France Visa RequirementsFor Iceland passport holders
Icelandic citizens enjoy seamless visa-free access to France. As a Schengen and EEA member, Iceland is part of the same open travel zone, making entry to France effortless.
Great news! Iceland passport holders can enter France without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
No visa or pre-travel authorisation is needed. Simply present your valid Icelandic passport at the French port of entry. The 90-day allowance is shared across all Schengen countries combined, not France alone.
France 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 Icelandic Passport or National ID Card
A valid Icelandic passport or national identity card is sufficient for entry into France as a Schengen member.
Current Travel Situation
Iceland to France: What You Need to Know
Iceland joined the Schengen Area in 1996 as part of the Nordic Passport Union arrangement, even though it is not an EU member. This gives Icelandic passport holders the same rights as EU citizens when travelling within the Schengen zone. France and Iceland have friendly bilateral relations, and Iceland is a popular stopover for French travellers on Icelandair transatlantic routes.
How to Get There
France connects to all other Schengen countries without border controls. As a Schengen member, Iceland shares the same common travel area, so days in France count toward the overall Schengen 90/180 limit.
Money & Banking
France uses the euro (EUR). Icelandic krona (ISK) is not widely accepted; exchange at the airport or use ATMs. Cards are widely accepted across France, though smaller establishments may prefer cash.
Practical Tips
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY) are well connected from Reykjavik Keflavik (KEF) via Icelandair and other carriers. Journey time is approximately 3 hours. A valid passport is sufficient for entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Icelandic citizens need a visa to visit France?
No. Iceland is a Schengen Area member, so Icelandic citizens can travel freely to France as part of the Schengen zone. There are no border checks between Iceland and France for Schengen travel purposes.
How long can Icelandic citizens stay in France?
Icelandic citizens can stay in France and across the Schengen Area for as long as they wish as EEA nationals. The 90/180-day Schengen rule applies to non-EEA passport holders. Icelanders as EEA nationals have freedom of movement rights throughout the EU and EEA.
Do Icelanders need a passport or can they use an ID card to enter France?
A valid Icelandic passport or national identity card is sufficient to enter France. Iceland and EU/EEA countries recognize each other's identity documents for travel within the EEA.
What is the best way to travel from Iceland to France?
Icelandair operates direct flights from Keflavik to Paris Charles de Gaulle. Flight time is approximately 3 hours. Connections are also available via London, Amsterdam, or other hubs. Paris is the main hub for onward travel within France.
Does Iceland have an EHIC agreement with France?
Yes. Icelandic citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in France for access to necessary medical care during temporary visits. This does not replace travel insurance but covers emergency and necessary healthcare costs through the French public health system.
Can Icelanders work or study in France?
Yes. As EEA nationals, Icelandic citizens have the right to work, study, and reside in France without a work permit under EU freedom of movement rules. For stays beyond 3 months, registration with French authorities is recommended.
What are the top destinations in France for Icelandic travelers?
Paris is the most visited French city for Icelanders, followed by the French Riviera (Nice, Cannes), the Loire Valley, Bordeaux wine country, and the French Alps for skiing. France also offers excellent rail connections for exploring multiple regions.