United States entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Icelandic passport holders need a visa to enter the United States for tourism or business in 2026. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. embassy in Reykjavik before you travel — there is no visa waiver or ESTA option for Iceland.
Apply for United States eVisaOnly valid for Visa Waiver Program nationalities. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; approval is linked electronically to your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA (eVisa) authorizationYou must have an approved ESTA before boarding your flight to the United States. Required for visa-free travel | Apply online at the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/) at least 72 hours before departure. The fee is US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization). Approval is often instant but can take up to 72 hours. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your planned departure from the US. Valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your Icelandic passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the border officer to stamp your passport upon arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officers may ask to see proof of your departure plans. Recommended | While not explicitly required, having a return or onward ticket is strongly recommended to prove your intention to leave the US within the 90-day visa-free period. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsThis helps demonstrate that you can cover your expenses while in the US. Recommended | Although not a formal requirement, carrying evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) is advisable to show you can support yourself during your visit. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival forms beyond the standard customs declaration. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Icelandic citizens entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. | Not required |
| Extension of stayThe Visa Waiver Program does not allow extensions; overstaying can lead to penalties. Not permitted | Your stay cannot be extended beyond the 90-day maximum. You must depart the United States before the 90 days expire. | Not required |
Plan ahead — visa processing takes months
U.S. visa appointments in Reykjavik can have wait times of 2-4 months. Start your application at least 4 months before your intended travel date. Last-minute trips are rarely possible.
No visa-free entry for Icelanders
Iceland is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. A visa is mandatory for all purposes — tourism, business, or transit.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website and fill out the DS-160. Upload your photo and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee online or at a designated bank in Iceland. Keep the receipt — it's required to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the U.S. Visa Information Service website to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik. Wait times can be 2-4 months, so plan ahead.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy on time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and any supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip and ties to Iceland. Answer honestly and briefly.
5
Wait for processing
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker within a few days to a week. You can track it online or pick it up from the embassy.
6
Enter the U.S.
At the U.S. port of entry (airport or land border), present your passport with the visa. A CBP officer will ask about your stay. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 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:
B-1/B-2 visa extension
Max stayUp to 6 months per extension
ValidityTypically granted in 6-month increments
Cost$420 (I-539 fee)
Must apply before current I-94 expires; approval not guaranteed.
O-1 visa (extraordinary ability)
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable
ValidityValidity tied to employment
Cost$205 (I-129 fee) + $190 (fraud prevention fee) + legal fees
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
L-1 visa (intracompany transferee)
Max stayUp to 7 years (L-1A) or 5 years (L-1B)
ValidityValidity tied to employment
Cost$205 (I-129 fee) + $500 (fraud prevention fee) + legal fees
For employees transferring from a foreign office to a U.S. office of the same company.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$460 USD filing fee + $500 USD fraud fee (≈ $960 USD total)
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Employer must sponsor. Limited annual cap.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of academic program + 60-day grace period
$350 USD SEVIS fee + $160 USD visa fee (≈ $510 USD total)
For full-time study at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work. Must maintain enrollment.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas) + filing fees
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. High capital requirement but leads to permanent residency.
Apply digital nomad visa
No specific digital nomad visa available
N/A
N/A
The US does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use B1/B2 visa or ESTA for short stays.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 visa application fee (MRV fee)Non-refundable, paid when submitting the DS-160 form. | $185 |
| Visa appointment fee (if applicable)Some third-party scheduling services may charge a fee; check the embassy's instructions. | Varies |
| Visa extension (I-539 application fee)For extending B-1/B-2 stay beyond 90 days; must file before current status expires. | $420 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Icelandic passport holders transiting through the U.S. generally require a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa. There is no visa-free transit for Icelanders.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid U.S. permanent resident cards (green cards) are exempt.
- Holders of valid nonimmigrant visas (e.g., B-1/B-2, F-1) may transit under those visa conditions.
- Citizens of certain countries with ESTA eligibility are exempt, but Iceland is not currently eligible.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in some regions; risk is seasonal.
Lyme DiseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas of Northeast and Midwest; use repellent.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; safe food handling is recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) National Benefits Center
8501 NW 17th Street, Suite 100, Washington, D.C. 20001
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For extension applications (I-539), file by mail or online; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles in-person appointments for certain cases; extensions are by mail.
Practical information for IS travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Iceland is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so you must get a B-2 tourist visa before traveling. There is no ESTA option.
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to visa in hand — typically takes 2 to 4 months. Interview wait times at the Reykjavik embassy vary by season. Apply well ahead of your planned trip.
The non-refundable application fee is $185 (about 25,000 ISK as of 2026). This covers processing regardless of the outcome.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must file Form I-539 with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted in up to 6-month increments, but approval is not guaranteed. Overstaying can lead to bans.
You'll be informed of the reason (e.g., insufficient ties to Iceland, incomplete application). You can reapply, but you must address the reason for denial. There is no appeal process.
Yes. Even if you're just changing planes in the U.S., you must clear immigration and customs, which requires a valid U.S. visa (usually a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2). There is no transit without a visa.
No. B-1 is for business activities like meetings and conferences, and B-2 is for tourism. Any paid work for a U.S. employer requires a work visa (e.g., H-1B).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.