ETIAS for Iceland

EU Travel Authorization for U.S. Citizens Visiting Iceland

Iceland is a popular destination for American tourists wishing to enjoy some of Europe’s most impressive natural beauty. Iceland is famous for the Northern Lights, glaciers, and waterfalls.

To travel to Iceland, U.S. passport holders will soon need to apply for ETIAS. ETIAS for Americans and other visa-exempt non-EU nationals goes live in 2026). You can get ready for the new European entry requirement with these ETIAS application guidelines for Americans.

What Do Americans Need to Visit Iceland?

As an American passport holder, you can visit Iceland for up to 90 days without a visa. You must meet the ETIAS requirements for U.S. citizens.

Here’s what you need to visit Iceland short-term:

  • U.S. passport*
  • ETIAS authorization (starting 2026)

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you’ll exit the Schengen Area

This is what you need to stay for longer than 90 days:

  • U.S. passport
  • Visa for Iceland*

Different visas for Iceland are available. Check which visa you need depending on the reason for your visit. Additional supporting documents may be required.

etias-iceland

ETIAS Iceland for U.S. Citizens

As indicated above, Americans need to apply for ETIAS for short visa-free stays in Iceland. Here’s the most important information about ETIAS for traveling to Iceland from the United States.

Short-stay entry permit Visit Iceland, or other ETIAS countries, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
For tourism, business, and study You cannot work in Iceland with ETIAS. If studying, the course must last 90 days or fewer.
Travel information Reapply for ETIAS every 3 years, sooner if your passport expires first.
Other eligibility information No need to get a separate permit for each EU country you’ll visit. The same permit is valid across the Schengen Area.

The ETIAS for Iceland Application: Steps and Requirements

To apply for ETIAS Iceland from the U.S., you need to:

  1. Complete the online ETIAS form
  2. Pay the ETIAS Iceland fees
  3. Submit your application

You need your valid U.S. passport, a credit or debit card, and an email address to hand when you apply.

ETIAS for Iceland processing and approval

ETIAS applications are automatically checked against European security databases. These include the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Visa Information System (VIS), and Eurodac.

If there are no alerts, your ETIAS for Iceland is approved.

If there is an alert in a system, your ETIAS is manually processed by the ETIAS National Unit before being approved or denied.

In most cases, ETIAS applications made by travelers from the United States will be approved quickly.

You’ll be notified by email when a decision has been reached. The approved ETIAS is electronically linked to your U.S. passport.

How Can Americans Get a Visa for Iceland?

If you do not meet the ETIAS requirements for visiting Iceland, you’ll need to apply for a visa.

Request a visa to stay in Iceland for more than 90 days or for non-tourism or business activities. You need to contact an embassy or consulate of Iceland.

If you’re based in the United States, you can contact Iceland’s embassy in Washington D.C. There are all representations in U.S. cities including Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Portland, and Seattle.

Information About Traveling to Iceland From the USA

There are direct flights to Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, from:

  • New York
  • Boston
  • Washington D.C.
  • Detroit
  • Minneapolis

You should have your passport ready for inspection at the external Schengen border. Iceland border officers will check you hold a valid ETIAS and meet the entry conditions.

Tourism in Iceland for American travelers

Iceland is located in the North Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America. Despite its geographical location, it is considered to be one of the Nordic countries along with Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Iceland is roughly the size of Ohio.

The capital of Iceland is Reykjavik which is home to around 60% of the country’s population. Temperatures in the capital average at around 54 F in summer and 33-35 F in winter.

The phenomenon of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, can be seen during mid-winter (November-December) when the weather is clear. Iceland is also known for its volcanoes and glaciers.

About Iceland

Capital: Reykjavík

Language: Icelandic

Area: 102,775 km²

Population: around 370,000

Timezone: UTC/GTM 0

Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK)

Code: +354

U.S. Embassy in Reykjavík, Iceland

Address: Laufásvegur 21 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Health Advice for U.S. Citizens Visiting Iceland

Speak to a medical professional in the weeks leading up to your trip to Iceland. You should be up-to-date with routine vaccinations. Your doctor may recommend other vaccinations depending on your personal circumstances.

Travel health insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens traveling with ETIAS. However, insurance is advised in case of unexpected medical costs.

If you need a visa for your trip to Iceland, you may need to provide proof of medical insurance. Check the conditions of the visa you’re applying for.

FAQs About Visting Iceland from the United States

Do I need to apply for ETIAS to travel to Iceland in 2023? Toggle faqs

No, you do not need ETIAS to travel to Iceland in 2025, the system is not live yet. ETIAS will be fully operational from 2026.

ETIAS will become an entry requirement for Iceland soon after it enters into operation.

Can Americans study in Iceland with ETIAS or do they need a visa? Toggle faqs

Americans can study in Iceland for up to 90 days with ETIAS. ETIAS is suitable for short courses only. To study long-term or attend university in Iceland, U.S. citizens need a student visa.

I’m a U.S. citizen but I live in Europe, do I need ETIAS for Iceland? Toggle faqs

No, if you hold a residence card or permit issued by one of the Schengen countries, you do not need to apply for ETIAS.

ETIAS is for Americans and nationals of other visa-exempt non-EU countries who do not have permission to remain in Europe long-term.

Which other Nordic countries can U.S. citizens visit with ETIAS? Toggle faqs

ETIAS is valid across the Schengen Area. This means you can use your valid ETIAS to travel to Iceland as well as fellow Nordic countries Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

What should I do if ETIAS for Iceland is denied? Toggle faqs

In the unlikely event that your ETIAS application for Iceland is denied, you’ll be given the right to appeal the decision. Information on how to make an appeal is provided by email.

You cannot travel to Iceland visa-free if your ETIAS is refused.