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Iceland, with its mesmerizing landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has strategically positioned itself as a top travel destination for both leisure travel and business travel by implementing comprehensive visa-free entry policies. These policies allow a significant number of holidaymakers and corporate travelers from various countries to visit Iceland without the hassle of obtaining a visa, thus promoting tourism and boosting the local economy. For holidaymakers, Iceland’s visa-free policies open the door to explore its stunning natural wonders, such as the Northern Lights, geothermal spas, and volcanic landscapes, without the barriers of complex visa processes. Business travel and corporate travel are also facilitated, enabling professionals to attend conferences, engage in meetings, and explore investment opportunities with ease. This accessibility significantly enhances Iceland’s appeal as a versatile travel destination. The impact of these policies is reflected in the steady increase in international tourist arrivals, backed by official footfall data and citations from government sources, which highlight how Iceland continues to attract a diverse range of visitors seeking both adventure and business opportunities.

TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “The implementation of Iceland’s visa-free policy for 95 countries, including Schengen nations, has been a transformative force for the tourism sector. This strategic move has not only simplified the entry process for millions but has also broadened our appeal across diverse travel sectors. Additionally, this policy has invigorated niche travel markets, such as culinary tourism, adventure travel, and wellness retreats, enriching the travel experience and fostering significant economic growth and cultural exchange.”

Iceland allows visa-free entry to citizens of many countries around the world, facilitating easy access for both short-term visits and tourism. Here’s a chronological list of all countries whose citizens can enter Iceland without a visa, based on official data from government websites.

Schengen Area Member States

As part of the Schengen Area, Iceland allows visa-free entry to all citizens of the following 26 Schengen countries:

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Czech Republic
4. Denmark
5. Estonia
6. Finland
7. France
8. Germany
9. Greece
10. Hungary
11. Iceland
12. Italy
13. Latvia
14. Lithuania
15. Luxembourg
16. Malta
17. Netherlands
18. Norway
19. Poland
20. Portugal
21. Slovakia
22. Slovenia
23. Spain
24. Sweden
25. Switzerland
26. Liechtenstein

EU/EEA Member States Not in the Schengen Area

Citizens from these EU/EEA countries can also enter Iceland without a visa:

27. Bulgaria
28. Croatia
29. Cyprus
30. Ireland
31. Romania

Visa-Waiver Countries

Iceland, through bilateral agreements or Schengen-wide visa exemption agreements, allows visa-free entry for citizens from the following 64 countries for up to 90 days:

32. Albania
33. Andorra
34. Antigua and Barbuda
35. Argentina
36. Australia
37. Bahamas
38. Barbados
39. Bosnia and Herzegovina
40. Brazil
41. Brunei
42. Canada
43. Chile
44. Colombia
45. Costa Rica
46. Dominica
47. El Salvador
48. Georgia
49. Grenada
50. Guatemala
51. Honduras
52. Hong Kong
53. Israel
54. Japan
55. Kiribati
56. Kosovo
57. Macao
58. Malaysia
59. Marshall Islands
60. Mauritius
61. Mexico
62. Micronesia
63. Moldova
64. Monaco
65. Montenegro
66. New Zealand
67. Nicaragua
68. North Macedonia
69. Palau
70. Panama
71. Paraguay
72. Peru
73. Saint Kitts and Nevis
74. Saint Lucia
75. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
76. Samoa
77. San Marino
78. Serbia
79. Seychelles
80. Singapore
81. Solomon Islands
82. South Korea
83. Taiwan
84. Timor-Leste
85. Tonga
86. Trinidad and Tobago
87. Tuvalu
88. Ukraine
89. United Arab Emirates
90. United Kingdom
91. United States
92. Uruguay
93. Vanuatu
94. Vatican City
95. Venezuela

Categories of Visa-Free Entry

1. Schengen Area Countries

Visa-Free Policy:

• Description: As a member of the Schengen Area, Iceland permits visa-free entry to citizens of other Schengen countries. This allows for unrestricted travel among the 27 Schengen member states, facilitating easy movement for both leisure and business.
• Countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
• Tourist Footfall: In 2022, the largest numbers of tourists from Schengen countries visiting Iceland were from Germany (178,000), France (103,000), and Denmark (98,000).

Iceland has a robust economy heavily supported by tourism, among other sectors like fisheries, renewable energy, and financial services. Here’s a breakdown of Iceland’s GDP:

1. Total GDP:
   • 2022 Estimate: Iceland’s GDP was approximately $27.3 billion USD.
   • Per Capita: The GDP per capita in Iceland is around $75,000 USD, which ranks high globally due to its small population of about 366,000 people.

Economic Growth:

• Growth Rate: Iceland’s economy grew by about 4.3% in 2022, rebounding strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on tourism.
• Contribution by Tourism: Tourism is a significant contributor to Iceland’s GDP, accounting for roughly 8.5% of the total GDP in recent years.

Tourism has become a cornerstone of Iceland’s economy, attracting visitors with its unique landscapes and cultural experiences. Here’s an insight into the tourism footfall in Iceland:

1. International Tourist Arrivals:
   • 2022: Iceland welcomed approximately 1.7 million international tourists.
   • 2021: The number of tourists was lower due to COVID-19 restrictions, at about 700,000.
   • 2019: Pre-pandemic, Iceland saw its highest tourism figures with around 2.3 million visitors.

Tourism’s Economic Impact:

• Revenue Generation: In 2022, tourism generated approximately $4.5 billion USD in revenue for Iceland, underscoring its critical role in the economy.
• Employment: The tourism sector employs around 30,000 people, which is significant for Iceland’s small labor market.

2. EU/EEA Countries Not in the Schengen Area

Visa-Free Policy:

• Description: Citizens of EU/EEA countries that are not part of the Schengen Area can enter Iceland without a visa due to agreements within the European Economic Area.
• Countries: Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus.
• Tourist Footfall: In 2022, approximately 72,000 tourists from Ireland visited Iceland, showcasing the strong travel ties between these nations .

3. Visa-Exempt Countries Outside the Schengen Area

Visa-Free Policy:

• Description: Iceland extends visa-free entry to several non-Schengen countries based on bilateral agreements and EU visa policy.
• Countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Singapore, and several others.
• Tourist Footfall: In 2022, the highest number of visitors from visa-exempt non-Schengen countries came from the United States (285,000), Canada (70,000), and the United Kingdom (216,000) .

4. Non-Schengen Visa-Required Countries with Facilitated Visa Agreements

Visa-Free Policy:

• Description: Iceland allows visa-free entry or simplified visa processes for citizens of certain countries based on specific agreements or diplomatic considerations.
• Countries: Countries with specific agreements such as Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, where citizens enjoy facilitated visa processes.
• Tourist Footfall: In 2022, approximately 35,000 visitors from Brazil, 12,000 from Argentina, and 9,000 from Chile were recorded .

Impact on Tourism

Economic Boost:

• Increased Visitor Numbers: The visa-free policies have significantly increased the number of international visitors to Iceland. In 2022, Iceland welcomed approximately 2.3 million tourists, recovering to pre-pandemic levels .
• Tourism Revenue: Tourism is a crucial component of Iceland’s economy, contributing over $2 billion annually. The ease of visa-free travel encourages longer stays and higher spending, bolstering local businesses.

Sustainable Tourism Development:

• Managing Footfall: With the surge in tourism, Iceland has implemented measures to manage tourist footfall and ensure sustainable travel practices. This includes promoting off-peak travel and encouraging visits to less crowded areas.
• Cultural Exchange: Visa-free travel facilitates cultural exchange and international relationships, enriching the visitor experience and fostering global connections.

Iceland’s strategic use of visa-free entry policies has positioned it as a top destination for global travelers. By simplifying entry requirements for a wide range of countries, Iceland has successfully boosted its tourism industry, driving significant economic benefits and enhancing its international appeal. As Iceland continues to attract tourists from around the world, it remains a prime example of how thoughtful visa policies can stimulate tourism and economic growth.