Iceland entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders can visit Iceland visa-free for up to 90 days. This covers tourism, business meetings, or family visits. No visa is needed for stays under 90 days in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay in Iceland | Your UAE passport needs to be valid for the whole time you're in Iceland. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Icelandic law, but airlines may ask for 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Iceland is part of the Schengen zone, so you need a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave the Schengen area within 90 days. Immigration officers at Keflavík check this regularly — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you're staying for more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry evidence of enough funds for your trip — a bank statement or credit card showing available credit works. Iceland is expensive, so have at least 10,000 ISK per day (about €70) available. | Recommended |
Schengen area rules apply
Iceland is part of the Schengen zone. Your 90-day visa-free stay counts across all 27 Schengen countries. If you've already spent time in France or Germany earlier in the year, that time counts toward your 90-day limit.
Entry requirements can change
Always check with the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration or your airline before travel. Rules can change with little notice.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Keflavik Airport
Most flights land at Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a single queue for all non-Schengen arrivals.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your visa-free eligibility and may ask about your trip purpose, length of stay, and accommodation.
3
Answer questions clearly
Be ready to state: how many days you're staying, where you're staying (first night address), and when you're leaving. Keep your return ticket and booking confirmation easily accessible.
4
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. This stamp marks the start of your 90-day Schengen stay. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Iceland Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For longer stays or if you need a visa; apply at Icelandic embassy or consulate.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-Stay Visa (National D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Icelandic Work Visa (Residence Permit for Employment)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For UAE nationals with a job offer in Iceland. Requires a valid employment contract and approval from the Directorate of Labour. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
Icelandic Student Visa (Residence Permit for Studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For UAE nationals accepted into a recognized Icelandic educational institution. Must show proof of sufficient funds and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Apply digital nomad visa
Icelandic Remote Work Visa (Long-Term Stay for Remote Workers)
Up to 6 months (non-renewable)
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For UAE nationals who work remotely for a foreign employer. Requires proof of income (minimum ~€1,000/month) and health insurance. Not extendable beyond 6 months.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stays cannot be extended; you must leave and re-enter after 90 days outside Schengen. | N/A |
| Overstay fine per dayIceland does not impose fines for overstay; overstayers may be banned from Schengen area. | N/A |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Iceland
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Icelandic airports, as they are visa-exempt for short stays.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsKeflavik International Airport (KEF)
Health & vaccines for Iceland
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
HypothermiaModerate risk
Cold weather and wind chill can cause hypothermia; dress in layers and stay dry.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in rural areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Food safety is generally high, but ensure proper hygiene when eating street food.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Reykjavik
Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun)
Skúlagata 21, 101 Reykjavík
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa and residence permit matters; appointments recommended.
Keflavik
Keflavik International Airport Immigration
Keflavik Airport, 235 Keflavik
Open 24/7
Entry and transit processing; no extension services.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalReykjavik
LanguageIcelandic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid.
Money
CurrencyIcelandic Króna (ISK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 123.26 ISK
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +4h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +7h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Some of the purest tap water in the world.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Iceland
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Iceland — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is for the entire Schengen area (including Iceland). You cannot extend it within Iceland. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa (type D) from the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration before your 90 days expire.
No. If you're connecting to another non-Schengen country and stay airside (don't pass through passport control), you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area or have an overnight layover, you'll need to enter Iceland visa-free (which you already have).
You may be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Icelandic immigration. Always renew your passport before travel if it has less than 6 months validity from your entry date.
No. The visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or family visits only. Remote work for a foreign employer is technically not allowed. For long-term remote work, you'd need a special permit (like the long-stay visa for remote workers).
Overstaying is a violation of Schengen rules. You could be fined, banned from re-entering the Schengen area for up to 3 years, or both. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
No. For stays under 90 days, no registration is required. Just keep your passport with the entry stamp as proof of legal entry.
No. The visa-free access is based on your passport nationality, not your residence permit. You must hold a UAE passport to benefit from visa-free travel to Iceland.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.