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India to Iceland visa requirements

Indian ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Iceland for tourism. Apply through VFS Global in India before travel. ETIAS does not apply to Indian nationals because they require a full visa, not visa-free entry. Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area, and India is not on the Schengen visa-exemption list for ordinary passports. Per India's Ministry of External Affairs, Iceland's visa waiver with India covers only diplomatic passport holders; ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling. Applications are lodged in India through VFS Global (which handles Iceland on behalf of the embassy, often via a partner Schengen mission), with biometrics collected at the visa application centre. The standard short-stay visa fee is EUR 90 (raised from EUR 80 in June 2024), plus a VFS Global service charge of roughly INR 2,900. A Schengen visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, not Iceland alone. Travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 is mandatory. The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation, expected in the last quarter of 2026, applies only to visa-exempt nationalities and therefore does NOT apply to Indian passport holders, who continue to need a Schengen visa. Given Iceland's relatively high approval rate for Indian applicants, the route is accessible but requires advance planning, as appointment availability and processing can extend the timeline well beyond the nominal 15 days during peak season.
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.
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/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 (across the Schengen Area)
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple (as granted)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 (visa fee) + approx. INR 2,900 VFS service charge
consular fee only
Processing time
About 15 calendar days; can extend to 30-45 days in busy periods
standard track
Validity
As granted; often valid for the travel dates, sometimes longer for multiple-entry
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a visa
As an Indian ordinary passport holder, you require a Schengen Type C short-stay visa for Iceland. Only diplomatic passport holders are exempt under the India-Iceland agreement.
· Ordinary passport· Schengen Type C
/02
Determine Iceland is your main destination
Apply to Iceland's representation only if Iceland is your sole or main destination (longest stay). If you spend more time in another Schengen country, apply to that country instead.
· Main destination rule
/03
Book a VFS Global appointment
Schedule an appointment at the VFS Global visa application centre handling Iceland applications in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, etc.). Apply up to 6 months before travel and at least 15 days prior.
· VFS Global· Apply early
/04
Gather and complete documents
Fill the Schengen application form and assemble passport, photos, flight and hotel bookings, travel medical insurance (min. EUR 30,000), bank statements, and proof of employment/funds.
· Insurance EUR 30,000
/05
Attend appointment and give biometrics
Submit documents in person, pay the EUR 90 visa fee plus VFS service charge, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics) if not enrolled in the last 59 months.
· Biometrics· Pay fees
/06
Track and collect passport
Track the application online via VFS. Once decided, collect your passport or receive it by courier. Verify visa dates and entries before traveling.
· Track online· Check visa sticker
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
India -> Iceland · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid 3+ months beyond intended departure, issued within last 10 years, with 2 blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent passport-size photos (Schengen biometric specifications)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance covering minimum EUR 30,000 for the entire Schengen stay
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRound-trip flight reservation / itinerary
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredConfirmed accommodation bookings for the full stay
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredBank statements for the last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RecommendedProof of employment, leave letter, or business registration / income proof
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedCover letter explaining purpose and itinerary of the trip
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RequiredVisa fee (EUR 90) plus VFS service charge in payable form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Government of Iceland - Visa to Iceland (Embassy in New Delhi)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen short-stay visa fee (adult)EUR 90Raised from EUR 80 in June 2024; payable in INR equivalent
Visa fee (child 6-12 years)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt
VFS Global service chargeapprox. INR 2,900Per applicant; non-refundable, charged separately from visa fee
Travel medical insuranceapprox. INR 1,000-3,000Mandatory; minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, varies by trip length
Total estimateEUR 90 + INR 2,900 (approx. INR 11,000 total)approx. INR 15,000 incl. insurance and courierincl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Extended review
Up to 30-45 days
Applies if additional documents or further scrutiny are required.
Early application window
Up to 6 months before travel
Apply as early as possible to secure appointments during high-demand periods.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
India is not Schengen visa-exempt
Indian ordinary passport holders are not on the Schengen visa-free list, so a short-stay visa is mandatory for Iceland.
High
/02
Iceland is a Schengen member
Iceland applies the common Schengen visa policy and the 90/180-day short-stay rule.
High
/03
Only diplomatic passports are exempt
India's visa-waiver arrangement with Iceland covers diplomatic passports, not ordinary tourist passports.
Medium
/04
ETIAS does not replace the visa
ETIAS (expected late 2026) applies only to visa-exempt nationalities, so Indian travelers still need a full Schengen visa.
Medium
/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
India to Iceland route verified
Confirmed via Iceland government embassy guidance, India MEA visa-exemption listing, and EU ETIAS sources that Indian ordinary passport holders require a Schengen short-stay visa; ETIAS does not apply. Visa fee confirmed at EUR 90.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Iceland?
Yes. Indian ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to enter Iceland for tourism. Only diplomatic passport holders are exempt.
How long can I stay in Iceland on a Schengen visa?+
How much does an Iceland Schengen visa cost for Indians?+
Where do I apply for an Iceland visa in India?+
Does ETIAS apply to Indian travelers going to Iceland?+
How early should I apply?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the India passport

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