INDIVIDUAL TOURISM

Please note that information about the application will be shared with the other Schengen countries and applying under false circumstances may affect future applications for the Schengen area.

In order to ensure quick and efficient visa processing you must prepare all necessary documentation before you submit the application package to the Embassy.

Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or refusal. Therefore, please do not approach the visa reception before you have collected all supporting documentation. Personal appearance is requested.

Document Checklist for an Individual Tourist Schengen visa.

• Itinerary (in Icelandic or in English) covering the whole stay in Iceland and Schengen, stating the planned dates and places of stay. Evidence of accommodation (hotel reservation) for the whole trip in the Schengen area, including the names of hotels and their telephone and fax numbers as well as duration of stay in different hotels.
• Flight reservation with confirmation of round trip from the airlines.
  Attention: A confirmed return ticket. The ticket should be bought only after the visa has been issued!
• “Schengen Visa Application Form” duly completed and signed. Original required.
• A passport photo, attached to Schengen Visa Application Form.
  - In colour, 3 x 4 cm (approx. 1.2 x 1.6 inch)
  - Facing forward, white background
• Passport, valid at least 90 days after expiry of the visa. Must have at least 2 blank pages.
• Copy of the applicant’s passport identity page (incl. extension date if applicable)
• Travel Medical Insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro (300,000 CNY) for the effective stay in the Schengen area.
• Copy of all pages with the content of the applicant’s Hukou (original to be shown)
• Copy of the ID card (original to be shown)
• Proof (translated into English) of owning real estate property.
• Proof of financial means/solvency for the stay in Iceland. Bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months, no deposits

For employees:

• Proof of the solvency of your (employer’s) company, if the company pays the costs of travel and living; or
• Proof of your personal solvency, in case personally covering the costs of travel and living
• Proof of solvency for employees:
  • a sealed copy of the business license of employing company
  • a letter from the employer (in English, or in Chinese with English translation) on official company paper with stamp, signature, date and clearly mentioning:
    • address, telephone and fax numbers of the company
    • the name and position in the company of the countersigning officer
    • the name of the applicant, position, salary and years of service
    • approval for leave of absence

For minors (under 18):

• Notary certificate of family relation or proof of guardianship needs to be legalized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, one photocopy thereof. (legalized Certificate of family relation/ proof of guardianship must be translated into English)
• Bank statement from parent(s)
• Student card and original letter of the school (The original letter from the school must be translated into English) mentioning:
  • full address, telephone and fax number of the school
  • permission for absence
  • Name and function of the person giving permission.

Minors travelling alone or with one parent:

• Notary Certificate of permission to travel from either parents or legal guardian, one photocopy thereof, (when minor is travelling alone) or the parent or legal guardian not travelling (if minor is travelling with one parent)
• Notary Certificate of permission to travel needs to be legalized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and when not in China, attested by the relevant authorities in the country of residence, one photocopy thereof.
• In case of divorced parents: Divorce certificate with proof of custody in original

For retired persons:

• Proof of pension or other regular income
• For unemployed adults:
  • If married: Letter of employment and income of the spouse + Notary certificate of marriage, legalized by MFA.
  • If single/divorced/widow/widower: Any other proof of regular income
• A letter of the working unit or company (with address, telephone and fax of the employer, stamp and signature with name and position of the person who signed) stating: working position; salary; approval for leave; confirmation of working relationship after the trip abroad.

If applicant is retired a retirement certificate is required (original, copy and English translation).

• Documentation on former travels abroad, if relevant an old passport should be attached the application
• Visa fee: EUR 80 in accordance with monthly exchange rate.

Non-Chinese citizens are required to submit copy of valid Chinese residence permit.

If you fail to supply the necessary documents mentioned above, the decision-making process of your case may be delayed. The Embassy may call you for additional documents or information if necessary.

VISA FOR FAMILY VISIT

In order to ensure quick and efficient visa processing you must prepare all necessary documentation before you submit the application package to the Embassy. Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or refusal. Therefore, please do not approach the visa reception before you have collected all supporting documentation. Personal appearance is requested.

Document Checklist for Private/Family Schengen visa.

• Passport, valid at least 90 days after expiry of the visa. Must have at least 2 blank pages.
• 1 “Schengen Visa Application Form” duly completed. Original required.
• 1 passport photo.
  • In color, 3 x 4 cm (approx. 1.2 x 1.6 inch)
  • Facing forward, white background
• Flight reservation.
  When applying for a visa for multiple visits: reservation of the first visit. Attention: A confirmed return ticket. The ticket should be bought only after the visa has been issued!
• Travel Medical Insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro (300,000 CNY) for the effective stay in the Schengen area. Original and copy.
• Letter or certificate confirming employment or school stating a) applicant name, b) position, c) guarantee of leave and d) travel dates. Please include a) address, b) telephone numbers, c) seal and signature of the company or the school.

If the applicant is unemployed a notarized non-criminal record is required.

If applicant is retired a retirement certificate is required (original, copy and English translation).

• In case of family visit:
  •  A notarized proof of kinship certificate which certifies the family relationship with the reference.
• In a case of minors travelling (under 18):
  • Notary certificate of family relation or proof of guardianship
    needs to be legalized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs,
    one photocopy thereof. (legalized Certificate of family relation/ proof of guardianship must be translated into English)
  • Bank statement from parent(s)
  • Student card and original letter of the school (The original letter from the school must be translated into English) mentioning:
    • full address, telephone and fax number of the school
    • permission for absence
    • Name and function of the person giving permission.
  • Minors travelling alone or with one parent:
    • Notary Certificate of permission to travel from either parents or legal guardian, one photocopy thereof. (when minor is travelling alone), or the parent or legal guardian not travelling (if minor is travelling with one parent).
    • Notary Certificate of permission to travel needs to be legalized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and when not in China, attested by the relevant authorities in the country of residence one photocopy thereof.
    • In case of divorced parents: Divorce certificate with proof of custody in original
• Copy of all pages with content of the applicant’s Hukou with English translation
• Copy of the applicant’s passport identity page (incl. extension data if applicable).
• Copy of the ID card (original to be shown).
• Proof of financial means/solvency for the stay in Iceland. Bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months, no deposits.   Please note that invitee can only be a financial guarantor in cases of spouse or a minor child.
• Invitation letter (in English of Icelandic) signed by the invitee. Original needed. A invitation letter for visitors from the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration can be found here. 

NOTE: It is required that the invitation letter is also e-mailed as a PDF document including signature from the Icelandic inviter directly to the Embassy ([email protected])

• In case of Chinese reference in Iceland: Copy of valid residence permit for entire period of requested Schengen visa
• Visa fee: EUR 80 in accordance with monthly exchange rate.

Non-Chinese citizens are required to submit copy of valid Chinese residence permit.

If you fail to supply the necessary documents mentioned above, the decision-making process of your case may be delayed. The Embassy may call you for additional documents or information if necessary.

VISA FOR BUSINESS VISIT

In order to ensure quick and efficient visa processing you must prepare all necessary documentation before you submit the application package to the Embassy. Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or refusal. Therefore, please do not approach the visa reception before you have collected all supporting documentation. Personal appearance is requested.

Document Checklist for Schengen business visa.

• Passport, valid at least 90 days after expiry of the visa. Must have at least 2 blank pages.
• Copy of the applicant's identity card. (original to be shown)
• “Schengen Visa Application Form” duly completed. Original required.
• 1 passport photo:
  • In color, 3 x 4 cm (approx. 1.2 x 1.6 inch)
  • Facing forward, white background
• Flight reservation
  • When applying for a visa for multiple visits: reservation of the first visit.
  • Attention: A confirmed return ticket. The ticket should be bought only after the visa has been issued!
• Proof of accommodation
  • For the whole duration of the intended stay in the territory of the member states of the Schengen area.
• Travel Medical Insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro (300,000 CNY) for the effective stay in the Schengen area. Original and copy.
• Original dispatch letter (incl. English translation) from the Chinese company. The letter must include a) applicants name, b) address, c) telephone number, d) position, e) travel dates, f) subject and g) duration of the intended business activity. The letter must be signed and stamped by the company management. Original required.
• Business license of the applicant's company in Chinese and English. Copy accepted but original needs to be shown
• Invitation letter (original or PDF print accepted) from the business partner(s) in the Schengen area in English or Icelandic including a) letterhead, b) address, c) telephone, email and website. d) signature.
  The letter must state the travel dates, intended duration and purpose of the stay incl. itinerary.
  
  

NOTE: It is required that the invitation letter is also e-mailed as a PDF document including signature from the Icelandic inviter directly to the Embassy ([email protected]).

• Copy of the applicant's passport identity page (incl. extension data if applicable).
• Proof of financial means/solvency for the stay in Iceland. May be included in a separate letter or the invitation- or dispatch letter as a paragraph. Bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months, no deposits.
  • Proof of the solvency of your (employer's) company, if the company pays the costs of travel and living; or
  • Proof of your personal solvency, in case personally covering the costs of travel and living
  • Proof of solvency for employees:
    • a sealed copy of the business license of employing company
    • letter from the employer (in English, or in Chinese with English translation) on official company paper with stamp, signature, date and clearly mentioning:
      • address, telephone and fax numbers of the company
      • the name and position in the company of the countersigning officer
      • the name of the applicant, position, salary and years of service
      • approval for leave of absence
•  Visa fee: EUR 80 in accordance with monthly exchange rate.

Non-Chinese citizens are required to submit copy of valid Chinese residence permit.

If you fail to supply the necessary documents mentioned above, the decision-making process of your case may be delayed.
The Embassy may call you for additional documents or information if necessary.

VISA FOR ADS GROUP

In order to ensure quick and efficient visa processing you must prepare all necessary documentation before you submit the application package to the Embassy. Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or refusal. Therefore, please do not approach the visa reception before you have collected all supporting documentation. Personal appearance is requested or accredited ADS courier

Document Checklist for ADS Tourism Schengen visa.

• A name list of all the group members, with passport numbers and copies of ID cards and hukou (with English translation).
• A detailed itinerary (in Icelandic or in English), including flight details for the round trip from China, names, addresses, telephone numbers and fax numbers of the hotels to be used by the group during the tour with the dates of stay in each hotel, and details of how the group is to travel between locations during the tour.
• Name of the tour leader. 
• Name and contact details of the designated partner tour operator in Europe. 
• Confirmation from the designated partner tour operator in Europe that accommodation and transport within Europe as specified in the group's itinerary will be provided to all members of the group.
• For each member of the group: 1 duly completed Schengen visa application form, signed by each applicant, together with a recent photo (In color, 3 x 4 cm (approx. 1.2 x 1.6 inch).  Facing forward, white background)
• For each member of the group: Passport, valid at least 90 days after expiration of the visa, with a photocopy of the identity page. Must have at least 2 blank pages.
• For each member of the group: Travel Medical Insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro (300,000 CNY) for the effective stay in the Schengen area. 
• For each member of the group: Proof of financial means for the stay in Iceland. Bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months, no deposits.
• For employees:
  • Proof of the solvency of your (employer’s) company, if the company pays the costs of travel and living; or
  • Proof of your personal solvency, in case personally covering the costs of travel and living
  • Proof of solvency for employees:
    • a sealed copy of the business license of employing company
    • a letter from the employer (in English, or in Chinese with English translation) on official company paper with stamp, signature, date and clearly mentioning:
      • address, telephone and fax numbers of the company
      • the name and position in the company of the countersigning officer
      • the name of the applicant, position, salary and years of service
      • approval for leave or absence
• For minors (under 18):
  • Notary certificate of family relation or proof of guardianship. Needs to be legalized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, one photocopy thereof. (legalized Certificate of family relation/ proof of guardianship must be translated into English)
  • Bank statement from parent(s)
  • Student card and original letter of the school (The original letter from the school must be translated into English) mentioning:
    • full address, telephone and fax number of the school
    • permission for absence
    • Name and function of the person giving permission.
  • Minors travelling alone or with one parent:
    • Notary Certificate of permission to travel from either parents or legal guardian, one photocopy thereof, (when minor is travelling alone) or the parent or legal guardian not travelling (if minor is travelling with one parent)
    • Notary Certificate of permission to travel needs to be legalized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and when not in China, attested by the relevant authorities in the country of residence, one photocopy thereof.
    • In case of divorced parents:
      • Divorce certificate with proof of custody in original
• For retired persons:
  • Proof of pension or other regular income
• For unemployed adults:
  • If married: Letter of employment and income of the spouse + Notary certificate of marriage, legalized by MFA.
  •  If single/divorced/widow/widower: Any other proof of regular income.
• Proof (translated into English) of owning real estate property.
• Documentation on former travels abroad, if relevant an old passport should be attached the application
• Visa fee: EUR 80 in accordance with monthly exchange rate.

Non-Chinese citizens are required to submit copy of valid Chinese residence permit.
 

If you fail to supply the necessary documents mentioned above, the decision-making process of your case may be delayed.
The Embassy may call you for additional documents or information if necessary.

VISA FOR TRANSIT

In order to ensure quick and efficient visa processing you must prepare all necessary documentation before you submit the application package to the Embassy. Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or refusal. Therefore, please do not approach the visa reception before you have collected all supporting documentation. Personal appearance is requested.

Document Checklist for Transit Schengen visa.

• Passport, valid at least 90 days after expiry of the visa. Must have at least 2 blank pages.
• Copy of applicant’s identity card.
• 1 “Schengen Visa Application Form” duly completed. Original required.
• 1 passport photo.
• Travel Medical Insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro (300,000 CNY) for the effective stay in the Schengen area. Original and copy.
• Letter or certificate confirming employment or school stating a) applicant name, b) position, c) guarantee of leave and d) travel dates. Please include a) address, b) telephone numbers, c) seal and signature of the company or the school.

If the applicant is unemployed a notarized non-criminal record is required.

If applicant is retired a retirement certificate is required (original, copy and English translation).

• In a case of minors travelling:
  • A written consent of both parents (either personally given at the Embassy/Consulate or certified by a notary public).
  • In case of divorced parents: Divorce certificate with proof of custody in original.
• Visa for the end destination
• Flight ticket reservation and transit hotel reservation.
• Copy of the applicant’s passport identity page (incl. extension data if applicable).
• Copy of all pages with content of the applicant’s Hukou.
• Visa fee: EUR 80 in accordance with monthly exchange rate.

COMMON INFORMATION SHEET

What is a Uniform Schengen Visa?

It is an authorization issued by one of the Member States of the Schengen Area with a view to transit through or an intended stay in the territory of the Member States of a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180 day period from the date of first entry in the territory of the Member States.

To which countries can I travel on the basis of my Uniform Schengen Visa?

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Who can apply for a Schengen Visa in the China?

Chinese nationals and third-country nationals who are legally present in China.

Third-country nationals legally present but not residing in China, if the applicant provides justification for lodging the application in China.

Which member state is competent for examining and deciding on my Visa application?

The Member State competent for examining and deciding on an application for a uniform visa shall be:

• the Member State whose territory constitutes the sole destination of the visit(s).
• if the visit includes more than one destination, the Member State whose territory constitutes the main destination of the visit(s) in terms of the length or purpose of stay.
• if no main destination can be determined, the Member State whose external border the applicant intends to cross in order to enter the territory of the Member States.

Which consulate of the member state in the China (if there are more than one) is competent for examining and deciding on my Visa application?

Please check the website of the Member State.

Where can I lodge my application?

Applications can be either lodged to an external service provider or directly at consulate of the destination country. Please check the web site of the Member State through the links below.

What happens if my application is lodged with the member state or the consulate that is not competent for examining and deciding on my Visa?

When an application has been lodged, the consulate verifies whether it is competent to examine and decide on it. If the consulate is not competent, it shall, without delay, return the application form and any documents submitted by the applicant, reimburse the visa fee, and indicate which consulate is competent.

Visa fee

• Applicants shall pay a visa fee of EUR 80.
• Children from the age of six years and below the age of 12 years shall pay a visa fee of EUR 40.
• Nationals of Gambia shall pay a visa fee of EUR 120 

The visa fee must be paid in local currency.

Applicants exempted from Visa fee

The visa fee shall be waived for applicants belonging to one of the following categories:

• children under six years.
• school pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training.
• researchers, as defined in point (2) of Article 3 of Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1), travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research or participating in a scientific seminar or conference.
• representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.
• diplomats traveling on official business

Note: some Member States grant additional visa fee waivers for specific categories of applicants. Please check the website of the Member States through the links below.

Service fee

An additional service fee will be charged by an external service provider.

How long before the start of the intended visit can I apply?

Applications shall be lodged no more than six months, and for seafarers in the performance of their duties no more than nine months, before the start of the intended visit, and, as a rule, no later than 15 calendar days before the start of the intended visit. In justified individual cases of urgency, the consulate or the central authorities may allow the lodging of applications later than 15 calendar days before the start of the intended visit.

How long before the start of the intended visit should I apply?

The application process at the Embassy can take up to 15 calendar days. However, it is also recommended that you lodge your visa application considering national holidays of the country of destination and the China. Please note that during holidays the operation of certain consular services may be reduced.

Please check the website of the Member State through the links below.

Do I need an appointment for submitting my application?

Applicants may be required to obtain an appointment for the lodging of an application.

What supporting documents are to be attached to my application?

Check the harmonized list of supporting documents to be submitted by applicants in the tabs above or visit the VFS website.

Please note that during the examination of an application the consulate may request additional documents.

Do I have to go through an interview at the consulate?

Please note that during the examination of an application the consulate may call the applicant for an interview.

How long does it take for the consulate to decide on my application?

Applications shall be decided on within 15 calendar days of the date of the lodging of an application which is admissible.
 That period may be extended up to a maximum of 45 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed.

What can I do if the Visa is refused?

As of 5th April 2011, applicants who have been refused a visa shall be informed by an official refusal letter and may have the right to appeal in accordance with the national law of the concerned Member State.
 Appeals shall be conducted against the Member State that has taken the final decision on the application and in accordance with the national law of that Member State.
 Each Member State shall indicate the references to the national law and the procedure relating to the right of appeal, including the competent authority with which an appeal may be lodged, as well as the time limit for lodging such an appeal.
 You will find this information in the form for notifying and motivating refusal that you will be given for such purpose.

What documents do I have to take with me when I travel on a Schengen visa?

Mere possession of a Schengen visa does not mean that the holder has an automatic right to enter the Schengen Area (i.e. the territory of the countries that issue Schengen visa).

At the external border, the visa holder may be requested to produce documents justifying the purpose and conditions of the intended stay and that they have sufficient means of subsistence, both for the period of the intended stay and for the return to their country of origin or transit to a third state into which they are certain to be admitted, or are in a position to acquire such means lawfully.

What rules apply if my family members are EU or EEA nationals?

If you are a family member of an EU/EEA national, you may qualify for an accelerated free visa procedure as long as you meet the following criteria:

• You are a family member (this includes a spouse, registered partner, child who is under 21 or a depending family member) of an EU/EEA or Swiss national (or of his/her spouse/registered partner); AND 
• That EU/EEA national or Swiss national is residing in another Member State than that of which he/she is a national or travelling there to take up residence; AND
• You are accompanying the EU/EEA national or planning to join him/her for residence.

The visa should be applied for at the Embassy of the country of future residence of the EU/EEA national or Swiss national, not at the Embassy of his/her country of origin.

 If you think you qualify for visa facilitation you will need to show proof that you meet these criteria when you submit your visa application.

Supporting documents, information and proof pursuant to the Visa Code that family members of EU citizens do not have to provide: documents indicating the purpose of the journey, envisaged by Article 14(1)(a) of the Visa Code46;

• documents relating to accommodation (or proof of sufficient means to cover his/her accommodation), envisaged by Article 14(1)(b) of the Visa Code;
• documents indicating that they possesses sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to their country of origin or residence, or for the transit to a third country into which they are certain to be admitted, or that they are in a position to acquire such means lawfully, in accordance with Article 6(1)(c) and (3) of the Schengen Borders Code, envisaged by Article 14(1)(c) of the Visa Code;
• information enabling an assessment of their intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa applied for, envisaged by Article 14(1)(d) of the Visa Code;
• proof of sponsorship or private accommodation, envisaged by Article 14(4) of the Visa Code; or
• proof that they are in possession of adequate and valid travel medical insurance to cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or death, during their stay(s) on the territory of the Member States, envisaged by Article 15 of the Visa Code.

For further information please visit the website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration

Biometrics

Applicants fingerprints and photo are commonly referred to as biometric data.

Applicants need to appear in person for the collection of the biometric data: ten fingerprints and a photograph are collected from persons applying for a visa.

Before the capturing of the photo, applicants may be asked to remove glasses or adjust head coverings if they hide facial features.

Certain categories of applicants are exempt from the requirement to give fingerprints, including:

• Children under the age of 12
• Persons for whom fingerprinting is physically impossible
• Heads of State and members of national governments, and members of their official delegations when invited for an official purpose.
• Sovereigns and other senior members of a royal family, when they are invited by Member States' governments or by international organizations for an official purpose.

The introduction of biometric data is part of the Schengen Visa Information System (VIS). For more information about VIS, fingerprints, data protection and legal background, please click here.

Complaints

Please refer your complaints to [email protected]

Consultation

Please note that certain third country nationals might be subject to prior consultation as stipulated in article 22 of the visa code.

• Schengen Visa Application Form
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Biometric Data Collection Requirements
• Checklist Missing Documents And Comments
• Invitation Letter