Iceland entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to visit Iceland. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the Icelandic embassy or visa application center in Tanzania before you travel. This requirement is in place for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa required | You need a Schengen visa before traveling to Iceland. Apply at the Icelandic embassy or visa application center in your country of residence. The visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Tanzanian passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Carry a copy of the bio page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Keflavík Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of the Schengen zone. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation for each night of your stay, or a signed invitation letter from your host in Iceland. Border officers may ask to see it during entry questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you have at least 100 EUR per day of your stay (or 80 EUR if accommodation is prepaid). A recent bank statement or credit card limit confirmation works. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days during peak season (May-September). Don't wait until the last minute — apply at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Schengen area rules apply
A visa for Iceland allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries. Your total stay in the Schengen area cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
Travel insurance is mandatory
You must have travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. Your insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen area.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: valid passport, photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and the completed application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment
Contact the Icelandic embassy in Tanzania or the visa application center (often VFS Global handles Schengen visa submissions). Appointments can fill up weeks in advance, so book early.
3
Attend your visa appointment
Show up at the application center with all original documents and copies. You'll submit your application, pay the fee, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The appointment usually takes 15-30 minutes.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing time is 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days if more checks are needed. Track your application online if the center offers it.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, your passport with the visa sticker will be ready for pickup or courier delivery. Check the visa sticker for correct dates and validity before leaving the center.
6
Travel to Iceland
At Keflavik Airport, join the non-EU/EEA queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your plans. Answer clearly and honestly.
Download Iceland Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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; must apply at Icelandic embassy or VFS center.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year or more based on travel history
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history and justification.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp 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 skilled workers with a job offer in Iceland. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Icelandic Student Visa (Residence Permit for Studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
~€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at an accredited Icelandic institution. Requires proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
digital nomad visa
Icelandic Digital Nomad Visa (Long-Term Stay for Remote Workers)
Up to 6 months
~€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For remote workers with a foreign employer earning above a minimum threshold. Not renewable; must leave after 6 months.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa (single entry)Standard fee for adult applicants; may vary by age and nationality. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Schengen visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity depends on applicant's travel history. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (VFS Global)Additional fee for visa application center services. | ~€30 (~$33 USD) |
| Stay extensionShort-stay Schengen visas cannot be extended for tourism; must leave Schengen area. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa; maximum cap may apply. | ~€60 (~$65 USD) per day |
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
Transit visa required
Tanzania passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Iceland, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Canada visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
Transit hubsKeflavik International Airport (KEF)
Health & vaccines for Iceland
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Tanzania).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
HypothermiaModerate risk
Cold weather and wind chill can cause hypothermia; dress warmly and avoid prolonged exposure.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in some rural areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Food hygiene is generally good; risk is low for most travelers.
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)
Dalvegur 18, 201 Kópavogur
Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions, residence permits, and immigration matters. Appointments recommended.
Akureyri
Akureyri Police Station (Immigration Desk)
Hafnarstræti 1, 600 Akureyri
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Limited immigration services; may assist with visa-related queries.
Practical information for TZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalReykjavik
LanguageIcelandic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid.
Money
CurrencyIcelandic Króna (ISK)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 123.13 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 from the date you submit your application. In busy periods or if additional documents are needed, it can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel.
No. You must book an appointment at the visa application center (often VFS Global) or the Icelandic embassy. Walk-ins are not accepted. Appointments can be booked online.
The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 200,000 TZS). Children aged 6-12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. Fees are non-refundable.
Yes. You need to provide a confirmed round-trip flight reservation showing your entry and exit from the Schengen area. You don't have to buy the ticket before approval, but you need a booking.
Yes, if you have a valid Schengen visa issued by another member state, you can enter Iceland as long as Iceland is not your main destination. If Iceland is your primary destination, you must apply through Iceland.
You'll receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal the decision within 30 days to the Icelandic authorities. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or missing documents.
No. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Tanzanian passport holders. You must obtain a Schengen visa from an embassy or visa application center before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.