Last reviewed: June 2026 | Source: Icelandic Directorate of Immigration / Utlendingastofnun
TL;DR- Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area. UK citizens do not need a visa to visit Iceland for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Non-UK nationals resident in the UK who require a Schengen visa must apply for an Iceland Schengen visa through the Icelandic Embassy in London or a designated VFS Global centre.
- Iceland is not a member of the European Union but participates fully in the Schengen Area under a separate agreement.
- Standard visa fee is 80 euros for adults; processing takes up to 15 calendar days.
- A Schengen visa issued by Iceland is valid for travel to all 27 Schengen countries, and vice versa.
Key Facts
●Iceland in Schengen: yes (not EU member)
●UK citizens: no visa required up to 90 days in 180
●Visa fee: 80 euros adults / 40 euros children 6-11
●Processing: up to 15 calendar days
●Application: Icelandic Embassy London or VFS Global
●Iceland authority: Utlendingastofnun (Directorate of Immigration)
Is Iceland in the Schengen Area
Yes. Iceland is a full member of the Schengen Area despite not being a member of the European Union. Iceland participates in the Schengen Agreement through a bilateral arrangement with the EU, alongside Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. This means that the Schengen rules -- including the 90-day visa-free access for UK citizens and the requirement for other nationalities to hold a Schengen visa -- apply to Iceland in exactly the same way as they apply to EU Schengen members such as France, Germany or Portugal.
A Schengen visa issued by Iceland is valid for travel to all 27 Schengen countries. Conversely, a Schengen visa issued by any other Schengen country is valid for entry to Iceland. When deciding which country to apply through, applicants should generally apply at the embassy or consulate of the country that is their main destination or the first Schengen country they will enter.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Iceland
No. British citizens holding a UK passport do not need a visa to visit Iceland. As with all Schengen countries, UK passport holders may stay in the Schengen Area (including Iceland) for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa. This visa-free arrangement applies for tourism, visiting family, short business trips and other short-stay purposes. UK citizens wishing to stay in Iceland for longer than 90 days, or to work or study there, must apply for the appropriate Icelandic residence or work permit.
Who Needs an Iceland Schengen Visa from the UK
Non-UK nationals resident in the UK who hold a passport from a country requiring a Schengen visa must apply for a Schengen visa before travelling to Iceland. Common nationalities in this category include Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Filipino, Nigerian, and many others. The EU maintains a list of third countries whose nationals require a Schengen visa and those whose nationals are visa-exempt.
If Iceland is the main destination or the first Schengen country to be entered, the application should be made through the Icelandic Embassy in London or through VFS Global if Iceland has contracted visa services to them. If Iceland is one of several Schengen destinations, the application should generally be to the country where the majority of time will be spent.
How to Apply for an Iceland Schengen Visa from the UK
Applications for an Iceland Schengen visa from the UK are submitted through the Icelandic Embassy in London or through VFS Global, depending on the current service arrangement. Applicants must attend in person to provide biometric data. The process involves completing the Schengen visa application form, gathering supporting documents, booking an appointment, attending and paying the fee, and waiting for the decision.
The Icelandic Directorate of Immigration (Utlendingastofnun) is the competent authority for Schengen visa decisions for Iceland. The Embassy in London processes applications on its behalf. Current contact details and appointment booking are available on the Icelandic Embassy London website.
Required Documents for an Iceland Schengen Visa
The standard document list mirrors the Schengen Visa Code requirements: valid passport (at least two blank pages, valid three months beyond return date); completed Schengen application form; two passport photos; travel insurance (minimum 30,000 euros medical cover, valid for the entire Schengen Area); proof of accommodation in Iceland (hotel booking, invitation letter); proof of return travel; bank statements showing sufficient funds; and proof of UK residence status (BRP, settled status documentation, or UK visa).
For travel to Iceland specifically, proof of accommodation is particularly important as Iceland is a high-cost destination and consular officers may look for evidence that the traveller has resources adequate for the trip. The Embassy or VFS Global publishes the definitive document checklist, which should be checked before applying as requirements can be updated.
Iceland Visa Fee and Processing Time
The Iceland Schengen visa fee follows the standard Schengen schedule: 80 euros for adults and applicants aged 12 and over, 40 euros for children aged 6 to 11, and free for children under 6. Standard processing is up to 15 calendar days. Applications should be submitted between 6 months and 15 days before the planned travel date. The fee is non-refundable if the application is refused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UK citizen need a visa for Iceland?
No. UK citizens can visit Iceland without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Iceland is in the Schengen Area, and the UK has visa-free access to all Schengen countries for short stays.
Is Iceland part of the EU or Schengen?
Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area but not a member of the European Union. It participates in Schengen through a separate agreement alongside Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Schengen visa rules apply to Iceland in the same way as EU member states.
Can a Schengen visa be used to enter Iceland?
Yes. A valid Schengen visa issued by any Schengen country -- including EU member states -- is valid for entry to Iceland. The visa must be valid for the dates of travel and have sufficient remaining days for the stay in Iceland.
How long does an Iceland Schengen visa take from the UK?
Standard processing is up to 15 calendar days from the date the application is lodged. Applicants should apply at least 15 days before travel and no more than 6 months in advance.
