As a preliminary measure to battle the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Norway, Lithuania, Netherlands, Denmark, France, Sweden and Finland have now stopped issuing visas temporarily. In the places those countries represent Iceland the issuing of visas to Iceland will likewise be shut down temporarily. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may case.
Given that the government has declared an emergency level for COVID-19, those who need to seek services from the Directorate of Immigration are encouraged to contact the agency via email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or by telephone as service at the front desk will be limited during the ban on public gatherings.
The Directorate of Immigration is often busy and these measures are taken to ensure that there are not too many at the front desk at the same time and that those who are there can maintain two meters distance according to the recommendation of the Directorate of Health.
The front desk will only accept applications and payments and will be open for photo shooting. The Directorate of Immigration therefore encourages people to send applications and documents by regular post. If applications are mailed, a proof of payment (bank receipt) must accompany the application, otherwise it will be returned. A drop box for applications and other documents will also be available at the Directorate's front desk.
Information on processing fees and payment instructions can be found on the website's processing fee site.
We also encourage people to visit the Official COVID-19 information website of the Directorate of Health, which contains information on Iceland's response to COVID-19, measures to reduce its spread and who to contact if you are in Iceland and think you are ill due to Covid-19.
Registration for Icelandic test for applicants for Icelandic citizenship starts March 10th on www.mimir.is.
*Please note that in Egilsstaðir and Ísafjörður tests are only held in spring time.
Last day to register is May 4th 2020.
Due to unforeseeable circumstances, there will be a delay in the introduction of a new type of residence permit cards.
The Directorate of Immigration must therefore limit the issuance of residence permit cards further than had already been announced.
Residence permit cards will only be issued to individuals that can proof that they need them for travelling abroad. Valid travel records must be submitted, e.g. a flight ticket.
Instead of residence permit cards applicants will receive a letter of confirmation from the Directorate, confirming the issuance of a residence permit, including information on the permit’s validity and the applicant’s right to work.
The Directorate of Immigration sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience that this causes. For further information, please contact the Directorate through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The United Kingdom will leave the European Union on January 31 and thereby the European Economic Area. A period of transition will begin on February 1, lasting until December 31 2020.
During the transition period, the same rules will apply as before, regarding the movement of people between Iceland and the UK. British citizens, who wish to move to Iceland during the period, must have their right of residence registered at Registers Iceland.