Iceland entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Iceland in 2026. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, so you'll apply for a short-stay Schengen visa through the Icelandic embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia. Plan ahead — processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter Iceland. Apply at the Icelandic embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — start the application 3 months before your trip. The official visa portal has the full application form and document checklist.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Iceland. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but your airline may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Keflavik Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host in Iceland ready. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you're staying at a private address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have enough money for your trip. Schengen rules suggest around 100 EUR per day, but officers rarely ask for a specific amount — just be ready to show you're not traveling broke. | Recommended |
Apply Early — Processing Can Be Slow
Visa processing for Iceland from Saudi Arabia can take up to 45 days during peak travel season. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Schengen Area Rules Apply
Your visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries, not just Iceland. But you must enter through the country that issued your visa (or spend the most days there). If Iceland is your main destination, apply there.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare Your Documents
Gather your passport, completed application form, flight bookings, hotel reservations, travel insurance, bank statements, and passport photos. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit Your Application
Submit your visa application at the Icelandic embassy or a designated visa application center in Saudi Arabia (often VFS Global handles this). You'll need to book an appointment in advance.
3
Attend Your Appointment
Bring all original documents plus photocopies. You'll submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The appointment usually takes 15-30 minutes.
4
Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30-45 days during peak season. Track your application online if available.
5
Collect Your Passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (dates, name, visa type) are correct before leaving the center.
6
Arrive in Iceland
At Keflavík Airport, join the non-EU/EEA queue. Present your passport with the visa, and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation details if asked.
Download Iceland Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
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 application, plus additional fees for residence permit
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship.
work visa
Icelandic Work Visa (Residence Permit for Employment)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee + residence permit fee (varies)
For those with a job offer in Iceland. Requires employer sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds. Allows long-term stay and path to permanent residence.
student visa
Icelandic Student Visa (Residence Permit for Studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee + residence permit fee (varies)
For full-time students enrolled at an accredited Icelandic institution. Must show proof of sufficient funds and health insurance.
digital nomad visa
Icelandic Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Permit)
Up to 6 months (non-renewable)
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For remote workers with a foreign employer earning above a minimum income threshold. Allows stay up to 6 months without a work permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$540 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Saudi Arabia passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Icelandic airports, provided they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsKeflavik International Airport (KEF)
Health & vaccines for Iceland
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Hypothermia / Cold exposureModerate risk
Iceland's cold climate can cause hypothermia if not properly dressed, especially in remote areas.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is high, but travelers should avoid raw or undercooked meat and unpasteurized dairy.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Ticks are present in some rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks after outdoor activities.
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 09:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Akureyri
Akureyri Police Station (Immigration Services)
Hafnarstræti 99, 600 Akureyri
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles some immigration matters for northern Iceland.
Practical information for SA 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
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take 30-45 days during busy periods (summer, holidays). Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your trip.
You'll likely need to submit the application in person at a visa application center (like VFS Global) in Saudi Arabia. Some steps may be online, but biometrics require a physical visit.
Your visa will be rejected. Renew your passport before applying. The 6 months must extend beyond your planned departure date from Iceland.
Yes. You typically need to show around 100 EUR per day of your stay. Bank statements from the last 3 months are standard. If you're staying with friends, a sponsorship letter may reduce the amount.
No, Schengen short-stay visas are not extendable for tourism. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban from the Schengen Area.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. You can appeal the decision within 30 days, or reapply with stronger documents (e.g., more funds, clearer itinerary).
If you're transiting through a Schengen airport to a non-Schengen country and staying airside, you generally do not need a visa. But if you leave the airport or have a layover longer than 24 hours, you will need a Schengen visa.
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.