Iceland visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Iceland

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Icelander Visa.

  • A valid passport with at least 3 months validity before return date are required. The passport should have at least two blank pages.
  • Two recent passport photographs with a white background that follows the passport format of a visa application.
  • A copy of return ticket back to South Africa.
  • Bank statement not older than 3 months showing that you can cater for yourself during your time in Iceland.
  • Applicants should ensure they have a copy of the correctly filled and signed visa application form.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Letter of invitation from host.

Iceland Visa for South Africans

Facts about Iceland

Iceland is a prime destination for tourists for its nightlife and bars. The country has spas where you can go to and have a relaxing time. Also, there are national parks scattered around the country where tourists can go to partake in a flurry of activities. During winter, the country offers whale watching and awesome delicacies like the fermented shark.

Tourism was a major factor in the resurgence of the Icelandic economy after the period when the banking system in the country systematically failed. The average number of tourists the country receives doubles the entire population of the country. Iceland receives as much as 2 million tourists yearly.

Smoking in public places is not accepted in the country. Anyone caught in the act will be fined.

Tourists are advised not to do things like complain about the local food, touch swans in the street or take pictures of locals. Also, try as much as possible to refrain from attempting to speak Icelandic except you have had proper tutoring.

Types of Iceland Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 days 90 days
Business visa 15 days 90 days
Medical visa 15 days 90 days
Official visa 15 days 90 days
Student visa 15 days 90 days
Transit visa 15 days 24 hours

General Requirements for Iceland Visa

  • A valid passport with at least 3 months validity before return date are required. The passport should have at least two blank pages.
  • Two recent passport photographs with a white background that follows the passport format of a visa application.
  • A copy of return ticket back to South Africa.
  • Bank statement not older than 3 months showing that you can cater for yourself during your time in Iceland.
  • Applicants should ensure they have a copy of the correctly filled and signed visa application form.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Letter of invitation from host.
Iceland Tourist visa Iceland Business visa Iceland Medical visa Iceland Official visa Iceland Student visa Iceland Transit visa

Iceland Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Holders of this kind of visa visit the country with the purposes of sightseeing, tourism and visiting friends and family.
  • The visa usually takes about 15 days to be processed and is valid for a period of 90 days.
  • It typically costs about $74 unless otherwise stated on the passport.
  • There is a need to present an invitation letter from friends or family member you are going to visit accompanied with a detailed home address.
  • You need to have a valid medical insurance.
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to work during their stay in the country.
  • You are not allowed to enroll in any institution of learning with this visa.
  • Minors should have the original copy of their birth certificate for the visa application process.
  • You should obey all the laws of the country.
  • It is a multiple entry visa.

Iceland Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This type of visa is issued to those who visit the country to conduct businesses, attend business meetings and sign business contracts.
  • Whoever holds this visa is not allowed to take up work in the country.
  • A letter of invitation from the company in Iceland is needed. On the letter, either the employer or partner company must state coverage of applicant’s expenses during his stay in the country.
  • A certificate from your current employer approving your business travel.
  • You are not allowed to take up paid work with this visa type.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • The business visa costs about $74 to process.
  • It takes a period of 15 days to be processed and it is valid for 90 days.
  • This visa type allows its holder multiple entry.

Iceland Medical Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This type of visa is issued to those whose health situation is not quite well and cannot get the required treatment in South Africa.
  • A letter of invitation from the medical institution is mandatory.
  • Evidence of the covered medical treatment is also required.
  • You are obliged to obey all the rules and regulations of the country.
  • If applicant is not a South African, a South African stay permit should be tendered.
  • Original copy of birth certificate should be tendered if applicant is a minor.
  • You are not allowed to take up work with this kind of visa.
  • The visa fee of this type of visa is $74.
  • The visa is processed for about 15 days and is valid for 3 months.

Iceland Official Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is the visa issued to government delegates from a foreign country.
  • The identity of the applicant should be submitted at the embassy.
  • Ensure to provide the letter from your government stating the reason and duration of your stay in the country.
  • Your status in the government, name, position and title should be included in the letter.
  • The responsibility of submitting minor’s visa application form is on the parents of the minor. The form should be signed by both parents before it is submitted.
  • A diplomat whose visit to Iceland is non-official will not be issued the diplomatic visa.
  • Holders of this visa cannot work during their time in the country.
  • It takes a period of 15 days for this visa to be processed.
  • It ceases to be valid after 90 days.
  • The visa processing fee is $74.

Iceland Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is meant for those who seek to attend one of the country’s institutions of learning.
  • Applicants bank statement for the last three months is needed to prove financial sustenance.
  • Enrollment certificate which allows for attendance of courses is needed.
  • Family ties that show you have the incentive to return to South Africa.
  • If applicant is a minor, original copy of birth certificate is required. Both parents should ensure the application form is duly signed.
  • With this visa, you are not allowed to be gainfully employed during your stay.
  • You should tender the application letter from the institution of learning.
  • The visa can be extended after the 90-day validity period if the holder has not completed the course of study.
  • This visa costs $74.

Iceland Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to people who need to make a short-stop at the airport to board a connecting flight.
  • Applicants of this visa may also want to join a ship to their destination country.
  • The holder is not allowed to visit any relative or friend.
  • Visa of the destination country is required.
  • Confirmed flight ticket to the destination country is also required.
  • If the applicant is not a South African, a South African stay permit is needed.
  • It is a single-entry visa.
  • It is valid for only 24 hours.

Iceland Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

Long stay visa

74.00 (USD)

122.00 (USD)

Business visa

74.00 (USD)

Medical visa

74.00 (USD)

Official visa

74.00 (USD)

Student visa

74.00 (USD)

Transit visa

74.00 (USD)

Iceland Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Johannesburg

18 Arcadia Road, Chislehurston, Sandton, Johannesburg.

Null

Mspencer@shanduka.co.za

+27 11 305 8900

Frequently Asked Questions

What visa do you need for Iceland?

A Schengen visa will get you into Iceland.

Do South Africans need visa for Iceland?

Yes, South Africans need visa for Iceland.

Is it expensive to live in Iceland?

According to statistics, Iceland is the fourth most expensive country in the world.

What is the best time of year to go to Iceland?

The best time to visit Iceland is in the summer.

How much does a meal cost in Iceland?

A meal can cost as much as $25.