Iceland Will Require a Visa Waiver Fee Starting in 2025

At the beginning of 2025, a new travel authorization system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will come into effect. This new requirement aims to bolster security across Europe, addressing concerns related to terrorism and the influx of migrants and refugees.Non-EU visitors who previously didn't need a visa will now have to apply online for ETIAS, which will screen applicants against a database for criminal activities, prior overstays in the EU, and other security issues. Iceland and the Schengen Zone While Iceland is not part of the EU, it is a member of the Schengen zone, along with countries like Norway and Switzerland. The Schengen zone has uniform rules regarding entry and stay duration.Therefore, Iceland will implement the same ETIAS requirements as other Schengen countries. This means that if you plan to visit Iceland and then travel to other European destinations, you will need an ETIAS authorization before landing in Reykjavik.Upon arrival, your passport will be stamped for a maximum stay of 90 days, allowing you to travel freely within the Schengen zone during this period. Do You Need an Iceland ETIAS Visa Waiver? As long as Iceland remains in the Schengen zone, the ETIAS rules will apply. Whether you need to apply for ETIAS depends on your nationality. Citizens of EU countries will continue to enjoy unrestricted travel across Europe, including Iceland. Non-EU citizens are divided into two categories:* Visa-Exempt Travelers: This includes citizens from North America, Australia, and other countries who previously only needed a valid passport for short visits to Europe. Starting in 2025, these travelers must apply for ETIAS approval. The application fee is €7, and the authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.* Visa-Required Travelers: Citizens from countries not covered by the visa waiver will continue to need a full visa to enter Iceland, as is currently the case. When Do You Need to Have ETIAS? The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is set to launch in early 2025. Following its implementation, there will be a 180-day grace period.During this six-month grace period, non-EU travelers who previously did not need a visa will need to fill out an ETIAS application form. This period will allow travelers to become familiar with the new requirement and give European travel authorities time to train on the new protocols and address any technical issues that arise.After the grace period ends, all third-country nationals will be required to have ETIAS approval to enter the Schengen zone. What will be asked on the ETIAS Application form? The ETIAS online application will ask for basic information as part of the pre-screening check. Below is the information that is said to be required:* Valid passport / Travel document information* Full name* Current address* Citizenship status* Sex* Preferred gender* Dual citizenship status* Email address* Telephone number* Date of birth* Final destination member state* Educational background* Occupational backgroundDuring the ETIAS application or appeal process, you may be asked about your:* Criminal history* Past incarceration* Felon status* Past European travel* Drug use* Health history How Long does Approval of ETIAS applications Take? According to the website about ETIAS applications, it will only take a few minutes for an application to be approved once the payment is completed. While that sounds great, I would not leave applying for ETIAS to the last minute to avoid any possible issues. Discovering Iceland's Natural Wonders Iceland is a treasure trove of unique geological features, offering an abundance of geysers,