Iceland is indisputably one of the safest places on earth and maintains an excellent economic structure. Despite the lucrative look of the country, the standard of living in Iceland is extremely bearable compared to several European countries.

However, as an African, getting through the processing of an Iceland visa might seem challenging. From knowing what you need to gathering documents and finance your trip. You can get things mixed up and eventually miss your chance of going to Iceland.

This article will discuss the application process and what you need to travel successfully to Iceland. Follow till the end to avoid making costly errors.

Requirements for an Iceland Visa from An African Country

1.  International Passport.

A passport is an official government-issued document that proves one’s identity and citizenship. It serves as a travel document to foreign countries, including Iceland.

It is important to note that the international passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from Iceland. Additionally, the passport must have enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

When applying for an Iceland visa, individuals need to provide a clear and legible photocopy of the personal information page of their passport, along with other required documents, such as proof of financial support and a statement of purpose for their visit.

2.  Passport photo.

A passport photo is required for individuals applying for an Iceland visa. The passport photo is used to verify the applicant’s identity and ensure that the visa application is processed accurately. The passport photo must meet specific guidelines to be accepted.

The guidelines for a passport photo in Iceland typically include the following:

●                Size: The passport photo must be 35mm x 45mm.

●                Background: The passport photo must have a plain white or light-colored background.

●                Expression: The applicant must have a neutral expression and avoid smiling, frowning, or making other facial expressions.

●                Head position: The applicant’s head must be centered and face the camera directly.

●                Lighting: The lighting must be evenly distributed and avoid casting shadows on the face or background.

●                Resolution: The passport photo must be clear and of high resolution.

3.  Previous passport photocopy

A previous passport photocopy is not universally required for an Iceland visa. However, It depends on the Embassy of Iceland’s requirements in a specific country.

They may request a photocopy of the applicant’s previous passport and other required documents, such as a valid passport, proof of financial support, and a statement of purpose for their visit.

The previous passport photocopy can serve as a way for the embassy to verify the applicant’s travel history and ensure that they are not a security risk. It can also help to confirm the applicant’s identity and ensure they are not using a fraudulent passport.

4.  Letter

A Visa letter is to provide additional information and documentation to support the visa application. The letter is an official statement of the individual’s purpose for the visit, financial situation, and ties to their home country.

The letter should be written in a formal tone and address the consular officer processing the visa application. It should include the following information: Purpose of visit, financial situation, and ties to home country.

Sometimes, the letter may need to be written by a third party, such as an employer, family member, or educational institution. For example, if an individual is applying for a work visa, they may need to provide a letter from their employer in Iceland. If they are applying for a study visa, they may need to provide a letter of acceptance from their educational institution in Iceland.

It is important to note that the letter should be written on official letterhead and signed by the author. If the letter is written in a foreign language, it should be accompanied by an English translation.

5.  Health insurance

Health insurance is a requirement for obtaining a visa to enter Iceland for most foreign nationals. This requirement is in place to ensure that individuals have adequate coverage for any medical expenses they may incur while in Iceland.

When applying for a visa, individuals must provide proof of health insurance coverage that meets the standards set by the Icelandic government.

The insurance must cover the individual for the entire duration of their stay in Iceland and have a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR. The insurance must also provide coverage for medical treatment and hospitalization in case of illness or injury.

It is important to note that insurance policies obtained in an individual’s home country may not be valid in Iceland. Therefore, purchasing insurance specifically for travel to Iceland or getting an insurance policy valid in both the individual’s home country and Iceland is recommended.

6.  Application fee

The visa application fee is a fee the individual must pay for a visa to cover the cost of processing their application. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the visa application.

The exact amount of the visa application fee varies depending on the type of visa being applied for, the country of origin, and other factors.

Generally, visa application fees are relatively modest and are intended to cover the cost of processing the visa application and performing background checks.

It is important to note that visa application fees should be paid at the time of application, either in person or through a designated visa processing agency. Pay the required visa application fee to avoid the application being rejected or delayed.

Type of Iceland visa

Iceland offers several types of visas to individuals who wish to visit the country for various purposes. Some of the popular common types of visas include;

1.  Travel Visa:

 This visa is for those who wish to visit Iceland for leisure or tourism purposes. A tourist visa allows individuals to stay in Iceland for up to 90 days.

2.  Business Visa:

This visa is for individuals who wish to visit Iceland for business purposes. A business visa allows individuals to stay in Iceland for up to 90 days.

3.  Study Visa:

 This visa is for individuals who wish to study in Iceland. A study visa allows individuals to stay in Iceland for the duration of their studies.

4.  Work Visa:

 This visa is for individuals who wish to work in Iceland. A work visa allows individuals to stay in Iceland for the duration of their employment.

5.  Family_Reunification Visa:

 This visa is for individuals who wish to join a family member already living in Iceland.

6.  Residence Visa:

This visa is for individuals who wish to live in Iceland for an extended period. A residence permit allows individuals to stay in Iceland for up to five years.

Note that each type of visa has specific requirements and eligibility criteria. For example, to apply for a work visa, individuals need a job offer from an Icelandic employer and a relevant educational background.

How To Apply for An Iceland Visa From An African Country

Before applying for a visa to Iceland, you must follow some necessary steps to ease the process.

It is vital that you know the type of visa you want to apply for. This visa varies based on what you plan to do in Iceland and your period of stay.

Before approaching your country’s Iceland embassy, you must gather the required documentation and other things. Searching for your documents when requested can make things messier and prolong the application process.

Once you have gathered the documents, you can visit the Iceland embassy to start your application process. You can also opt for a Visa processing agent to reduce the stress.

After your application is approved, you should move on to pay your visa fee. Your visa fee highly depends on the type of visa you applied for and your home country.

Once you make payment, you might be invited for an interview. Some countries in Africa are exempted from the interview, so it depends on your country in Africa. If the Iceland embassy requests an interview, ensure you attend at the stated time. Then you can patiently wait for their response.

Conclusion

You can now easily get yourself moving with the information above. You must check with the Embassy of Iceland in your home country for the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for the type of visa you are applying for.

Requirements may vary based on the individual’s circumstances and country of origin.

FAQ

Is it expensive to live in Iceland?

Iceland is one of the most expensive places to live.

How cold is Iceland?

Iceland’s temperature can get unpredictable, and summer is not really warm.

Is Iceland welcoming to foreigners?

The locals are friendly and easygoing with foreigners.

Is Iceland safe?

Iceland is one of the safest places in the world, with very low crime rates.

How many days do I need to tour Iceland?

It typically depends on where you want to visit, But it will take at least four days to visit major points in Iceland.