Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) — Visiting Family / FriendsVerified 2026-05-01Iceland Visiting Family or Friends Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
An Iceland Visiting Family or Friends Visa is a Schengen Short-Stay (Type C) for Indian travellers visiting friends, relatives, or extended family residing legally in Iceland. Valid up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The Icelandic host fills out the official online invitation letter on island.is — and, where the host is supporting the applicant's expenses, an online sponsorship / guarantee form too. For visiting a spouse who lives in Iceland, a marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation is required.
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Iceland — Schengen member · Embassy New Delhi · D Visa needs Directorate of Immigration FIRST
One Iceland visa = all 29 Schengen countries. But long-term D Visas are a TWO-step process.
For short-stay (Tourism / Business / Family-Friends / Cultural-Sports), apply at any VFS Iceland centre — the Embassy of Iceland in New Delhi processes everything within 15 calendar days. For Long-Term D Visa (study, work, residence, family reunification), the applicant FIRST applies directly to Iceland's Directorate of Immigration (utl@utl.is); ONLY after their approval will the Directorate request you to visit VFS for biometrics + passport. Skipping that step wastes weeks.
29 Schengen countries
Full Schengen member — Iceland visa unlocks the whole zone, not just Iceland.
Embassy New Delhi only
All India applications decided by the Embassy of Iceland, New Delhi. No Mumbai consulate.
15 calendar days
Standard processing once the Embassy receives the file from VFS. Apply 2+ weeks before travel.
Applying for a Long-Term D Visa? The order matters.
- Email Iceland's Directorate of Immigration first at
utl@utl.iswith your application + supporting documents. - Wait for their approval — they review and accept the substantive case.
- The Directorate then asks YOU to visit VFS in India for biometrics + passport submission. The visa application centre will guide you from there.
Walking into VFS first for a D Visa = file rejected. Always start with the Directorate of Immigration email.
5-day missing-document rule: if the VFS officer marks any document missing at your appointment, you have only 5 calendar days to email it to visa.nde@utn.is AND visa@utn.is (subject = your name as on passport + passport number + city). Beyond 5 days, the Embassy decides on the incomplete file.
Note: SureshotVisa handles Iceland Tourism, Business, Visiting Family / Friends, Cultural & Sports short-stay (Schengen Type C) visas end-to-end via VFS. The Long-Term D Visa (work, study, family reunification, residence permits) is informational on this site — Iceland's Directorate of Immigration is the prime decision-maker and applicants must initiate that process directly. We can advise on the India-side biometrics + VFS step once the Directorate approves.
Processing
15 calendar days standard processing at the Embassy of Iceland, New Delhi (counting from when all required documents have been received from VFS)
Stay Duration
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Starting Fee
₹9,900
Apply At
12 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Iceland visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Embassy of Iceland, New Delhi processes ALL India applications — there is no Mumbai consulate. All submissions go via VFS Iceland centres.
- 2For Long-Term D Visa (work, study, family reunification, residence permits), applicants MUST first apply directly with Iceland's Directorate of Immigration (utl@utl.is). Only AFTER their approval will the Directorate request the applicant to visit VFS for biometrics + passport. Walking into VFS first for a D Visa = file rejected.
- 3Photo specification: 35–40mm width, max 6 months old, white background, neutral expression. Standard Schengen rules apply.
- 4Travel medical insurance must cover at least 30,000 EUR (or 30,000 USD) across all Schengen countries — accident, illness, medical emergency, evacuation. Insurance card alone is not sufficient.
- 5Funds rule: applicants must show 8,000 ISK per day for hotel stays OR 4,000 ISK per day if expenses are borne by a third party (sponsor / host). Bank statement must show movements over the last 3 months, stamped and signed by the bank.
- 6Indian passport must be valid for 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen area, issued within the previous 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages.
- 7Apply at least 2 weeks (14 days) before intended travel. Around holiday seasons, apply 6–8 weeks earlier.
- 85-DAY MISSING-DOCUMENT RULE: if the VFS officer marks any document missing at the appointment, the applicant has only 5 calendar days to email the missing document(s) to visa.nde@utn.is AND visa@utn.is. Subject line = applicant's name as on passport + passport number + city of application centre. PDF only. Beyond 5 days, the Embassy decides on the incomplete file (typically refusal).
- 9All applicants regardless of sponsorship must provide their OWN original 3-month bank statement (not just sponsor's).
- 10Indian Income Tax Return (ITR) acknowledgments for the last 2 assessment years are mandatory.
Who Can Apply
- Indian travellers visiting friends or family residing legally in Iceland
- Indian citizens visiting their spouse or close relative in Iceland
- Family events, weddings, festivals, or general social visits
Not eligible under this visa:
- Visits intended to convert to long-stay residence — apply for Long-Term D Family Reunification (informational on this site)
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Schengen Short-Stay visa fee — adult (Type C, 1–90 days) | ₹9,900 |
| Schengen visa fee — child (6–12 years) | ₹4,950 |
| VFS service charge (short-term) | ₹2,900 |
| Optional courier service | ₹518 |
| Optional courier plus | ₹1,400 |
| Optional SMS service | ₹345 |
| Optional Premium Lounge service | ₹3,680 |
Visa fees are set by the Embassy of Iceland in INR and are non-refundable regardless of outcome. Each case is reviewed separately; no guarantee can be given that a visa will be issued. The applicable INR fee tracks the current EUR / INR exchange rate and may change without notice. All VFS service charges are inclusive of GST. Long-term D Visa applicants must FIRST apply with Iceland's Directorate of Immigration (utl@utl.is) — VFS submission only happens after the Directorate's approval and at their request.
Documents Required
Personal Documents
- !Schengen Visa Application Form (printed and signed)
Filled online at visa.government.is, then printed and signed.
- !Online application form confirmation from visa.government.is
Confirmation of submitting the online form must be presented to VFS.
- !One passport-style photograph (35–40mm wide / 3.5×4.5cm, max 6 months old, white background)
- !Valid passport
≥3 months validity beyond Schengen departure, ≤10 years old, 2 blank pages. Copy of entry/exit stamps from previous Schengen visits if any.
- !Cover letter from applicant
Stipulates purpose of travel, duration, names of accompanying persons, transport and accommodation details.
Visiting Family / Friends-Specific Documents
- !Online Invitation Letter for visitors — filled out by Icelandic host on island.is
Available at https://island.is/en/get-a-visa/supporting-documents.
- ○Online Guarantee / Sponsorship form — filled out by Icelandic host (if host bears applicant's expenses)
Available at https://island.is/en/get-a-visa/supporting-documents.
- !Proof of family relationship (birth / marriage certificate)
Apostille from MEA where required. For visiting spouse — marriage certificate OR proof of cohabitation.
- !Copy of the Icelandic host's residence permit / Icelandic citizenship proof
Travel & Accommodation
- !Roundtrip flight reservation with PNR + traveler name
If multi-Schengen trip: intra-Schengen flight, train, or car-rental proof.
- !Proof of accommodation
Hotel reservation, holiday-home rental, campus residence, or sponsorship/private accommodation from host. If multi-Schengen: lodging in EACH state.
- !Travel medical insurance — €30,000 minimum coverage (insurance CARD alone is NOT sufficient)
Schengen-approved insurer. Covers accident + illness + medical emergency + evacuation. Policy must specify validity period, coverage area, and entire trip duration.
Financial Documents
- !Original personal bank statement showing 3 months' movements
All pages stamped and signed by the bank. Required from ALL applicants, regardless of sponsorship. Must show 8,000 ISK/day (hotel) or 4,000 ISK/day (sponsored) for entire trip duration.
- !Indian ITR acknowledgement — last 2 assessment years
Barcode-verifiable. Sponsor's ITR if sponsored.
- ○Employed — last 3 months payslips + employment contract + holiday-approved leave letter
- ○Self-employed — Certificate of registration (with GST number for Indian companies) + business bank statement + ITR (barcode-verifiable)
- ○Student — Certificate of enrolment from the educational establishment
- ○Sponsored — Sponsorship letter + sponsor's photo ID copy (passport / residence permit)
Plus marriage certificate if sponsored by spouse.
- ○Retired — last 3 months pension statements + property/business income proof
Relationship Proof (if applicable)
- ○Marriage certificate (if married + spouse name not endorsed in passport)
Apostille from MEA. For visiting spouse in Iceland — copy of marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation.
Minor-Specific Documents (if applicable)
- ○Minor with one parent — Notarized consent of non-travelling parent / guardian (or court order if sole custody)
- ○Minor travelling alone — Notarized consent of BOTH parents / guardians
- ○Photocopy of both parents' passports OR photo IDs
If unavailable — birth certificate of applicant + ID copies of parents.
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Confirm Iceland is your main Schengen destination
Apply via Iceland if your itinerary spends most time (or has its main purpose) there. If splitting time evenly between Schengen states, apply through the country of first entry. Iceland cannot decide your visa if you'll spend more time elsewhere.
Complete the online application at visa.government.is
Mandatory step. Print the confirmation to bring to your VFS appointment.
Gather all required documents
Use the checklist for your visa category. Originals + bank stamps where required. Insurance from a Schengen-approved insurer (€30,000 minimum).
Book your VFS appointment
Visit visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/isl/ — book the slot at your preferred centre.
Submit at VFS + biometrics + pay fees
Attend in person. Pay visa fee (₹9,900 adult / ₹4,950 child 6–12) + ₹2,900 VFS service. Biometrics taken at the centre unless reusable from a prior Schengen application within 59 months.
Watch for missing-document email (5-day rule)
If VFS officer marks any document missing, you have 5 calendar days to email the missing papers to visa.nde@utn.is + visa@utn.is. Subject = your name + passport number + city. PDF only.
Wait for the decision (15 calendar days standard)
Track via VFS website. The Embassy may call for an interview or request additional documents.
Collect your passport from VFS
Once notified, collect from VFS or use courier (₹518 standard / ₹1,400 plus). Verify visa validity dates and entry type before leaving the counter.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Iceland Schengen Visa Online Application Form
Mandatory online application portal. Print and sign after completing online; bring confirmation to VFS appointment.
Harmonized Schengen Visa Application Form (English / Icelandic)
Alternative paper-route Schengen form. Also has Icelandic-language version.
Iceland Directorate of Immigration (UTL) — D Visa portal
For Long-Term D Visa applicants — Iceland's Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) is the prime decision-maker. Email applications to utl@utl.is.
Online Invitation Letter (visiting family/friends)
Required for Visiting Family / Friends category. Hungarian/Icelandic host fills it online.
Online Sponsorship / Guarantee Form (host's funds commitment)
When the Icelandic host bears the applicant's expenses — host fills this online.
VFS Application Centres
Schengen Tourist Visa Eligibility Check
Answer 10 quick questions to see your likelihood of approval. This is not a guarantee — final decision is always with the Embassy — but it flags common weak spots so you can address them before applying.
What's the primary purpose of your trip?
How long do you plan to stay?
Have you previously visited any Schengen country?
Have you ever been refused a Schengen (or any country's) visa?
Past refusals must be disclosed — they show up in VIS database across Schengen countries.
Do you have confirmed travel bookings?
Reservations are enough — don't buy tickets until visa approval.
What's your current employment status?
What's your typical 3-month bank balance?
Schengen needs ~₹700/day covered. For a 10-day trip, minimum ₹70,000 stable balance.
How many years of Income Tax Returns (ITR) can you show?
What are your strongest ties to India (return-intent)?
Embassies want evidence you'll come back — not overstay.
Who are you travelling with?
Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.
💡 Pro Tips
- Get the Icelandic host to fill the official online invitation form at island.is at least 4 weeks before your application — printed copy (with form reference number) goes into your file.
- If the Icelandic host is sponsoring your expenses, the sponsorship-rule reduces your funds requirement from 8,000 ISK/day to 4,000 ISK/day.
- Marriage / birth certificates from India should be apostilled by MEA if Iceland Embassy requests verification.
- For visiting spouse — marriage certificate is the foundation. Proof of cohabitation works for unmarried partners but is more scrutinised.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Online invitation letter not properly completed on island.is
- 2.Missing relationship proof (birth / marriage certificate)
- 3.Insufficient ties-to-India narrative
- 4.Failing the 5-day missing-document rule
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Icelandic host fill the invitation letter?+
Does sponsorship reduce my funds requirement?+
Can SureshotVisa help with Iceland family visit visas?+
Let us prepare your Iceland Visiting Family or Friends Visa — (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Iceland Visa Types
Iceland Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Apply for an Iceland Tourist Visa (Schengen Type C) from India through VFS. Complete fees, document checklist, and processing guide for Indian travellers visiting Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon, glaciers, and the Northern Lights.
Iceland Business Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Iceland Business Visa (Schengen Type C) for Indian professionals — meetings, conferences, training, business-related events in Reykjavik and across Iceland. Embassy New Delhi via VFS.
Iceland Cultural & Sports Events Visa (Schengen Short-Stay, Type C)
Iceland Cultural & Sports Events Visa (Schengen Type C) for Indian artists, athletes, performers, study programme participants, and film crews attending events in Iceland.
Iceland Long-Term D Visa (Work / Study / Family / Residence) — Informational
Iceland Long-Term D Visa for stays >90 days — work permits, study visas, family reunification, residence permits. Decided by Iceland's Directorate of Immigration (utl@utl.is). Informational only — SureshotVisa does not handle the substantive D Visa decision.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Iceland website and Embassy of Iceland. Last verified 2026-05-01. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.