Iceland Tourist Visa
Traveling to Iceland soon? You might need a Schengen Visa to enter Iceland. In this guide you'll learn everything you need to know about the Iceland Tourist Visa requirements and how to easily apply for one.
Travel To Iceland From The US: Iceland Travel Restrictions
Written By: Armando Du Preez
Fact Checked By: Richard Nathan
Oct 18, 2022
6 min read
Known for its blue lagoons, northern lights on the south coast, and waterfalls. Iceland is one of the most beautiful travel destinations and is also considered for the settlement of Vikings years ago.
Although the Coronavirus pandemic has dimmed down in the last few years, some countries still have travel restrictions. So before confirming your Iceland travel plans, you must know a few things first.
In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about traveling to Iceland from the US. I will cover information such as the Iceland visa requirements, the required documents, and the COVID-19 requirements.
Let's get to it:
Do You Need A Visa To Travel To Iceland From The US?
The first thing that you probably want to know is whether you need a visa to go to Iceland. Well, that depends on your citizenship or nationality. I know it might seem confusing at first, but don't worry too much as I will explain everything in this section.
- Do US Citizens Need A Visa To Travel To Iceland From The US?
- Do US Green Card Holders Need A Visa To Travel To Iceland From The US?
Do US Citizens Need A Visa To Travel To Iceland From The US?
If you are a US citizen, you can travel to any nation in the Schengen Area without a visa. And, yes, Iceland is a Schengen Country, which means you can visit Iceland for 90 days within 180 days. It may appear complex, but please see our 90/180-day Schengen rule guide for additional information.
Do US Green Card Holders Need A Visa To Travel To Iceland From The US?
Some people might think that you can enjoy visa-free travel to any Schengen country if you have a US Green Card. But unfortunately, that is not always the case. Let me use an example. Perhaps you are a US Green Card Holder, but your country of origin is Afghanistan. In that case, you must apply for an Iceland Schengen Visa.
What Are The Required Documents To Travel To Iceland From The US?
Although US citizens do not have to apply for the Iceland Schengen Visa, traveling to Iceland from the US is still considered international travel. Here is a list of all the travel documents that you must have before traveling to Iceland from the US:
- Valid passport (your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date and must have at least 2 blank visa pages)
- Hotel itinerary
- Flight itinerary
- Professional documents (only applicable if you are traveling to Germany for business)
- Travel insurance
What Are The COVID-19 Requirements When Going To Iceland From The US?
Although Iceland has removed its travel restrictions, there are still COVID-19 preventive measures in place. Furthermore, it is essential to note that the entry requirements and restrictions can change without notice. Therefore, as a disclaimer, I advise that you check out the US embassy website for updated information.
- What Are The COVID-19 Iceland Entry Requirements?
- What Are The COVID-19 Entry Requirements When Returning To The US?
- Are There Any Quarantine Requirements In Iceland?
- Which Vaccines Are Approved By The European Union?
What Are The COVID-19 Iceland Entry Requirements?
As of 25 February 2022, the Icelandic Ministry of Healthcare has declared an end to all domestic and border restrictions. This means that anyone traveling from the US is not required to show proof of vaccination or present a negative COVID-19 test.
What Are The COVID-19 Entry Requirements When Returning To The US?
Suppose you are a US citizen and returning to the US. In that case, you do not have to show proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or proof of recovery. This is because the CDC lifted the entry requirements for US citizens returning to the US on the 12th of June, 2022. However, if you are a non-US citizen or non-US immigrant, you must provide the following:
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
- Proof of recovery
Please ensure to keep updated with the latest COVID-19 information before traveling. The COVID-19 restrictions can change without notice, so please use the following recourses for the most recent travel restrictions and exceptions.
Are There Any Quarantine Requirements In Iceland?
Because the United States is considered a low-risk country, travelers from the US are not required to quarantine when coming to Iceland. On the other hand, if you test positive before returning to the US, you must quarantine for at least 7 days before boarding your flight.
Which Vaccines Are Approved By The European Union?
Although you aren't required to be vaccinated before entering Iceland. You must be aware of the COVID-19 vaccines in Iceland. In addition, if you are a vaccinated traveler, ensure that you have one of the following vaccines that are approved by the EU:
- Comirnaty (also known as the US Pfizer vaccine)
- Spikevax (Covid-19 vaccine Moderna)
- Jcvovden (Covid-19 vaccine Janssen and also known as Johnson & Johnson)
- Vaxzevria (Covid-19 vaccine AstraZeneca)
- Nuvaxovid
Important note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise persons do not travel without getting vaccinated. In addition, please check out the Icelandic travel advisory on the US Department of State website for more information. Also, ensure that you are up to date with Iceland's latest COVID-19 requirements.
Do I Need To Apply For The ETIAS?
Maybe you haven't heard, but the European Union will implement the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) at the end of 2023. Therefore, if you travel to Iceland before 2023, you don't need to apply for the ETIAS. However, remember that this will change in November 2023.
Please feel free to check out our ETIAS guide for more information on how you will need to apply for it in the future.
What Is The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program?
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free program that allows US residents and US nationals traveling or living abroad to register their trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
Here is a list of the benefits when enrolling with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program:
- The Embassy will provide you with crucial information regarding the safety conditions in your destination country, allowing you to make educated decisions about your travel plans.
- Assist the US Embassy in contacting you in the event of a natural disaster, civil upheaval, or a family emergency.
- In an emergency, assist family and friends in contacting you.
What Can I Expect When Arriving At The Icelandic Border?
When you arrive at the Icelandic border, you must have your required entry documents.
After presenting your documentation, the Icelandic authorities at the border might ask you to submit additional information. I advise that you travel with proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay. If the border patrol requests this, you can provide them with a bank statement or a traveler's check. If you visit a friend, they might want to speak with them. Alternatively, you can request they send you a certified invitational letter before arriving at the border.
Get Ready To Travel To Iceland
I hope you have your bags packed because traveling to Iceland has never been easier. The last thing you should remember, keep [updated with Iceland's COVID-19 information] before traveling. Please check out our FAQ section for more information.
Written By: Armando Du Preez
Fact Checked By: Richard Nathan
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Public Transportation In Iceland?
Yes, you can. Since removing the COVID-19 restrictions and regulations, anyone can use public transportation. However, please remember that you must wear a face mask when using public transport.
Where Can I Get A COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test In Iceland?
You can get your test done in Akureyri, Keflavík airport, and Reykjavík.
What Currency Is Used In Iceland?
Although the official currency is Icelandic Króna (ISK), some larger hotels and stores accept Euros (EUR) or Dollars (USD). However, they set their exchange rate, so you would pay above the odds. Also, remember that you can use your credit card in most businesses and hotels.
What Other Schengen Countries Can I Visit Without A Visa?
As mentioned earlier in this post, you can visit any country in the Schengen Area without a visa. Countries in the Schengen Area include:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Is Iceland Considered A Safe Travel Destination?
The Institute for Economics and Peace conducts the Global Peace Index survey to determine which countries are the safest. For the past 12 years, Iceland has been the world's safest country.
According to the World Happiness Report, Iceland is also the second happiest country in 2021, based on six pillars of happiness. Income, independence, trust, a healthy life expectancy, social support, and charity are examples. This is fantastic news for you as a visitor!
Iceland maintains a high ranking in these indexes due to its robust healthcare system and one of its lowest crime rates.