Canada entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Icelandic passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa waiver or eTA option for Icelandic citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Canada. Airlines check this at check-in, and Canadian border officers will verify it on arrival. If your passport expires while you're in Canada, you'll need to renew it at your embassy before leaving. | Required |
| Visa application Apply for a Canadian visitor visa before travel | Icelandic passport holders need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — you'll submit your passport scan, travel history, financial documents, and a letter of invitation if visiting family. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer. Start at least 2 months before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof you'll leave Canada before your visa expires. A return flight to Iceland or a ticket to your next destination works. If you're flying out of Canada, the airline will check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host's address | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or your host's full address and phone number ready. Border officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you're visiting friends or family. A simple printout or phone screenshot works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card statement showing enough funds for your trip. There's no fixed amount, but $200–300 CAD per day of your stay is a safe benchmark. Officers may ask how you'll pay for things if you're staying a while. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing takes weeks
Canadian visitor visa processing can take 2–8 weeks. Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least 3 months before your planned departure to avoid stress.
Biometrics are mandatory
All visa applicants aged 14–79 must give fingerprints and a photo at a VAC. In Iceland, that means a trip to Reykjavik. Book your appointment as soon as you get the biometric instruction letter.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the Canada visa application centre (VAC) website or the official IRCC portal. Fill out the application form, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, financial proof), and pay the fee (around CAD 100). Processing takes 2–8 weeks, so apply well before your trip.
2
Attend a biometrics appointment
After submitting, you'll get a letter to give your fingerprints and photo at a VAC. In Iceland, the nearest centre is in Reykjavik. Book an appointment online, bring your passport and the letter. The fee is about CAD 85.
3
Wait for visa decision
IRCC reviews your application. You may get a request for more documents (like bank statements or an itinerary). Once approved, the visa is stamped in your passport. You'll receive a port of entry letter — keep it with your passport.
4
Arrive in Canada
At the airport (e.g., Toronto Pearson, Vancouver), go to the immigration booth. Present your passport with the visa, the port of entry letter, and your return ticket. The officer may ask about your plans. They'll stamp your passport with the allowed stay (usually up to 6 months).
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 6 months from issue date
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard single entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (or passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay5 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Requires Canadian child or grandchild invitation and medical insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) employer compliance fee + CAD 100 (~USD 75) work permit fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) processing fee
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply digital nomad visa
Canada Digital Nomad Strategy (no specific visa)
Up to 6 months as a visitor
Free (visa-free entry)
Canada does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa, but remote workers can enter as visitors for up to 6 months. No work permit needed for foreign employer.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most visa applicants. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extension (visitor record)Fee to extend stay beyond initial period. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; no maximum cap specified. | CAD 200 per day (~USD 150) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear travel purpose20%
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 Canada
No transit visa needed
Iceland passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Canada, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or clearing immigration, a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) may be required.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitis (if hiking in rural areas)Consider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in cold climates, especially for outdoor activities; dress appropriately.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Ottawa Office
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa and extension inquiries; appointments may be required.
Toronto
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) – Toronto Pearson International Airport
6301 Silver Dart Drive, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
24/7
For entry issues and immigration clearance at the airport.
Practical information for IS travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.37 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Iceland is not visa-exempt for Canada. You must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before you travel. There is no eTA option for Icelandic citizens.
Processing times vary, but typically 2–8 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your trip to be safe. You can check current times on the IRCC website.
The nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) is in Reykjavik. You'll need to book an appointment online after submitting your application. The biometrics fee is about CAD 85.
The visa application fee is CAD 100. Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85. Total: about CAD 185. Fees are non-refundable even if your visa is refused.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. You'll need to show you still meet the requirements and have a reason to stay longer. The extension fee is CAD 100.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a recent photo, travel history, proof of funds (bank statements), a travel itinerary, and a letter explaining your purpose of visit. Additional documents may be requested.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak ties to Iceland, or incomplete application. You can reapply with stronger documentation, but the fee is not refunded.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.