Tourist visa application checklist

In order to ensure quick and efficient visa processing you must prepare all necessary documentation before you submit the application package to VFS Global. Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or might lead to a refusal of your application. Therefore, please do not approach the visa reception before you have collected all supporting documentation.

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.

Please note: All documents, submitted in copies, must be accompanied by their originals.
Application form filled in English completely and signed by the applicant

Photos

• Two recent color photographs of the applicant (size 3.5cm X 4.5cm) with good resemblance over light background.

Passports

• Foreign passport, which must be valid at least 3 months beyond the visa’s expiry date. (Other travel documents must be valid at least 6 months beyond the visa’s expiry date).
• Copy of all marked pages of the foreign passport.
• Other valid and/or expired foreign passports
• Copy of civil passport ( for example-internal document of Russian Federation citizens) – all pages
• Copy of all pages of other valid and/or expired foreign passports

Hotel bookings

• Hotel booking confirmation from Iceland (family and given names of the applicant must be indicated).

Employment statement – student letter

• Verification from the employer with company details verified by a stamp and signature of an executive officer (must be issued not more than 30 days ago). It should include the following information:
  • date of employment;
  • position;
  • period of holidays;
  • guarantee that the applicant may return to the position.
• If the applicant is a student or a pupil, it is necessary to submit a letter from university or school confirming the status of the person(must be issued not more than 30 days ago).
• If an applicant is a self-employed the Embassy requires the following documents:
  • ooriginal (and a copy) of registration certificate for private or independent entrepreneur
  • ooriginal (and a copy) of registration with the tax inspectorate
  • copy of income statement for an accounting period, with the stamp of the tax inspectorate

Bank statement

• Original of the bank statement, signed by the bank staff and stamped, confirming that the applicant has 50 EUROS per day for each person (must be issued not more than 30 days ago);

Flight tickets

• Paid tickets to and from Iceland (both) with fixed dates and booking number reflecting in it. (this document has to be provided not depending on conditions of travel)

Travel insurance

• Original (and a copy) of International Medical Insurance valid for all Schengen-countries.
• The insurance coverage should be at least 30,000 EUROS or equivalent and cover all risks e.g. accident, illness, medical emergency evacuation etc.
• The insurance should cover the whole period of stay + 15 days.

Power of attorney

• If the application is not submitted personally by the applicant, the applicant must issue a letter of full power to the person handing in the application. A notarized letter of attorney must be shown if the passport is not collected personally by the applicant with the exception of relatives, who can prove family relation with documents, and representatives of authorized touristic companies.

Children

• If the applicant is a minor, the Embassy requires a copy of a notarized parental authorization for the travel (in the parental consent it should be mentioned that the destination country is Iceland).

Note:

• The Embassy may require additional documents or request the applicant to come to the Embassy for an interview.
• According to the Schengen rules the visa fee is non-refundable.

Family and friends visa application checklist

In order to ensure quick and efficient visa processing you must prepare all necessary documentation before you submit the application package to VFS Global. Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or might lead to a refusal of your application. Therefore, please do not approach the visa reception before you have collected all supporting documentation.

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.

Please note: All documents, submitted in copies, must be accompanied by their originals.
Application form filled in English completely and signed by the applicant

Photos

• Two recent color photographs of the applicant (size 3.5cm X 4.5cm) with good resemblance over light background.

Passports

• Foreign passport, which must be valid at least 3 months beyond the visa’s expiry date. (Other travel documents must be valid at least 6 months beyond the visa’s expiry date).
• Copy of all marked pages of the foreign passport.
• Other valid and/or expired foreign passports
• Copy of civil passport ( for example-internal document of Russian Federation citizens) – all pages
• Copy of all pages of other valid and/or expired foreign passports

Invitation letter

• Invitation letter from Iceland which should include the following information:
  • Information about the inviting person;
  • Information about the invited person (full name, passport number);
  • Purpose of travel;
  • Information about relations between the reference and the invited person;
  • Dates of visit (period, number of days);
  • Information about financial conditions of the trip;
  • Copy of residence permit / Icelandic passport of the inviting person

Proof of family relations

•  Documents confirming family relations (only for “Visit to Family”). 

Financial conditions of visit

• Information about the financial conditions of the visit (who is responsible for the costs).
• If the inviting part is not financially responsible for all expenses regarding the trip, it is necessary to submit the following documentation:
  • Hotel booking confirmation (family and given names of the applicant must be indicated);
  • Original of the bank statement, signed by the bank staff and stamped, confirming that the applicant has 50 EUROS per day for each person or a letter of guarantee from employer (must be issued not more than 30 days ago);
  • Car registration certificate, international insurance for the car (green card), international driving license, route (to be submitted upon receipt of the visa).

Employment statement / student letter

• Verification from the applicant’s employer with the company’s details, stamp and signature of an executive officer (must be issued not more than 30 days ago);). It should include the following information:
  • date of employment;
  • position
  • information about salary
  • confirmation of position saving after returning from Iceland
• If the applicant is self-employed (private or independent entrepreneur), the Embassy requires
  • ooriginal (and a copy) of registration certificate for private or independent entrepreneur;
  • ooriginal (and a copy) of certificate of registration with the tax inspectorate;
  • copy of income statement for an accounting period, stamped by the tax inspectorate.
• If the applicant is a student or a pupil, it is necessary to submit a verification letter from the university or school confirming the applicant’s status (must be issued not more than 30 days ago).

Flight tickets

• Paid tickets to and from Iceland (both) with fixed dates and booking number reflecting in it. (this document has to be provided not depending on conditions of travel)

Travel insurance

• Original (and a copy) of International Medical Insurance valid for all Schengen-countries. The insurance coverage should be at least 30,000 EUROS or equivalent and cover all risks e.g. accident, illness, medical emergency evacuation etc. The insurance should cover the whole period of stay + 15 days.

Children

• If the applicant is a minor, the Embassy requires a copy of a notarized parental authorization for the travel (in the parental consent it should be mentioned that the destination country is Iceland).

Power of attorney

• If the application is not submitted personally by the applicant, the applicant must issue a letter of full power to the person handing in the application. A notarized letter of attorney must be shown if the passport is not collected personally by the applicant with the exception of relatives, who can prove family relation with documents, and representatives of authorized touristic companies.

Note:

• The Embassy may require additional documents or request the applicant to come to the Embassy for an interview.
• According to the Schengen rules the visa fee is non-refundable.

Business visa application checklist

In order to ensure quick and efficient visa processing you must prepare all necessary documentation before you submit the application package to VFS Global. Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or might lead to a refusal of your application. Therefore, please do not approach the visa reception before you have collected all supporting documentation.

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.

Please note: All documents, submitted in copies, must be accompanied by their originals.
Application form filled in English completely and signed by the applicant

Photos

• Two recent color photographs of the applicant (size 3.5cm X 4.5cm) with good resemblance over light background.

Passports

• Foreign passport, which must be valid at least 3 months beyond the visa’s expiry date. (Other travel documents must be valid at least 6 months beyond the visa’s expiry date).
• Copy of all marked pages of the foreign passport.
• Other valid and/or expired foreign passports
• Copy of civil passport ( for example-internal document of Russian Federation citizens) – all pages
• Copy of all pages of other valid and/or expired foreign passports

Invitation letter

• Invitation letter from Iceland which should include the following information:
  • Information about the inviting company or organization;
  • Information about the invited person (full name, passport number);
  • Purpose of travel;
  • Information about business relations;
  • Dates of visit (period, number of days);
  • Detailed programme of the stay (if the period of the stay exceeds 14 days);

Financial conditions of visit

• Information about the financial conditions of the visit (who is responsible for the costs).
• If the inviting part is not financially responsible for all expenses regarding the trip, it is necessary to submit the following documentation:
  • Hotel booking confirmation (family and given names of the applicant must be indicated);
  • Original of the bank statement, signed by the bank staff and stamped, confirming that the applicant has 50 EUROS per day for each person or a letter of guarantee from employer (must be issued not more than 30 days ago);

Conference/Congress participation

• If the purpose of travel is participation in a CONFERENCE (or CONGRESS) it is necessary to submit the following supplementary documentation:
  • Confirmation of registration for payment of the fee;
  • Hotel booking confirmation (family and given names of the applicant must be indicated);
  • Letter from a bank confirming that the applicant has 50 EUROS per day for each person (must be issued not more than 30 days ago);

Employment letter

• Verification from the applicant’s employer with the company’s details, stamp and signature of an executive officer (must be issued not more than 30 days ago);). It should include the following information:
  • date of employment;
  • position
• If the applicant is self-employed (private or independent entrepreneur), the Embassy requires
  • original (and a copy) of registration certificate for private or independent entrepreneur;
  • original (and a copy) of certificate of registration with the tax inspectorate;
  • copy of income statement for an accounting period, stamped by the tax inspectorate.

Flight tickets

• Paid tickets to and from Iceland (both) with fixed dates and booking number reflecting in it. (this document has to be provided not depending on conditions of travel)

Travel insurance

• Original (and a copy) of International Medical Insurance valid for all Schengen-countries. The insurance coverage should be at least 30,000 EUROS or equivalent and cover all risks e.g. accident, illness, medical emergency evacuation etc. The insurance should cover the whole period of stay + 15 days.

Power of attorney

• If the application is not submitted personally by the applicant, the applicant must issue a letter of full power to the person handing in the application. A notarized letter of attorney must be shown if the passport is not collected personally by the applicant with the exception of relatives, who can prove family relation with documents, and representatives of authorized touristic companies.

Note:

• The Embassy may require additional documents or request the applicant to come to the Embassy for an interview.
• According to the Schengen rules the visa fee is non-refundable.

Sports, culture, science, study visa application checklist

In order to ensure quick and efficient visa processing you must prepare all necessary documentation before you submit the application package to VFS Global. Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or might lead to a refusal of your application. Therefore, please do not approach the visa reception before you have collected all supporting documentation.

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.

Please note: All documents, submitted in copies, must be accompanied by their originals.
Application form filled in English completely and signed by the applicant

Photos

• Two recent color photographs of the applicant (size 3.5cm X 4.5cm) with good resemblance over light background.

Passports

• Foreign passport, which must be valid at least 3 months beyond the visa’s expiry date. (Other travel documents must be valid at least 6 months beyond the visa’s expiry date).
• Copy of all marked pages of the foreign passport.
• Other valid and/or expired foreign passports
• Copy of civil passport ( for example-internal document of Russian Federation citizens) – all pages
• Copy of all pages of other valid and/or expired foreign passports

Invitation letter

• Invitation letter from Iceland which should include the following information:
  • Information about the inviting company or organization;
  • Information about the invited person (full name, passport number);
  • Purpose of travel;
  • Information about relations;
  • Dates of visit (period, number of days);
  • Detailed programme of stay (if the period of the stay exceeds 14 days);
  • Information about the financial conditions of the visit (who is responsible for the costs).

Financial conditions of visit

• Information about the financial conditions of the visit (who is responsible for the costs).
• If the inviting part is not financially responsible for all expenses regarding the trip, it is necessary to submit the following documentation:
  • Hotel booking confirmation (family and given names of the applicant must be indicated);
  • Original of the bank statement, signed by the bank staff and stamped, confirming that the applicant has 50 EUROS per day for each person or a letter of guarantee from employer (must be issued not more than 30 days ago);

Sports event participation

• If the purpose of travel is to take part in a SPORT EVENT it is necessary to submit the following supplementary documentation:
• Covering letter from sport federation;
• Covering letter from sport school or sport club;
• Hotel booking confirmation (if the inviting side is not responsible for accommodation) – family and given names of the applicant must be indicated.
• Document confirming qualification as a sportsman.
• Guarantee letter from sport federation or an original of the bank statement, signed by the bank staff and stamped, confirming that the applicant has 50 EUROS per day for each person (must be issued not more than 30 days ago);

Employment letter

• Verification from the applicant’s employer with the company’s details, stamp and signature of an executive officer (must be issued not more than 30 days ago);). It should include the following information:
  • date of employment;
  • position
• If the applicant is self-employed (private or independent entrepreneur), the Embassy requires
  • ooriginal (and a copy) of registration certificate for private or independent entrepreneur;
  • ooriginal (and a copy) of certificate of registration with the tax inspectorate;
  • copy of income statement for an accounting period, stamped by the tax inspectorate.

Children

• If the applicant is a minor, the Embassy requires a copy of a notarized parental authorization for the travel (in the parental consent it should be mentioned that the destination country is Iceland).

Flight tickets

• Paid tickets to and from Iceland (both) with fixed dates and booking number reflecting in it. (this document has to be provided not depending on conditions of travel)

Travel insurance

• Original (and a copy) of International Medical Insurance valid for all Schengen-countries. The insurance coverage should be at least 30,000 EUROS or equivalent and cover all risks e.g. accident, illness, medical emergency evacuation etc. The insurance should cover the whole period of stay + 15 days.

Power of attorney

• If the application is not submitted personally by the applicant, the applicant must issue a letter of full power to the person handing in the application. A notarized letter of attorney must be shown if the passport is not collected personally by the applicant with the exception of relatives, who can prove family relation with documents, and representatives of authorized touristic companies.

Note:

• The Embassy may require additional documents or request the applicant to come to the Embassy for an interview.
• According to the Schengen rules the visa fee is non-refundable.

Transit visa application checklist

In order to ensure quick and efficient visa processing you must prepare all necessary documentation before you submit the application package to VFS Global. Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or might lead to a refusal of your application. Therefore, please do not approach the visa reception before you have collected all supporting documentation.

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.

Please note: All documents, submitted in copies, must be accompanied by their originals.
Application form filled in English completely and signed by the applicant

Photos

• Two recent color photographs of the applicant (size 3.5cm X 4.5cm) with good resemblance over light background.

Passports

• Foreign passport, which must be valid at least 3 months beyond the visa’s expiry date. (Other travel documents must be valid at least 6 months beyond the visa’s expiry date).
• Copy of all marked pages of the foreign passport.
• Other valid and/or expired foreign passports
• Copy of civil passport ( for example-internal document of Russian Federation citizens) – all pages
• Copy of all pages of other valid and/or expired foreign passports

Visa

• Visa for the country of destination;

Flight tickets

• Paid tickets to and from Iceland (both) with fixed dates and booking number reflecting in it. (this document has to be provided not depending on conditions of travel)

Travel insurance

• Original (and a copy) of International Medical Insurance valid for all Schengen-countries.
• The insurance coverage should be at least 30,000 EUROS or equivalent and cover all risks e.g. accident, illness, medical emergency evacuation etc.
• The insurance should cover the whole period of stay + 15 days.

Power of attorney

• If the application is not submitted personally by the applicant, the applicant must issue a letter of full power to the person handing in the application. A notarized letter of attorney must be shown if the passport is not collected personally by the applicant with the exception of relatives, who can prove family relation with documents, and representatives of authorized touristic companies.

Children

• If the applicant is a minor, the Embassy requires a copy of a notarized parental authorization for the travel (in the parental consent it should be mentioned that the destination country is Iceland).

Note:

• The Embassy may require additional documents or request the applicant to come to the Embassy for an interview.
• According to the Schengen rules the visa fee is non-refundable.

Official visa application checklist

In order to ensure quick and efficient visa processing you must prepare all necessary documentation before you submit the application package to VFS Global. Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or might lead to a refusal of your application. Therefore, please do not approach the visa reception before you have collected all supporting documentation.

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.

Please note: All documents, submitted in copies, must be accompanied by their originals.
Application form filled in English completely and signed by the applicant

Photos

• Two recent color photographs of the applicant (size 3.5cm X 4.5cm) with good resemblance over light background.

Passports

• Foreign passport, which must be valid at least 3 months beyond the visa’s expiry date. (Other travel documents must be valid at least 6 months beyond the visa’s expiry date).
• Copy of all marked pages of the foreign passport.
• Other valid and/or expired foreign passports
• Copy of civil passport ( for example-internal document of Russian Federation citizens) – all pages
• Copy of all pages of other valid and/or expired foreign passports

Diplomatic Note Verbale

• Diplomatic Note Verbale from your Ministry stating the reasons for the trip, including dates, names of participants, their ranks, passport numbers and Official Ministries, Organizations and/or businesses visited in Iceland.

Invitation letter

• Invitation letter from Iceland which should include the following information:
  • Information about the inviting organization or company;
  • Information about the invited person(s) (full name(s), passport number(s));
  • Purpose of trip;
  • Information about (business) relations;
  • Dates of visit (period, number of days);
  • Detailed programme of the stay;

Financial conditions of visit

• Information about the financial conditions of the visit (who is responsible for the costs).
• If the inviting part is not financially responsible for all expenses regarding the trip, it is necessary to submit the following documentation:
  • Hotel booking confirmation (family and given names of the applicant must be indicated);
  • Original of the bank statement, signed by the bank staff and stamped, confirming that the applicant has 50 EUROS per day for each person or a letter of guarantee from employer (must be issued not more than 30 days ago);

Employment letter

• Verification from the applicant’s employer with the company’s details, stamp and signature of an executive officer (must be issued not more than 30 days ago);). It should include the following information:
  • date of employment;
  • position
• If the applicant is self-employed (private or independent entrepreneur), the Embassy requires
  • ooriginal (and a copy) of registration certificate for private or independent entrepreneur;
  • ooriginal (and a copy) of certificate of registration with the tax inspectorate;
  • copy of income statement for an accounting period, stamped by the tax inspectorate.

Flight tickets

• Paid tickets to and from Iceland (both) with fixed dates and booking number reflecting in it. (this document has to be provided not depending on conditions of travel)

Travel insurance

• Original (and a copy) of International Medical Insurance valid for all Schengen-countries. The insurance coverage should be at least 30,000 EUROS or equivalent and cover all risks e.g. accident, illness, medical emergency evacuation etc. The insurance should cover the whole period of stay + 15 days.

Power of attorney

• If the application is not submitted personally by the applicant, the applicant must issue a letter of full power to the person handing in the application. A notarized letter of attorney must be shown if the passport is not collected personally by the applicant with the exception of relatives, who can prove family relation with documents, and representatives of authorized touristic companies.

Note:

• The Embassy may require additional documents or request the applicant to come to the Embassy for an interview.
• According to the Schengen rules the visa fee is non-refundable.

Seamen transit visa application checklist

In order to ensure quick and efficient visa processing you must prepare all necessary documentation before you submit the application package to VFS Global. Failing to submit all relevant documentation will result in unnecessary delays or might lead to a refusal of your application. Therefore, please do not approach the visa reception before you have collected all supporting documentation.

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.

Please note: All documents, submitted in copies, must be accompanied by their originals.
Application form filled in English completely and signed by the applicant

Photos

• Two recent color photographs of the applicant (size 3.5cm X 4.5cm) with good resemblance over light background.

Passports

• Foreign passport, which must be valid at least 3 months beyond the visa’s expiry date. (Other travel documents must be valid at least 6 months beyond the visa’s expiry date).
• Copy of all marked pages of the foreign passport.
• Other valid and/or expired foreign passports
• Copy of civil passport ( for example-internal document of Russian Federation citizens) – all pages
• Copy of all pages of other valid and/or expired foreign passports
• Original and copy of seamen passport

Invitation letter

• Invitation letter from Iceland which should include the following information:
  • Information about the inviting company or organization;
  • Information about the invited person (full name, passport number);
  • Purpose of travel;
  • Information about business relations;
  • Dates of visit (period, number of days);
  • Information about the financial conditions of the visit (who is responsible for the costs).

Crew list

• Crew-list (rank should be indicated).

Financial conditions of visit

• Information about the financial conditions of the visit (who is responsible for the costs).
• If the inviting part is not financially responsible for all expenses regarding the trip, it is necessary to submit the following documentation:
  • Hotel booking confirmation (family and given names of the applicant must be indicated);
  • Original of the bank statement, signed by the bank staff and stamped, confirming that the applicant has 50 EUROS per day for each person or a letter of guarantee from employer (must be issued not more than 30 days ago);

Flight tickets

• Paid tickets to and from Iceland (both) with fixed dates and booking number reflecting in it. (this document has to be provided not depending on conditions of travel).

Note:

• The Embassy may require additional documents or request the applicant to come to the Embassy for an interview.
• According to the Schengen rules the visa fee is non-refundable.

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 Russia?

Russian nationals and third-country nationals who are legally present in Russia.

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

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 Russia (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 above.

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 from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research;
• 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.

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 in Russia. Please note that during holidays the operation of certain consular services may be reduced.

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

• Schengen Visa Application Form
• Application Process
• Checklist Missing Documents And Comments
• Frequently Asked Question
• Biometric Data Collection Requirement