Will I need an ETIAS to visit Iceland?
From 2023, U.S. citizens will have to present an approved ETIAS permit when travelling to Iceland. ETIAS visa can be obtained online, by filling out the ETIAS application form online and receiving your visa via e-mail when the application is approved. The ETIAS permit will allow U.S. citizens to enter Iceland for tourism, work, transit, or medical purposes, as long as the duration of the trip is under 90 days, and it will be valid for multiple entries made via air, sea, or land. What is more, people between 18 and 70 years of age will be able to apply for this visa free of charge.
What is ETIAS Iceland for U.S. citizens?
The ETIAS visa will come into force in 2023, as part of a European Commission program aimed at strengthening European borders and keeping a digital track on all people travelling to Schengen Area. This program was already approved in 2016, after the terrorist attacks that affected some European countries.
How does ETIAS Iceland visa work for Americans
Starting from November 2023 U.S. citizens must present an ETIAS visa before travelling to Iceland. But if the trip has other purposes than those provided for ETIAS, or a duration longer than 90 days, they will have to obtain a Schengen permit, at the embassy or consulate of Iceland, respecting requirements and timing for the permit they are applying for.
ETIAS destination countries for U.S. citizens
Starting from 2023 ETIAS visa will come into force for Americans in order to travel to the following countries:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
At the time being, American citizens will not have to have ETIAS to enter Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania, since these are not Schengen countries yet. However, this may change in the future, so please keep updated with the visa requirements.
ETIAS permit requirements for Americans and how to apply
In order to apply for ETIAS visa, you will need to be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid electronic passport issued by the United States of America. If you do not have an U.S. passport, you will have to apply for a full visitor Schengen permit. ETIAS permit application can be completed online, entering all required information by following the required steps, and making sure all the data is entered correctly.
How much does the ETIAS Iceland visa cost for U.S. citizens
The ETIAS permit application for American citizens has a cost of 7 euros for all citizens between 18 and 70 years of age, which must be paid after completing the application form using a credit or debit card. American citizens under 18 and over 70 years of age can apply for the ETIAS visa free of charge.
About Iceland
Iceland, officially known as the Republic of Iceland is a Nordic Island nation in the North Atlantic between Europe and North America.
With an area of 103,000kms, it has a population of 348,580 people, making it the most sparsely populated country in Europe.
The closest bodies of land in Europe are the Faroe Islands.
The primary language is Icelandic which is one of the North Germanic languages.
The major religion is Christianity. The currency in Iceland is the Krona.
The capital and largest city is Reykjavik.
Iceland is not a member of the E.U. but is a member of the Schengen Area. All countries within the Schengen zone have the same rules regarding travelers entry, once the ETIAS comes into effect, Iceland will also be a part of that system.
Iceland is famous for its active volcanoes, icefields, and hot springs and geysers.
Lava fields cover a large part of the land and hot water, used for much of the country’s heating, is pumped from under the ground.
The whale watching capital of Iceland is the village of Húsavík, overlooking stunning Skjálfandi Bay. Over the summer months, boats sail hourly.
For bird watchers, keen to see puffins, razorbills and other seabirds, Látrabjarg Peninsula in the Westfjords is one of the largest bird cliffs in Europe.
Iceland at a glance
Capital: Reykjavik
Timezone: UTC/GMT +0 hours
Languages: Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German
Area: 103,000 KM2
Currency: Krona (ISK)
Population: 308,910
Calling Code: +354
Travel in Iceland
Contrary to the what the name may make you think, only 10% of Iceland is covered by glaciers. Volcanic activity keeps the country warm, and the climate is mild.
Iceland produces almost all of its own energy. Some 70% comes from hydroelectricity and 20% from geothermal sources.
There are 15 hydroelectric power stations on the island, three use water from the River Sóg to provide electricity in the immediate area. One of these power stations, Ljósafoss, is open to interested visitors. Built in 1937, you can see the original turbines and take a tour of the museum.
The Golden Circle, the most popular tourist attraction after Reykjavik, comprising three sites, Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. Visitors are encouraged to venture into the wilderness for quiet hiking routes.
The silica filled Blue Lagoon is another favorite destination.
For animal spotting the easiest to see are sheep. The first settlers of Iceland brought sheep to the island and sheep now outnumber people.
Icelandic horses are another common site, and opportunities exist for visitors to go on guided rides.
Reindeer, of which there is a herd of about 600 running wild, are only found in North Iceland.
The US and Iceland
The U.S. and Iceland are allies. They share many common interests and objectives, such as a respect for human rights, arms control, economic development, and the fight against narcotics, human trafficking and the fight against terrorism.
Iceland and the U.S belong to the same following organizations
- The United Nations
- NATO
- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- Arctic Council
- Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
- International Monetary Fund
- World Bank
- World Trade Organization
Direct flight times from the U.S. to Reykjavik, are just under six hours, one stop flights may be closer to nine hours, although the duration of stopovers is a determining factor.
Iceland experienced a financial crisis in 2008 and, thanks in large part to the tourist industry, is slowly regaining its financial footing.
Iceland is famous for some rather unusual food. Whale meat is served in restaurants that cater to tourists and in some establishments smoked Puffin is served, despite the IUCN classing puffins as endangered.
Other dishes include hrútspungar (pickled ram’s testicles), hákarl (putrefied shark cubes), Lundabaggi (Sheep’s fat) and Sviðasulta(brawn [head cheese] made from svið)
When the ETIAS comes into effect, travelers from the U.S. will no longer be able to travel in the Schengen zone without pre-authorization.
Applying for an ETIAS will take minutes, with the scheme guaranteeing safer travel for nationals and visitors alike to Europe.
FAQ about ETIAS Iceland visa
List of US diplomatic offices in Iceland
The Embassy of USA in Reykjavík, Iceland
Address: Laufásvegur 21 101 Reykjavík
Phone: (354) 595 2200
Facts: Jill Esposito – Ambassador
The Embassy of Iceland in Washington, USA
Address: House of Sweden, 2900 K Street N.W. #509 Washington DC 20007-1704
Phone: +1 (202) 265 6653
Fax: +1 (202) 265 6656
Facts: Geir H. Haarde – Ambassador
Consulate of Iceland in New York, USA
Address: 800 Third Avenue, 36th floor New York, NY 10022
Phone: 1 6462829360
Email: icecon.ny@mfa.is
Consulate of Iceland in Los Angeles, USA
Address: 7420 W. 85th Street Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: 1 (310) 641 7444
Email: linda@ca.rr.com
Consulate of Iceland in Miami, USA
Address: 2661 NE 22nd Street Pompano Beach, FL 33062
Phone: 1 (954) 788 2450
Email: m@dreggertsson.com
Consulate of Iceland in Chicago, USA
Address: c/o KarenZupko & Associates, Inc. 625 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 525 Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 1 (312) 642 5616
Email: esteinsson@karenzupko.com