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 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. Personal appearance is requested for applicants applying for a Schengen visa to Iceland for the first time. 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. English translations must accompany the documents not originally in English. The application supporting documents should be handed in on A4 papers. 

VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS VISA APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• The travel document must be valid for a minimum of three (3) months after the planned journey, issued within the previous 10 years and have at least two (2) blank pages. Provide previous old/cancelled passports – including any valid visas for Schengen or USA/UK (issued in last three years).
• Online application form https://visa.government.is/. Printed and signed by the applicant.
  Harmonized Schengen visa application form.
  Both application forms must be submitted with the application.
• One (1) passport photograph (max. 6 months old, on a white background, measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm.)
• Travel medical insurance (insurance card is NOT sufficient) valid for all Schengen-countries. The insurance must cover the applicant for at least 30,000 Euros, for all risks e.g., accident, illness, medical emergency evacuation etc. The policy must clearly specify the period of validity and must cover the entire duration of the trip including the date of arrival & departure.
• Proof of Transportation - Flight reservation of return or round ticket. If the applicant is travelling to several Schengen States, proof of intra-Schengen flight reservation, train itinerary or car rental. Please note that the tickets do not have to be paid, only the flight booking needs to be submitted. Travel plan covering all the within Schengen area.
• Proof of accommodation – Hotel reservations, rental of holiday home or campus residence reservation. If you intend to stay with a family member or a friend, proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation from the host. If you are travelling to several Schengen states, proof of accommodation in each of them.
• Proof of employment/sponsorship/study/retired
  • Employed:
    • pay slips for the last three months.
    • employment contract and holiday approved/leave letter from employer
      Self-employed:
    • certificate of registration of the company.
  • Student:
    • letter confirming enrolment in the college/university
  • Sponsored:
    • proof of sponsorship and a letter from the sponsor as well as copy of the sponsor’s photo ID (e.g., passport, residence permit card)
    • If sponsored by spouse, please provide marriage certificate
  • Retired:
    • pension statements for the last three months.
    • proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business.
• Proof of sufficient funds
  Original personal bank statement with applicant's name showing movements in the last three months, duly stamped, and signed by the bank:
  • Should be provided by all applicants regardless of sponsorship.
  • The account should be in the name of the applicant or the sponsor of the trip. In case of a sponsor, the bank statement should be accompanied by a signed sponsorship letter and a signed copy of the sponsor’s passport.
    The statements must show that you - during the entire trip - have 4000 ISK per day for staying in a hotel or 2000 ISK per day if the expenses connected with the stay are borne by a third party.
    Indian income tax return acknowledgment for the last two assessment years.
• Proof of family relationship
  • In case of visiting spouse living in Iceland - copy of Marriage Certificate or proof of cohabitation.
    Proof of family relationship if applicant is visiting close relatives: Filled out online invitation form from here: https://island.is/en/get-a-visa/supporting-documents
    (Invitation Letter for visitors).
    Filled out online sponsorship form from here: https://island.is/en/get-a-visa/supporting-documents (Guarantee form for visits)
• In case of minors (< 18 years) traveling:
  • If the minor is traveling with only one parent, written consent certified by public notary of the other parent or guardian, except in cases of a parent having sole custody or guardianship of the minor.
  • If the minor travels alone (without parents), written consent, certified by a public notary of both parents or guardians having custody of the minor, in which case a court order or other proof of sole custody or guardianship must be provided. 
  • A photocopy of both parents’ passports. If not, copies of the photo ID card of the parents, if not applicable a photocopy of a birth certificate of the applicant and copies of the ID cards of the parents. 

Visiting family and friends - Checklist - IND

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 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. Personal appearance is requested for applicants applying for a Schengen visa to Iceland for the first time. 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. English translations must accompany the documents not originally in English. The application supporting documents should be handed in on A4 papers.

BUSINESS VISA APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• The travel document must be valid for a minimum of three (3) months after the planned journey, issued within the previous 10 years and have at least two (2) blank pages. Provide previous old/cancelled passports – including any valid visas for Schengen or USA/UK (issued in last three years).
• Filled out online application form https://visa.government.is/. Printed and signed by the applicant. Filled out harmonized Schengen visa application form. Both application forms must be submitted with the application.
• One (1) passport photograph (max. 6 months old, on a white background, measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm.)
• Travel medical insurance (insurance card is NOT sufficient) valid for all Schengen-countries. The insurance must cover the applicant for at least 30,000 Euros, for all risks e.g., accident, illness, medical emergency evacuation etc. The policy must clearly specify the period of validity and must cover the entire duration of the trip including the date of arrival & departure.
• Proof of Transportation - Flight reservation of return or round ticket. If the applicant is travelling to several Schengen States, proof of intra-Schengen flight reservation, train itinerary or car rental. Please note that the tickets do not have to be paid, only the flight booking needs to be submitted. Travel plan covering all the within Schengen area.
• Proof of accommodation – Hotel reservations, rental of holiday home or campus residence reservation. If you intend to stay with a family member or a friend, proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation from the host. If you are travelling to several Schengen states, proof of accommodation in each of them.
• Proof of employment/sponsorship/study/retired
  • Employed:
    • pay slips for the last three months.
    • employment contract and holiday approved/leave letter from employer
  • Self-employed:
    • certificate of registration of the company.
  • Student:
    • letter confirming enrolment in the college/university
  • Sponsored:
    • proof of sponsorship and a letter from the sponsor as well as copy of the sponsor’s photo ID (e.g., passport, residence permit card)
    • If sponsored by spouse, please provide marriage certificate.
  • Retired:
    • pension statements for the last three months.
    • proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business.
• Proof of sufficient funds
  Original personal bank statement with applicant's name showing movements in the last three months, duly stamped, and signed by the bank:
  • Should be provided by all applicants regardless of sponsorship.
    The account should be in the name of the applicant or the sponsor of the trip. In case of a sponsor, the bank statement should be accompanied by a signed sponsorship letter and a signed copy of the sponsor’s passport.
  • The statements must show that you - during the entire trip - have 4000 ISK per day for staying in a hotel or 2000 ISK per day if the expenses connected with the stay are borne by a third party.
    Indian income tax return acknowledgment for the last two assessment years.
• A cover letter from the Indian organization or company containing following details; the applicant's identity; the purpose of the journey (meetings, conferences, training or business-related events); and the period and place of intended stay.
• Signed invitation containing contact details of the inviting party; the applicant's identity; the purpose of the journey (meetings, conferences, training or business-related events); and the period and place of intended stay.
• In case of minors (<18 years) traveling:
  • If the minor is traveling with only one parent, written consent certified by public notary of the other parent or guardian, except in cases of a parent having sole custody or guardianship of the minor.
  • If the minor travels alone (without parents), written consent, certified by a public notary of both parents or guardians having custody of the minor, in which case a court order or other proof of sole custody or guardianship must be provided.
  • A photocopy of both parents’ passports. If not, copies of the photo ID card of the parents, if not applicable a photocopy of a birth certificate of the applicant and copies of the ID cards of the parents.

Business - Checklist - IND

STUDY/SPORT/CULTURAL/FILM CREW VISA

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. Personal appearance is requested for applicants applying for a Schengen visa to Iceland for the first time. 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. English translations must accompany the documents not originally in English. The application supporting documents should be handed in on A4 papers.

STUDY/SPORT/CULTURAL/FILM CREW VISA APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• The travel document must be valid for a minimum of three (3) months after the planned journey, issued within the previous 10 years and have at least two (2) blank pages. Provide previous old/cancelled passports – including any valid visas for Schengen or USA/UK (issued in last three years).
• Filled out online application form https://visa.government.is/ Printed and signed by the applicant.
  Filled out harmonized Schengen visa application form.
  Both application forms must be submitted with the application.
• One (1) passport photograph (max. 6 months old, on a white background, measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm.)
• Travel medical insurance (insurance card is NOT sufficient) valid for all Schengen-countries. The insurance must cover the applicant for at least 30,000 Euros, for all risks e.g., accident, illness, medical emergency evacuation etc. The policy must clearly specify the period of validity and must cover the entire duration of the trip including the date of arrival & departure.
• Proof of Transportation - Flight reservation of return or round ticket. If the applicant is travelling to several Schengen States, proof of intra-Schengen flight reservation, train itinerary or car rental. Please note that the tickets do not have to be paid, only the flight booking needs to be submitted. Travel plan covering all the within Schengen area.
• Proof of accommodation – Hotel reservations, rental of holiday home or campus residence reservation. If you intend to stay with a family member or a friend, proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation from the host. If you are travelling to several Schengen states, proof of
  accommodation in each of them.
• Proof of employment/sponsorship/study/retired
  • Employed:
    • pay slips for the last three months.
    • employment contract and holiday approved/leave letter from employer
  • Self-employed:
    • certificate of registration of the company.
  • Student:
    • letter confirming enrolment in the college/university
  • Sponsored:
    • proof of sponsorship and a letter from the sponsor as well as copy of the sponsor’s photo ID (e.g., passport, residence permit card)
    • If sponsored by spouse, please provide marriage certificate.
  • Retired:
    • pension statements for the last three months.
    • proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business.
• Proof of sufficient funds
  Original personal bank statement with applicant's name showing movements in the last three months, duly stamped, and signed by the bank:
  • Should be provided by all applicants regardless of sponsorship.
  • The account should be in the name of the applicant or the sponsor of the trip. In case of a sponsor, the bank statement should be accompanied by a signed sponsorship letter and a signed copy of the sponsor’s passport.
    The statements must show that you - during the entire trip - have 4000 ISK per day for staying in a hotel or 2000 ISK per day if the expenses connected with the stay are borne by a third party.
    Indian income tax return acknowledgment for the last two assessment years. 
• Journeys undertaken for study
  • A cover letter from the Indian organization/school containing:
    • Name and date of birth of the applicant: 
    • An outline of the applicant’s itinerary, purpose of visit, how/why the trip is relevant to his/her current studies, and the period of intended stay in Iceland/Schengen: 
    • Copy of student cards or certificates of the organization/school/establishment: 
• Journeys undertaken to attend cultural, sports or religious events:
  • Invitation from Organizer or such: 
  • Entry tickets to event – if applicable: 
  • Enrolment – if applicable: 
  • Programs: 
• Journeys undertaken for Film Crew:
  • Letter from film company – specifying title, synopsis and shooting locations of film: 
  • Complete list of names of travelling crew members along with their roles: 
  • Letter from agency in Iceland confirming arrangements for film permits: 
  • Certificate of registration with Association of Motion Pictures: 
• In case of minors (< 18 years) traveling:
  • If the minor is traveling with only one parent, written consent certified by public notary of the other parent or guardian, except in cases of a parent having sole custody or guardianship of the minor.
  • If the minor travels alone (without parents), written consent, certified by a public notary of both parents or guardians having custody of the minor, in which case a court order or other proof of sole custody or guardianship must be provided.
  • A photocopy of both parents’ passports. If not, copies of the photo ID card of the parents, if not applicable a photocopy of a birth certificate of the applicant and copies of the ID cards of the parents.

Study/Sport/Cultural/Film - Checklist - IND

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 India?

Indian nationals and third-country nationals who are legally present in India.

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

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:

1. the Member State whose territory constitutes the sole destination of the visit(s).
2. 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.
3. 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 India (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 the 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, 23 euros, will be charged by an external service provider, VFS Global.

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 India. 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

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
• Procedure at VFS Visa Applications Centre
• Checklist Missing Documents And Comments
• Invitation Letter
• Guarantee form for visits