Reykjavik Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, serves as the main entry point for travelers visiting this Nordic island nation. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, which means entry requirements follow Schengen regulations. Most visitors arrive at Keflavík International Airport, located approximately 50 kilometers from Reykjavik's city center. The country maintains modern immigration facilities and generally offers a straightforward entry process for tourists. Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, and many other countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can enter Iceland without a visa for short stays. The immigration process is typically efficient, though travelers should be prepared to show proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds for their stay. Iceland's immigration officers are professional and most speak excellent English, making communication straightforward for international visitors. Before traveling to Reykjavik, ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area. While Iceland is not part of the European Union, it is part of the Schengen Agreement, meaning there are no border controls between Iceland and other Schengen countries. However, travelers arriving from outside the Schengen Area will go through full immigration procedures upon arrival in Iceland.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Iceland follows Schengen Area visa regulations. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your stay. The standard tourist stay allows for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and numerous other nations can enter Iceland without a visa for tourism, business, or family visits

Includes

All EU member states United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Israel United Arab Emirates Brazil Argentina Chile Mexico Switzerland Norway

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Iceland. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely but should register if staying longer than 3 months.

Schengen Visa Required

Typically up to 90 days within 180-day period, depending on visa issued

Citizens of countries not on the visa-exemption list must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to Iceland

How to Apply: Apply at the Icelandic embassy or consulate in your country of residence, or at the embassy/consulate of another Schengen country representing Iceland. Applications should be submitted 15 days to 6 months before travel. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days but can take up to 45 days in some cases.
Cost: €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, free for children under 6 (fees may vary)

Required documents typically include valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), proof of accommodation, flight reservations, proof of financial means, and employment/student status documentation. If Iceland is not your main destination in the Schengen Area, apply at the embassy of your main destination country.

Long-Stay Visa/Residence Permit

Varies based on purpose, typically from 6 months to several years

For stays exceeding 90 days or for purposes such as work, study, or family reunification

How to Apply: Must be applied for before arrival in Iceland through the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun). Different categories exist for work, study, family reunification, and other purposes. Processing times vary significantly by category.

Cannot be converted from a tourist visa while in Iceland. Must be obtained before travel. Requirements vary significantly based on purpose of stay.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport or other ports of entry, all travelers from outside the Schengen Area must pass through immigration control. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can use automated gates or EU/EEA lanes, while other nationalities use designated lanes for third-country nationals. The process is generally efficient, with most travelers clearing immigration within 15-30 minutes during normal periods.

Arrival and Disembarkation

Follow signs to passport control/immigration after leaving the aircraft. There are separate lanes for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and other nationalities.

Immigration Control

Present your passport and any required documents to the immigration officer. Officers may ask questions about your visit. Automated e-gates are available for eligible travelers with biometric passports.

Baggage Claim

After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim to collect your checked luggage. Monitors display flight numbers and corresponding baggage carousels.

Customs Declaration

Choose the appropriate customs channel: Green (nothing to declare) or Red (goods to declare). Random checks may occur even in the green channel.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After customs, you enter the public arrivals area where you can access ground transportation, currency exchange, and tourist information services.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, and issued within the last 10 years. Must have at least 2 blank pages.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of your intention to leave Iceland/Schengen Area within the permitted timeframe. Can be electronic or printed.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservations, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host. Should cover your entire stay or demonstrate clear travel plans.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, cash, or traveler's checks to demonstrate ability to support yourself during your stay. No specific amount mandated but generally €65-100 per day is recommended.

Travel Insurance

While not always checked for visa-free travelers, comprehensive travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage is strongly recommended and required for visa applicants.

Visa (if applicable)

Schengen visa for nationals of countries requiring one, properly affixed in passport.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching the immigration counter, including accommodation confirmations and return tickets on your phone or printed.

Be honest and concise in your answers to immigration officers. Provide clear, straightforward responses without volunteering unnecessary information.

Dress appropriately and maintain a respectful demeanor. First impressions matter at immigration control.

If connecting from another Schengen country, you will have already cleared immigration there. Reykjavik will be a domestic arrival with no additional immigration check.

Download the Visit Iceland app or have important addresses and phone numbers saved offline in case you need to reference them without internet access.

Keep your passport and boarding pass in hand until you've completely cleared immigration and customs.

If you have a long or complex travel history, be prepared to explain your previous trips clearly and confidently.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can use automated e-gates if they have biometric passports, significantly speeding up the process.

Customs & Duty-Free

Iceland has specific customs regulations that all travelers must follow. The country has strict rules regarding certain items due to its unique ecosystem and agricultural concerns. Duty-free allowances are available for travelers aged 18 and over (21 for alcohol), but all goods must be declared if they exceed the allowances. Iceland uses both the green (nothing to declare) and red (goods to declare) channel system.

Alcohol - Option 1

1 liter of spirits (up to 47% alcohol) AND 0.75 liters of wine (up to 21% alcohol) AND 3 liters of beer (up to 5.8% alcohol)

Must be 21 years or older. Total value of alcohol cannot exceed ISK 120,000. Cannot be combined with tobacco option that includes spirits.

Alcohol - Option 2

1.5 liters of wine AND 6 liters of beer (or 3 liters of wine and 6 liters of beer, or 9 liters of beer)

Must be 21 years or older for spirits, 18 for wine and beer. Various combinations allowed within limits.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 250g of other tobacco products

Must be 18 years or older. Can be combined with alcohol allowances but not with spirits if choosing full tobacco allowance.

Currency

No limit on amount brought in or taken out

Amounts exceeding ISK 10,000 in Icelandic króna or equivalent in foreign currency should be declared. EU regulations require declaration of €10,000 or more when traveling to/from EU countries.

Gifts and Goods

Goods up to ISK 88,000 in value (approximately €600)

Applies to goods for personal use. Exceeding this amount requires payment of customs duties and VAT. Food products have strict limitations.

Food Products

3kg of food not exceeding ISK 25,000 in value

Must be for personal consumption. Uncooked meat, uncooked milk products, and raw eggs are prohibited. Cooked/canned meat up to 3kg allowed.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - strictly prohibited with severe penalties
Uncooked meat and meat products - due to disease prevention
Raw eggs and uncooked milk products - agricultural protection
Firearms and weapons without prior permission - requires special permit
Live animals (without permit) - strict quarantine and import regulations
Endangered species products - protected under CITES regulations
Pornographic materials - subject to review and potential confiscation
Snuff tobacco (snus) - banned in Iceland except for personal use quantities
Certain plants and seeds - agricultural protection measures
Counterfeit goods - trademark and copyright enforcement

Restricted Items

Fishing equipment - must be disinfected and accompanied by certificate, or disinfected upon arrival (fee applies)
Riding gear and equipment - must be clean and disinfected, used equipment requires certificate
Prescription medications - must be in original packaging with prescription, limited to 3 months supply
Pets - require import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, and blood tests; subject to quarantine
Drones - registration required for drones over 250g; restrictions apply in many areas
Camping equipment and hiking boots - must be clean and disinfected to prevent contamination
Alcohol exceeding allowances - subject to customs duty and VAT
Tobacco exceeding allowances - subject to customs duty and VAT

Health Requirements

Iceland has minimal mandatory health requirements for entry, as it is a low-risk country for most diseases. However, travelers should be aware of recommendations and any current health measures that may be in place.

Required Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required for entry to Iceland for most travelers
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required only if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, etc.) should be up to date
Hepatitis A and B - recommended for most travelers
Influenza - especially during winter months
COVID-19 - current vaccination recommended though not required for entry

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors, though not checked at entry for visa-free travelers. EU/EEA citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to necessary healthcare. Comprehensive travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants. Healthcare in Iceland is expensive for uninsured visitors, and insurance should include emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Current Health Requirements: As of January 2025, Iceland has lifted most COVID-19 related entry restrictions. However, travelers should check the official website of the Directorate of Health (Landlæknisembættið) and the Icelandic government's COVID-19 information portal before travel, as requirements can change based on the global health situation. No testing, quarantine, or specific health declarations are currently required, but this may change. Monitor official sources for updates on any health measures.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Reykjavik for assistance. Most major countries have representation in Iceland.

Check your government's travel advisory website before departure and register your travel plans if such service is available (e.g., STEP for US citizens, Travel Registration for Canadians)

Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun)

Official Icelandic immigration authority - utl.is - for visa applications, residence permits, and official immigration information

Email: utl@utl.is, Phone: +354 510 5400, Address: Dalvegur 18, 201 Kópavogur

Emergency Services

112 - Emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services

Available 24/7, operators speak English and other languages. Use for genuine emergencies only.

Icelandic Tourist Board

Visit Iceland (visiticeland.com) - official tourism information and assistance

Tourist information centers available at Keflavík Airport and in central Reykjavik

Customs Information

Icelandic Customs (customs.is) - for questions about customs regulations and duty-free allowances

Phone: +354 560 0300

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (family passports are not accepted). Minors traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s), though this is not always checked. The letter should include travel dates, destination, and contact information. For divorced or separated parents, custody documentation may be helpful. Unaccompanied minors should contact the airline for specific requirements and services.

Traveling with Pets

Iceland has extremely strict pet import regulations due to its disease-free status. Pets must have an import permit from the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST), obtained well in advance. Requirements include: microchip identification, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), rabies antibody test, treatment for tapeworm and ticks, and health certificate issued by official veterinarian within 7 days of travel. Most pets are subject to a 4-week quarantine upon arrival. Only cats and dogs from approved countries may enter with reduced quarantine. Birds and other animals face additional restrictions. Process should begin at least 4-6 months before travel. Costs are substantial.

Extended Stays

Tourist stays are limited to 90 days within 180 days for visa-free nationals, and this cannot be extended while in Iceland except in exceptional circumstances (medical emergency, force majeure). For longer stays, you must apply for a residence permit before arrival through the Directorate of Immigration. Options include: work permits (requires job offer from Icelandic employer), study permits (requires acceptance to Icelandic educational institution), family reunification (for family members of Icelandic/EEA residents), or other specific categories. Applications must be made from your home country. Processing times vary from several weeks to months. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Working in Iceland

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have the right to work in Iceland without a permit but should register with the Directorate of Immigration if staying over 3 months. Non-EU/EEA citizens must obtain a work permit before arrival, which requires a confirmed job offer from an Icelandic employer who must demonstrate that no suitable EU/EEA candidate is available. The employer typically initiates the application process. Certain professions have additional requirements or restrictions. Working on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited.

Students and Au Pairs

Students must obtain a residence permit for studies before arrival, requiring acceptance letter from recognized Icelandic educational institution, proof of financial means, and accommodation confirmation. Au pairs need a specific au pair permit, with requirements including age 18-30, host family agreement meeting official standards, and participation in Icelandic language courses. Both categories have specific rights and obligations defined by Icelandic law.

Transit Through Iceland

Passengers transiting through Keflavík Airport without leaving the international transit area generally do not need to go through Icelandic immigration if continuing to a non-Schengen destination on the same day. However, if leaving the airport, changing terminals, or if your onward destination is within the Schengen Area, you must clear Icelandic immigration. Transit passengers should verify visa requirements based on their nationality and routing. Baggage typically must be collected and rechecked if not on a through ticket.