United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Iceland passport holders
Icelandic citizens can visit the United Kingdom visa-free for up to 180 days (6 months). The UK now requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at GBP 16 before boarding. The ETA is valid for 2 years.
Great news! Iceland passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
Apply for the UK ETA at gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta or via the UK ETA app. Cost is GBP 16. Most applications are approved within hours. The ETA is valid for multiple trips over 2 years, with each stay up to 6 months (180 days).
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Icelandic Passport
A valid Icelandic passport is required for entry into the UK. UK Border Force checks passports at staffed lanes. National ID cards are not accepted for entry to the UK.
Return or Onward Flight Ticket Recommended
UK Border Force may ask to see evidence of your return or onward travel plans.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking confirmation or details of where you will be staying in the UK.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank statement or credit card as evidence of funds to support your stay.
Current Travel Situation
Iceland to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The UK left the EU and Schengen Area but maintains visa-free access for Icelandic citizens. Iceland and the UK have close ties through NATO membership (both founding members) and historically through trade and fishing. From January 2025, Icelandic travellers are required to obtain a UK ETA before boarding, joining the broader rollout of the scheme. Irish citizens are exempt from the UK ETA due to the Common Travel Area, but Icelandic citizens are not.
How to Get There
The UK is not in Schengen. Days in the UK do not count toward your Schengen 90/180 allowance. This can be useful for resetting Schengen time.
Money & Banking
The UK uses the British pound sterling (GBP). Scotland and Northern Ireland also use GBP. London is one of Europe's most expensive cities. Cards are widely accepted everywhere in the UK.
Practical Tips
London airports (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN) and Edinburgh (EDI) have direct connections from Reykjavik Keflavik (KEF). Icelandair and British Airways both operate the route. Journey time is around 3 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Icelandic citizens need a visa to visit the UK?
No. Icelandic citizens can visit the United Kingdom without a visa for up to 180 days. Iceland is part of the European Economic Area, and a bilateral arrangement ensures continued visa-free access for Icelanders after Brexit. Your valid Icelandic passport is sufficient.
How long can Icelandic citizens stay in the UK without a visa?
Up to 180 days per visit. A UK Border Force officer determines your authorized stay on arrival, typically granting the full 180-day maximum for visitors with clear tourism or business intent. Carry evidence of your plans and finances.
Can Icelanders use the eGates at UK airports?
No. The automated eGates at UK airports are available only to British and Irish citizens and certain other eligible groups. Icelandic citizens must queue at staffed border lanes and have their passport checked by a Border Force officer.
Do Icelanders need travel insurance for the UK?
Iceland has limited healthcare agreements with the UK post-Brexit. Taking out travel insurance before visiting the UK is strongly recommended to cover medical treatment, cancellations, and lost luggage.
Does time in the UK count toward my Schengen 90/180-day limit?
No. The UK is not part of the Schengen Area. Time spent in the UK is entirely separate from your Schengen allowance. You can visit the UK for 180 days and then enter the Schengen Area for a fresh 90/180-day period.
What currency does the UK use and can I use euros?
The UK uses pound sterling (GBP). Euros are not generally accepted in the UK outside a few tourist-facing businesses. Exchange currency before arrival or withdraw GBP from ATMs at UK airports and cities.
Are there direct flights from Iceland to the UK?
Yes. Keflavik Airport (KEF) has multiple daily direct flights to London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, as well as services to Edinburgh and Manchester. Icelandair and easyJet both operate this route. Flight time is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Can Icelandic citizens work in the UK?
Not automatically as tourists. Working on a visitor entry is not permitted. Icelanders who wish to work in the UK must apply for the appropriate work visa or sponsored visa in advance. The post-Brexit arrangements removed the automatic right to work for EEA nationals.