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Iceland Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghan citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to visit Iceland — apply online at https://www.utl.is/; standard visa fee is 80 EUR for adults and 40 EUR for children, with typical processing around 15 days.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure from Iceland, issued within the last 10 years, and must have at least two blank pages.
  • Specific forms: Schengen visa application form completed and signed online at https://www.utl.is/; DS-160/VAF1A forms do not apply to Icelandic visas.
  • Financial proof: Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay; the recommended minimum is 95 EUR per day of stay, supported by bank statements for the last 3 months or an official sponsor letter.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Confirmed hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host, plus round-trip flight itinerary or departure plans.
  • Photo spec: Two recent passport photos, size 35x45 mm, white background, in color, taken within the last 6 months.
  • Biometrics: Yes; biometric data must be submitted at the designated visa application center or embassy/consulate handling Icelandic visa applications in your country of residence.
  • Travel health insurance: Travel medical insurance valid for all Schengen states with minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR for medical emergencies, repatriation, and accident coverage.

Visa types

  • Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) — Official name: Schengen visa (short-stay) Type C; Validity: up to 90 days within a 180-day period; Max stay: 90 days; Entry: Single or Multiple entries (subject to justification and consular decision); Approximate fee: 80 EUR for adults; 40 EUR for children aged 6–11.
  • Schengen short-stay visa for business — Official name: Schengen visa (short-stay) Type C (business); Validity: up to 90 days within 180 days; Max stay: 90 days; Entry: Single or Multiple entries (subject to justification); Approximate fee: 80 EUR for adults; 40 EUR for children aged 6–11.
  • Residence permit for studies — Official name: Iceland residence permit for studies; Validity: for the duration of the study program; Max stay: as long as the program lasts; Entry: Typically multi-entry; Approximate fee: varies; check https://www.utl.is/ for current fee.
  • Residence permit for work — Official name: Iceland residence permit for employed residence; Validity: tied to employment contract duration; Max stay: as long as the permit remains valid; Entry: Multi-entry; Approximate fee: varies; check https://www.utl.is/ for current fee.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: Start your application at https://www.utl.is/; create an applicant account, complete the Schengen visa application form, upload supporting documents, and pay the visa fee with a credit or debit card.
  • Steps: gather documents, submit online, book an appointment for biometrics if required, visit the designated center to have biometric data collected and documents verified, wait for the decision.
  • Fee: 80 EUR for adults; 40 EUR for children 6–11; processing time typically 15 days; decisions are communicated via the applicant portal or email; if approved, a visa sticker may be affixed to your passport or you may receive an electronic authorization depending on the case.
  • Processing time: Standard processing up to 15 calendar days; can take longer during peak periods; may extend to 30 days or more in some cases and up to 60 days in exceptional circumstances.
  • How approval arrives: You will be notified through the applicant portal or email; if approved, you will either receive a visa sticker in your passport or an electronic authorization to travel.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 80 EUR for adults; 40 EUR for children aged 6–11; under 6 is free.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for Icelandic visa applications submitted directly via Útlendingastofnun; if you use an official visa application center, there may be a local service charge set by that center.
  • Total cost estimate: Visa fee (80 EUR or 40 EUR), travel insurance, and any incidental charges.
  • Standard processing time: 15 days; peak periods may extend to 30 days; exceptional cases up to 60 days.
  • Express/priority option: Not routinely offered; any expedited processing depends on consular arrangements and is not guaranteed.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Start the process at least 30–60 days before travel; you may apply up to 6 months before your planned trip.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghan applicants specifically: insufficient funds or inconsistent financial documentation; incomplete or missing documents; lack of travel medical insurance or insufficient insurance coverage; unclear or unsupported purpose of visit; insufficient ties to home country; previous visa refusals or overstays; passport validity issues.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Icelandic visas are processed via Útlendingastofnun through designated embassies/consulates; use official channels listed on utl.is and Government of Iceland resources; avoid unauthorized intermediaries.
  • Travel advisories: Check the latest Icelandic government travel advisories and your own country’s advisories for updated entry requirements and safety information.
  • Extension options inside Iceland: Short-stay visas are generally not extended except for compelling reasons; extensions are evaluated by Útlendingastofnun; for longer stays, apply for the appropriate residence permit before your current status expires.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.