Iceland Visa RequirementsFor Saudi Arabia passport holders
Saudi passport holders require a Schengen visa for Iceland. Iceland does not have its own embassy in Saudi Arabia; Schengen visa applications for Iceland are typically handled by the Norwegian Embassy in Riyadh. The fee is EUR 80. Iceland is a bucket-list destination for its Northern Lights, geothermal geysers, glaciers, and midnight sun.
Saudi Arabia passport holders require a visa to enter Iceland.
Apply at the Norwegian Embassy in Riyadh or check with the Icelandic government website for current arrangements. Standard Schengen documentation required: passport, photos, form, EUR 80, travel insurance, bookings, bank statements. Processing 2 to 4 weeks.
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
Schengen Visa Application Form
Completed and signed form submitted to the Icelandic Embassy or VFS Global in Saudi Arabia.
Valid Saudi Passport
Valid for at least 3 months after intended departure from Schengen Zone, with at least 2 blank pages.
Passport Photos
Two recent biometric photos (35x45mm) on white background.
Bank Statements (3 months)
Showing adequate funds for your stay (guideline: EUR 50 per day).
Employment Letter
From Saudi employer confirming position, salary, and approved leave.
Travel Insurance
Minimum EUR 30,000 medical and repatriation coverage valid across the Schengen Area.
Hotel Bookings
Confirmed accommodation for all nights in the Schengen Zone.
Round-trip Flight Itinerary
Confirmed outbound and return flight reservations.
Current Travel Situation
Saudi Arabia to Iceland: What You Need to Know
Iceland is a Schengen member. Due to Iceland's small diplomatic presence, Schengen visa applications for Iceland are usually processed by Norway's embassy in Riyadh (check current arrangements at the Norwegian Embassy). Iceland has become an extremely popular travel destination globally for its otherworldly volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, whale watching, and Northern Lights in winter.
Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital. The Golden Circle day trip (Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall) is Iceland's most popular tourist route.
How to Get There
Riyadh (RUH) to Reykjavik Keflavik (KEF) connects via London, Copenhagen, or Amsterdam. Icelandair and British Airways serve this route. Total travel approximately 10 to 12 hours.
Money & Banking
Iceland uses the Icelandic Krona (ISK). Iceland is very expensive, among the world's highest costs of living. Hotels run ISK 30,000 to ISK 80,000 per night ($220 to $590). Budget for high accommodation and food costs. Cards accepted universally; Iceland is nearly cashless.
Practical Tips
Northern Lights: Best viewed September through March, with January and February being optimal. Aurora forecast apps help plan viewing excursions outside Reykjavik to reduce light pollution.
Golden Circle: Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss - a half-day or full-day self-drive or bus tour. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa near the airport is a popular arrival/departure activity. Book well in advance.
Road Trip: The Ring Road (Route 1) circumnavigates the entire island in approximately 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi nationals need a Schengen visa for Iceland?
Yes. Saudi nationals require a Schengen visa for Iceland. Apply at the Norwegian Embassy in Riyadh (which typically handles Iceland's Schengen applications in Saudi Arabia) or contact the Icelandic government directly for current arrangements. Fee EUR 80.
What is the Northern Lights experience like in Iceland?
The Northern Lights are visible from Iceland from September through March. Clear skies and solar activity are required. The best viewing is outside of Reykjavik to reduce light pollution. Aurora forecast apps and local tour operators organize Northern Lights hunting excursions (bus or super-jeep tours to dark areas). Success is weather-dependent.
How do I book the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa must be booked in advance at bluelagoon.com. Walk-in entry is not available. Standard Comfort entry costs approximately ISK 12,000 to ISK 15,000 ($90 to $115). The Premium package includes silica mud mask, algae mask, and access to the sauna steam cave. Book several weeks ahead for popular times.
What is the Golden Circle day trip?
The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular day trip from Reykjavik, covering three main sites: Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO, the site of the world's first parliament founded in 930 AD and the visible gap between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates), Geysir (Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes), and Gullfoss waterfall (double cascade waterfall over ancient canyon). Total driving distance is approximately 300km.
Is Iceland expensive for Saudi travelers?
Iceland is one of the world's most expensive countries. Budget approximately $200 to $350 per day including accommodation, meals, and activities. Hotels in Reykjavik run ISK 30,000 to ISK 80,000 per night ($220 to $590). A road trip renting a 4WD campervan is more economical for self-catering travelers.
Are there halal food options in Iceland?
Halal food options are limited in Iceland. Reykjavik has a few halal restaurants and kebab shops. Seafood (fish and shellfish) is Iceland's specialty and is generally halal in practice. Grocery stores in Reykjavik have some halal-labeled products. Travelers with strict halal requirements should plan meals carefully or self-cater when possible.