Ukrainians visiting Iceland? ETIAS will be required from 2026

If you’re a Ukrainian passport holder planning a trip to Iceland in the coming years, there’s a new rule you should know about.

Starting in late 2026, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become mandatory for visa-free travelers to Iceland and other Schengen countries.

This guide is intended for Ukrainian citizens traveling from Ukraine or third countries under normal passport access, not for those already residing in the EU under special legal protection.

Do Ukrainians need a visa to enter Iceland?

No visa is required for short stays, Ukrainians can enter Iceland and other Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

But from 2026, unless you hold legal residence or refugee status in a Schengen state, you will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling.

Who does not need ETIAS?

If you're a Ukrainian citizen who:

• Holds temporary protection in the EU under the 2022 directive
• Has a valid EU residence permit
• Was granted asylum or refugee status

➡️ Always check with your host country’s immigration authority before traveling.

What is ETIAS, and how does it work?

ETIAS is a digital pre-travel authorisation used to screen visa-exempt travelers before they enter the Schengen Zone.

It’s not a visa, but it will be mandatory for Ukrainians who travel with a regular biometric passport and do not hold EU residence status.

Once approved, it’s linked to your passport and allows travel to 30 countries, including Iceland.

ETIAS vs. visa: What’s the difference?

What Ukrainians need to apply for ETIAS

To complete your ETIAS application, you’ll need:

• A Ukrainian biometric passport, valid for 3+ months beyond your planned departure
• A credit or debit card for the application fee (when applying through iVisa, you'll be also able to pay with PayPal and other secure payment methods)
• A valid email address
• Basic trip details (e.g., country of entry, travel dates)

💡 Tip from iVisa’s travel expert Femke Strietman:

"If this is your first time applying, double-check that your passport is biometric. ETIAS won’t work with old-style travel documents."

Step-by-step: How to apply for Iceland ETIAS from Ukraine

1️⃣ Visit the official ETIAS portal or apply with iVisa for easier guidance (download the mobile app for an even faster service)

2️⃣ Fill out your personal, passport, and travel info

3️⃣ Pay the fee and wait for the approval email – most are processed in minutes to 72 hours

📌 You don’t need to print anything – ETIAS is digitally linked to your passport.

How long is ETIAS valid for Ukrainians?

Once approved, your ETIAS gives you:

• 3 years of validity
• Access to 30 countries, including Iceland, Norway, Germany, and France
• Multiple trips, staying up to 90 days in any 180-day period

👉 Check the full country list here

ETIAS FAQs for Ukrainian travelers

Do Ukrainians still have visa-free access?

Yes. The ETIAS doesn’t replace visa-free access, it adds a digital pre-screening layer.

Do refugees or temporary protection holders need ETIAS?

No. If you’re protected under EU law or have a valid residence permit, ETIAS does not apply.

What if I change my passport?

You must reapply for ETIAS, it’s tied to your passport number.

What if I want to stay longer in Iceland?

For longer stays, Ukrainians need a national visa issued by Icelandic authorities. This applies to:

• University or language study programs
• Employment opportunities
• Family reunification

• 🔗 Visit utl.is – the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration for more.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Contact our team via WhatsApp or visit the iVisa help center.

Whether you're applying from Ukraine or abroad, we’ll guide you step by step.