Discover How Iceland’s New Visa-Free Entry Policy For 95 Countries, Including Schengen Nations, USA, UK, And Austria, Is Booming The Travel Industry – Travel And Tour World
Home»NEWS UPDATES» Discover How Iceland’s New Visa-Free Entry Policy For 95 Countries, Including Schengen Nations, USA, UK, And Austria, Is Booming The Travel Industry
Saturday, June 22, 2024
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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:
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Liechtenstein
EU/EEA Member States Not in the Schengen Area
Citizens from these EU/EEA countries can also enter Iceland without a visa:
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Ireland
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:
Albania
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominica
El Salvador
Georgia
Grenada
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Kosovo
Macao
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
New Zealand
Nicaragua
North Macedonia
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Serbia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Taiwan
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Vatican City
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:
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:
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.
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