicion.
• Missing or Incorrect Documents: A missing document, one that is not up-to-date, or one that contradicts information on the form can lead to rejection.
• Weak Intention to Return: Failing to adequately prove social and economic ties to one's home country (job, family, property, etc.) may create the impression that the applicant does not intend to return.

Iceland Visa Process with Hermes Vize

The Iceland Schengen visa application involves many documents and procedures that must be carefully prepared. Seeking professional support in this complex process helps ensure your application file is complete and accurate, saving you time. To manage your process with an expert perspective and get answers to your questions, you can contact the consultants at Hermes Vize.