Dreaming of soaking in the Blue Lagoon, chasing the Northern Lights, or road-tripping the Golden Circle? Iceland blends raw volcanic drama with quiet Nordic charm, and it’s absolutely worth the hype.

But before wheels-up, there’s one unglamorous step to get right: your visa. For travellers who need one, understanding the Iceland (Schengen) visa processing time is key to stress-free planning. This detailed guide breaks down Iceland visa processing times, what can speed up (or slow down) a decision, the best time to apply, and country-specific timelines for applicants.

Apply for your Iceland visa through Atlys and leave the paperwork panic behind!

What is the processing time for an Iceland visa?

Short-stay Schengen (Type C)

• Normally: 15 calendar days from the date the Embassy of Iceland receives and accepts your application for processing.

• May be extended: up to 30 or 45 days in individual cases (e.g., further scrutiny, security checks, consultations with other Schengen states, or peak season).

Iceland’s MFA also notes you can apply as early as 6 months before travel (9 months for seafarers) and no later than 15 days before arrival in Schengen. Apply early. 

Does the “15 days” include the appointment wait?

No. The legal 15-day clock starts after your admissible file reaches the embassy/consulate. If you apply via a Visa Application Centre, allow extra courier days from the VAC to the Embassy; this transit time isn’t part of the 15 days. 

You can also track and reschedule earlier slots as they open; appointment availability is separate from decision time.

Long-stay / national path (residence)

For stays exceeding 90 days, Iceland issues residence permits at the discretion of the Directorate of Immigration. Processing a first-time residence permit can take several months; the authority currently indicates a timeframe of up to 8-10 months, depending on the workload. Some work-based cases have expedited handling for qualified professionals (30 days) once a complete file is in, but general employment permits can take up to 180 days. After approval, you receive a D visa to enter and collect your residence card in Iceland. 

Iceland visa processing time by category

Short-stay Schengen (Tourist/Business/Visit -Type C)

• Typically up to 15 calendar days after admissible lodgement.

• May extend to 30-45 days if extra checks/consultations are needed.

Long-stay / residence

• Decided by the Directorate of Immigration, it often takes several months. A D-visa follows approval for entry and residence-card pickup.

When should you start your application?

• Earliest: 6 months before travel (9 months for seafarers).

• Latest: 15 days before travel (not advised in peak seasons).

• Safe buffer: Apply at least 3-4 weeks before departure; earlier (4-6 weeks) for May-August & December-January.

Iceland visa processing time by country (short-stay “C” visas)

1) From India

• Processing: Typically 15 calendar days once the embassy receives your file; however, this timeframe can be extended up to 45 days in busy or complex cases.

• Where to apply: Visa application centres across major cities forward files to the Embassy of Iceland.

Tip: Book your VAC appointment early in peak months; add courier days to your plan.

2) From the UK

• Processing: 15 calendar days after receipt; may extend.

• Where to apply: Via visa application centres in the UK processed by the Embassy of Iceland in London.

• Visa-exempt note: UK passport holders are visa-free for short Schengen stays (90/180); UK residents with other nationalities should check their requirements.

3) From the UAE

• Processing: Typically 10-15 working days after lodgement with the embassy; extensions of 30-45 days may be possible.

• Where to apply: Visa application centres in Abu Dhabi/Dubai (Iceland is handled via the Danish representation in the UAE for intake).

Tip: UAE residence does not give Schengen-free entry. Apply early; check your lawful stay validity through passport return.

4) From the US

• Processing: Often 15 days after the embassy receives the file; delays if documents are incomplete.

• Where to apply: Visa application centres in the USA forward to the Embassy of Iceland in Washington, D.C.

• Visa-exempt note: U.S. passport holders are visa-free for short Schengen stays; other nationalities in the U.S. require a Schengen visa.

What can delay an Iceland visa?

• Peak season & public holidays (Apr–Sep; Dec–Jan) have higher volumes.

• Mandatory consultations/security checks for certain cases.

• Incomplete/contradictory documents (itinerary, insurance, funds).

• Representation & logistics (file routed via VAC or another Schengen state).

How to avoid delays?

• Apply 4-6 weeks in advance during peak months.

• Submit a complete and consistent file, including: your passport, application form, photo, Schengen insurance (€30,000), itinerary, accommodation details, financial documents, and evidence of ties to the country.

• Keep finances clean. 6 months’ statements; avoid last-minute unexplained deposits.

• Track your file via visa application centres or consulate tracking; respond fast to requests.

• Use refundable bookings until the visa is issued.

If your application exceeds the usual time

• Watch email/SMS (including SPAM) for document requests.

• Confirm receipt/status with the VAC/competent mission if you pass 15 days (or approach 30-45 days with known extra checks).

• For residence permits, monitor the Directorate of Immigration updates; long queues are normal, and posted waiting times are your best guide.
  

With Iceland, timing and completeness are everything. Apply early, submit a clean, consistent file, and keep a small buffer. Do that, and the standard 15-day decision window (or the extended review when needed) won’t catch you off guard.

If you’d rather skip queues and paperwork, Atlys can handle the checklist, appointment booking, and passport return- so you can focus on glaciers, geysers, and good coffee.