Iceland Visa RequirementsFor Gambia passport holders
Gambia passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Iceland. Iceland is part of Schengen but not the EU. The fee is EUR 90 (approximately $97 USD), applied for at the Danish Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, which handles Icelandic visa applications for West Africa.
Gambia passport holders require a visa to enter Iceland.
Apply at the Danish Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, which handles Schengen visa applications for Iceland in West Africa. The Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 (approximately $97 USD). Processing takes approximately 15 business days. Specify Iceland as your destination when applying at the Danish Embassy so the application is processed correctly.
Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages. Must have been issued within the last 10 years.
Completed Schengen Visa Application Form
Schengen visa application form filled out completely, signed, and dated. Available at the embassy website or in person. Each adult applicant must complete their own form.
Passport-Sized Photos
Two recent passport photographs (35mm x 45mm) with white or off-white background, taken within the last six months. Must meet ICAO biometric photo standards.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering the entire Schengen Area for the full duration of your trip, with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. This is mandatory for Schengen visas.
Flight Itinerary
Confirmed round-trip or onward flight booking showing entry into and exit from the Schengen Area. A flight reservation (not necessarily purchased) is accepted for application purposes.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel bookings, rental agreement, or an original invitation letter from a host in the Schengen country showing your address for each night of your stay.
Bank Statements
Bank statements from the last three to six months showing sufficient financial means. The Schengen guideline is approximately EUR 50 per day of stay.
Employment or Proof of Income
Employment letter stating your position, salary, and approved leave dates, or if self-employed, business registration and recent tax returns. Students provide enrollment letters.
Schengen Visa Fee
Payment of EUR 90 (approximately $97 USD) for adults. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application.
Current Travel Situation
Gambia to Iceland: What You Need to Know
Iceland is a unique Schengen member: it belongs to the Schengen Area but is not an EU member state. Iceland has no embassy in West Africa; its visa applications for Gambians are handled by the Danish Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, as Denmark represents Iceland is visa interests in the region. Iceland is one of the world is most geologically unique destinations, famous for the Northern Lights, geysers, glaciers, and the midnight sun. It is one of the most expensive tourist destinations globally but also one of the most geographically spectacular. Gambia and Iceland have no significant bilateral ties.
How to Get There
From Banjul (BJL), connections to Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF) route through London, Copenhagen, or Amsterdam. Icelandair has a unique business model of using Reykjavik as a transatlantic stopover. Total travel time from West Africa is approximately 14 to 20 hours. Within Iceland, the Straeto bus system covers Reykjavik; rental cars and camper vans are the only practical transport for the rest of the country.
Money & Banking
Iceland uses the Icelandic Krona (ISK). ATMs are available but card payment is universal throughout Iceland; contactless is standard everywhere. Iceland is the most expensive destination in this guide; daily budget for mid-range travel is approximately $200 to $300 USD. Tipping is not expected in Iceland. Self-catering and camping dramatically reduce costs; N1 petrol station hot dogs are an Icelandic institution at around $3 USD.
Practical Tips
Iceland is one of the world is most expensive destinations; plan your budget carefully. The ring road (Route 1) is the classic way to explore the entire island over one to two weeks. The Northern Lights are best viewed from October to March away from city lights. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa must be booked well in advance. Self-driving is the most practical way to explore outside of Reykjavik; road conditions change rapidly so check safetravel.is before each journey. Download the 112 Iceland emergency app as required by local rescue services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Gambians need a visa for Iceland?
Yes. Iceland is part of Schengen but not the EU. Gambian passport holders require a Schengen visa applied for at the Danish Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, which handles Icelandic visa applications for West Africa.
Why does Denmark handle Iceland visa applications for West Africa?
Iceland has no diplomatic missions in West Africa. The Danish Embassy in Dakar handles Schengen visa applications on behalf of Iceland, so Gambians apply there specifying Iceland as their destination.
Is Iceland the most expensive Schengen destination?
Yes. Iceland consistently ranks as one of the most expensive countries in the world. Daily budget for mid-range travel is approximately $200 to $300 USD. Self-catering and camping during summer dramatically reduce costs, as does cooking your own meals from supermarkets.
What are the best natural phenomena for Gambian visitors to see in Iceland?
The Northern Lights (September to March, best from October to February), geysers (Geysir geothermal area), waterfalls (Gullfoss, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss), glaciers (Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon), and volcanic landscapes are unlike anything in West Africa and uniquely spectacular.
Is there a direct flight from West Africa to Iceland?
No. Icelandair connects from several European cities to Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF). Connections from West Africa go via London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, or Paris. Total journey time is approximately 14 to 20 hours.
How much does an Icelandic Schengen visa cost for Gambians?
The Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 (approximately $97 USD), paid at the Danish Embassy in Dakar when applying for Iceland.