Discover the enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture of Iceland by obtaining the necessary travel permit. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the essential steps and tips to successfully apply for an Iceland Visa, ensuring your gateway to this Nordic wonder is seamless. Being a part of the Schengen Area, an Iceland Visa opens doors to diverse travel experiences within the European continent.
Understanding Iceland’s Place in the Schengen Area
Iceland, while not a part of the European Union, is a member of the Schengen Agreement, allowing free movement across 29 European countries. Acquaint yourself with the Schengen Area to understand how an Iceland Visa facilitates easier travel across these countries, enriching your European journey.
Identifying the Correct Iceland Visa Type
Before diving into the application process, identify the Schengen Visa type that suits your travel needs. Whether you are venturing on a tourist escapade, visiting relatives, or traveling for business, selecting the right visa type is paramount for a smooth application.
Iceland Tourist Visa
Explore the popular tourist destinations and natural wonders of Iceland with the Tourist Schengen Visa, designed for short stays of up to 90 days.
Iceland Visitor Visa:
If your purpose of visit is to reunite with family or friends residing in Iceland, the Schengen Visitor Visa is your go-to option, ensuring memorable moments with loved ones.
Navigating the Iceland Visa Application Process
Embark on the application journey with a clear understanding of the steps to apply for a Schengen Visa. From filling out the application form accurately to gathering the required documents, we guide you through each stage, simplifying the process.
Required Documentation
You will need a completed and signed application form, a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months after you leave the Schengen Area, a recent photo, travel medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000, flight bookings, accommodation details, proof of funds and, if you live in Australia, proof of your Australian visa status.
Appointment and Interview
Iceland has few missions abroad, so its applications are often handled by a visa centre or another Schengen country. In Australia, Iceland Schengen visas are lodged in person through VFS Global in Sydney. Your photo and fingerprints are taken at the appointment, and you may be asked about your trip.
Tips for a Successful Iceland Visa Application
Give complete and consistent information, book your appointment early (summer and the Northern Lights season are busy), and make sure your itinerary, bookings and insurance dates all match.
After Submission: What to Expect
Decisions are normally made within 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days in individual cases. Avoid non-refundable bookings until your visa is approved, and check the visa sticker carefully when your passport is returned.
Making the Most of Your Trip to Iceland
Popular trips include the Golden Circle, the South Coast waterfalls and black-sand beaches, the Blue Lagoon and, in the darker months from about September to April, the Northern Lights. Weather changes quickly, so check road and weather conditions before you drive.
In short: Australians can visit Iceland visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180, while visa-required travellers living in Australia apply through VFS Global in Sydney. Prepare your documents early and you will be ready for the Land of Fire and Ice.
Iceland at a glance
Iceland sits in the North Atlantic, outside the EU but inside Schengen. Here are the key facts for travellers from Australia.
| Schengen member since | 2001 |
| Currency | Icelandic króna (ISK) |
| EU membership | Not an EU member (part of the European Economic Area) |
| Official language | Icelandic |
| Short stays | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area |
| Where residents of Australia apply | VFS Global in Sydney (the only lodgement point in Australia) |
| Working holiday for Australians | No program with Australia at the time of writing |
Information checked October 2026. Rules and arrangements change, so confirm with the Icelandic authorities or the mission handling your application before you travel.
Travelling to Iceland on an Australian passport
Australian passport holders do not need a visa to visit Iceland for tourism, family visits or short business trips. You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and that limit covers the whole Schengen Area, not Iceland alone. Days spent in other Schengen countries count towards the same total, so check your dates with the Schengen visa calculator before you book.
Since 10 April 2026 the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational at all external Schengen borders. The first time you arrive, border officers record your passport details, facial image and fingerprints. The system then logs every entry and exit and counts your days automatically, replacing passport stamps.
The next change is ETIAS, an online travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers such as Australians. It is expected to start in late 2026, will cost EUR 20 (free if you are under 18 or over 70) and will be valid for three years or until your passport expires. It is not required yet, and there will be a transition period after launch.
- Your passport should be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave the Schengen Area and have been issued within the last 10 years.
- Border officers can ask about your accommodation, return or onward ticket and funds, so keep these handy.
- Some Schengen countries have reintroduced temporary checks at internal borders, so carry your passport when you cross between countries.
- Flights to Iceland from the United Kingdom or North America arrive at an external Schengen border, so EES registration happens at Keflavík Airport if Iceland is your first Schengen country.
Who needs an Icelandic Schengen visa and where to apply
You need a Schengen visa if your passport is from a country that is not visa-exempt. This often applies to people who live in Australia on a temporary or permanent visa but hold, for example, an Indian, Chinese, Filipino or Vietnamese passport. Apply to Iceland if it is your main destination (where you will spend the most days) or, if your days are split evenly, if it is the first Schengen country you will enter.
Residents of Australia: Iceland Schengen visas are lodged in person through VFS Global in Sydney, the only place in Australia to lodge an Iceland application, and enquiries also go to VFS Global in Sydney. Denmark’s missions in Australia publish this information on Iceland’s behalf.
- Lodge your application no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before you travel. Earlier is better in the European summer and around Christmas.
- The standard decision time is 15 calendar days, which can be extended to 45 days in individual cases.
- Missions in Australia commonly ask for proof of your Australian visa status, such as a recent VEVO record, along with the usual documents: passport, photo, travel medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000, itinerary, accommodation and proof of funds.
- Fingerprints are taken at your appointment unless they were recorded for a Schengen visa in the last 59 months.
See our step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Schengen visa and the different Schengen visa types.
Icelandic Schengen visa fees
| Adults and children 12 and over | EUR 90 |
| Children 6 to 11 | EUR 45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Service provider fee | VFS Global service fee (extra) |
| National (type D) long-stay visa | Set by Iceland; usually higher than the Schengen fee |
These Schengen fees have applied since 11 June 2024 and are usually charged in Australian dollars at the current exchange rate. Some nationalities with EU visa facilitation agreements pay less. The fee is not refunded if your application is refused.
Staying longer: working holidays, study and work in Iceland
The 90-day rule only covers short visits. For longer stays you need a national visa or permit from Iceland itself.
At the time of writing there is no working holiday arrangement between Australia and Iceland. Working in Iceland needs a residence and work permit, generally applied for with an Icelandic employer through the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun). Young Australians looking for a working holiday in Northern Europe can consider Denmark, Norway or Finland.
Icelandic visa FAQs
Do Australians need a visa to visit Iceland?
No, not for short stays. Australian passport holders can visit Iceland and the rest of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your fingerprints and photo are recorded in the Entry/Exit System on arrival, and ETIAS is expected to be required after it launches in late 2026.
Does the 90 days apply to Iceland only?
No. The 90 days in any 180-day period is shared across all 29 Schengen countries. Time in non-Schengen countries such as Cyprus, Ireland or the United Kingdom does not count towards it.
Is Iceland in the Schengen Area if it is not in the EU?
Yes. Iceland has applied the Schengen rules since 2001 under its agreement with the EU, alongside Norway. Days in Iceland count towards the same Schengen 90-day total.
Where do I apply for an Iceland visa in Australia?
In person through VFS Global in Sydney, the only lodgement point in Australia.
Will ETIAS apply to Iceland?
Yes. ETIAS will cover all Schengen countries, including Iceland, once it starts. It is expected in late 2026.
Is there a working holiday visa for Iceland?
Not for Australians at the time of writing. Stays over 90 days need an Icelandic residence permit.
More Schengen guides
- ETIAS: what Australians need to know
- Schengen 90/180 day calculator
- Tourist Schengen visa and business Schengen visa
- Norway visa guide
- Denmark visa guide
- Finland visa guide
VisaEnvoy does not provide Schengen visa services. This page is general information only. For advice on your application, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.