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transit visa

Iceland Transit Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time

Navigating international travel often involves stopovers in the North Atlantic, with Iceland's Keflavík International Airport serving as a primary hub between North America and Europe. For many travellers, an Iceland Transit Visa—specifically the Airport Transit Visa (Category A)—is a legal requirement even if you do not plan to leave the airport's international zone. This visa ensures that passengers from certain countries can safely wait for their connecting flights to a destination outside the Schengen Area. It is vital to distinguish between an Airport Transit Visa and a standard Schengen Visit Visa. If your layover requires you to pass through passport control to collect luggage, stay in a hotel, or catch a connecting flight to another Schengen member state, the transit visa will not suffice. In those instances, a Category C Short-stay Visa is required. Always verify your specific requirements based on your citizenship and the nature of your flight itinerary. Please note that visa policies are subject to frequent updates by the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. We strongly recommend confirming all current requirements with the nearest Icelandic embassy, consulate, or authorised visa application centre before beginning your application or booking non-refundable travel.

Key highlights

  • Required for specific nationalities transiting through Keflavík Airport.
  • Valid for the international transit area only (Category A).
  • Essential for travellers heading to non-Schengen destinations.
  • Application must be submitted via the relevant Icelandic embassy or VFS Global.
  • Processing typically takes 15 calendar days.
  • Mandatory travel insurance coverage of at least €30,000.
  • Strict adherence to onward flight schedules is required.

Processing time

15 calendar days

In some cases, processing can be extended to 45 days if additional scrutiny is required by the Icelandic authorities.

Estimated cost

~$90–$130

  • Schengen Transit Visa Fee (Adults)80 EUR (approx. $88)
  • Schengen Transit Visa Fee (Children 6-12)40 EUR (approx. $44)
  • Service Centre Processing Fee (if applicable)Varies by provider

Requirements

  • Applicant must be a citizen of a country legally required to hold an Airport Transit Visa.
  • Possession of a valid flight ticket for a country outside the Schengen Area.
  • Possession of a valid visa for the final destination country, if applicable.
  • No intention to leave the international transit area of the airport.
  • Passport must have been issued within the last 10 years.
  • Clean criminal record and no prior Schengen deportation history.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover the transit period.
  • Travel insurance that is valid across all Schengen member states.
  • The transit must be part of a logical geographic route to the final destination.

Documents you'll need

  • Valid passport with at least two blank pages and 3 months validity beyond departure.
  • Completed and signed Schengen Visa Application Form.
  • Two recent passport-sized photos meeting ICAO standards.
  • Proof of onward travel (confirmed flight tickets to a non-Schengen destination).
  • Valid visa for the final destination country (if required).
  • Travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the transit.
  • Cover letter explaining the travel itinerary and purpose of transit.

How to apply, step by step

  1. 1

    Check Eligibility

    Determine if your nationality requires an Airport Transit Visa (Category A) or a standard Schengen Visa (Category C) for your specific layover.

  2. 2

    Fill Application Form

    Complete the official Icelandic Schengen Visa application form accurately. Ensure you select 'Transit' as the purpose of your journey.

  3. 3

    Prepare Document Folder

    Gather all supporting documents, including your passport, photographs, onward flight confirmation, and travel insurance certificate.

  4. 4

    Book Appointment

    Excluding certain exceptions, you must book an appointment at the nearest Icelandic embassy or designated visa application centre (such as VFS Global).

  5. 5

    Submit and Pay

    Attend your appointment to submit your documents, provide biometric data (fingerprints), and pay the non-refundable visa fee.

  6. 6

    Wait for Processing

    The embassy will process your application. You can often track the status online through the service provider's portal.

  7. 7

    Collect Passport

    Once a decision is made, collect your passport. Thoroughly check the visa sticker for any errors in dates or name spelling.

Tips to avoid refusal

  • Double-check that your layover does not require a terminal change that involves entering the Schengen Area.
  • Ensure your travel insurance specifically mentions 'Schengen' and the minimum €30,000 coverage.
  • Submit your application at least 3-4 weeks before travel to account for any shipping or administrative delays.
  • Provide a clear, typed itinerary that shows the logical progression of your trip.
  • Ensure your passport is signed and has sufficient blank pages for the visa sticker.
  • If you are transiting to a country that does not require a visa for you, provide proof of your right to enter that country (e.g., citizenship or residency).

Frequently asked questions

Related visa guides

Iceland Visa Guide — Every Visa Type ExplainedIceland Tourist Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing TimeIceland Business Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing TimeIceland Embassy & Consulate Guide
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Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.

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