🇨🇳CHINA

🏳ISCN-IS

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit IS?

Q: How long can I stay with a Schengen visa?

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area, subject to the dates on your visa sticker.

Q: Does ETIAS apply to me as a Chinese passport holder?

No. ETIAS (expected late 2026) is only for nationals who can already enter Schengen visa-free. Chinese passport holders still need a full Schengen visa.

Q: How much does the Iceland Schengen visa cost?

The adult visa fee is EUR 90 (about RMB 750), plus a VFS Global service charge of roughly RMB 249 (EUR 30).

Q: How early should I apply?

You can apply up to 6 months before travel and must apply no later than 15 days before departure; allow extra time as processing can take up to 45–60 days.

Q: Where do I apply in China?

Through the Iceland visa application centre operated by VFS Global, with locations in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Yes — a Chinese ordinary passport holder needs a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Iceland. Iceland is in the Schengen Area, so apply at the Iceland visa application centre (VFS Global) before you travel. ETIAS does NOT apply to Chinese nationals because China is not on the Schengen visa-exempt list. Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area, and Chinese ordinary passport holders are not visa-exempt. To visit Iceland for tourism, you must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa, applied for through VFS Global on behalf of the Embassy/Consulate of Iceland. The Type C visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. The standard adult visa fee is EUR 90 (about RMB 750), plus a VFS service charge of about RMB 249 (EUR 30). Decisions are normally issued within 15 calendar days, though processing can extend to 45 days, or up to 60 days if extra documents are requested. You may apply up to 6 months before travel and no later than 15 days before departure. Note: the EU ETIAS travel authorization (expected late 2026) applies only to visa-exempt nationalities, so it does NOT replace the visa requirement for Chinese passport holders. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) began rollout in 2026 and records biometric entry/exit data but does not change the visa requirement.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double, or multiple (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 (approx. RMB 750) + service fee

consular fee only

Processing time

15 calendar days (up to 45–60 days)

standard track

Validity

Per visa sticker; up to 90/180 within validity

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm purpose and route

Determine that your main destination (or longest stay) is Iceland, so Iceland is the correct Schengen state to apply to. The Type C visa covers tourism across all Schengen countries.

· Tourism· Main destination rule

/02

Gather required documents

Prepare a passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure with 2 blank pages, completed Schengen application form, photos, round-trip flight reservation, accommodation bookings, financial proof, and Schengen-wide travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover.

· Passport +3 months· Insurance EUR 30,000

/03

Book a VFS Global appointment

Schedule an appointment at the Iceland visa application centre (operated by VFS Global) serving your region in China, e.g. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or other listed cities.

· VFS Global· Appointment

/04

Submit application and biometrics

Attend in person to submit your forms and documents, pay the fees, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics) unless previously enrolled.

· In person· Fingerprints

/05

Pay fees and wait for processing

Pay the EUR 90 visa fee plus the VFS service charge. A decision is normally made within 15 calendar days; apply at least 15 days (ideally several weeks) before travel.

· EUR 90· 15 days

/06

Collect passport and verify visa

Collect your passport, check the visa sticker dates, number of entries and allowed days, then travel within the validity window.

· Check dates· Entries

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Passport valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages, issued within 10 years

required

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form

required

Two recent passport-size photos (Schengen biometric spec)

required

Round-trip flight reservation / itinerary

required

Accommodation proof (hotel bookings or invitation letter)

required

Travel medical insurance, minimum EUR 30,000, valid Schengen-wide

required

Proof of funds (bank statements, salary records)

required

Proof of employment / business registration / ties to China

recommended

Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary

recommended

Cover letter explaining purpose of trip

optional

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Approx. RMB 750; standard adult short-stay fee

Schengen visa fee (child 6–11)EUR 45Approx. RMB 375; children under 6 exempt

VFS Global service chargeapprox. RMB 249 (EUR 30)Per application, paid to the visa centre

Travel medical insurancevariesMinimum EUR 30,000 cover; price depends on trip length

Total estimateEUR 90 (visa fee only) — EUR 120+ (visa fee + service charge, excl. insurance)incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

15 calendar days

Normal Schengen processing time after biometrics submission; apply at least several weeks ahead.

Extended review

Up to 45 days

For individual cases requiring deeper examination.

Additional documents requested

Up to 60 days

When the consulate asks for further supporting documents.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

China is not Schengen visa-exempt

Chinese ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to any Schengen country, including Iceland.

High

/02

ETIAS does not apply

The EU ETIAS authorization (expected late 2026) covers only visa-exempt nationals, so it does not replace the visa requirement for Chinese citizens.

Medium

/03

Insufficient or unclear funds

Failure to show adequate financial means for the trip is a common refusal reason.

Medium

/04

Missing travel insurance

Schengen-wide medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000 is mandatory; absence leads to rejection.

Medium

/05

Weak ties to home country

Inadequate proof of return (employment, family, assets) raises immigration-risk concerns.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

China to Iceland route verified

Confirmed via VFS Global Iceland (China) that Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Type C visa (EUR 90 + service fee, ~15-day processing). Verified ETIAS applies only to visa-exempt nationals and does not cover Chinese citizens.

/09 — The questions