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  4. Currently in Iceland: Q&A for non EU/EEA nationals

Currently in Iceland: Q&A for non EU/EEA nationals

My visa-free stay has expired or expires soon but I can't get home. What should I do?

Foreign nationals, who were legally staying in Iceland prior to 20 March 2020 and have been unable to return to their home countries due to travel restrictions, quarantine or isolation, were permitted to stay in Iceland without a residence permit or visa until 10 November 2020, upon being registered at the Directorate of Immigration.

The permission to stay without a residence permit or visa will not be extended again and such stays beyond 10 November 2020 may result in an expulsion.

Please note that the provision does not apply to those who were already in overstay before the introduction of travel restrictions.

My visa has expired but I can't get home. What should I do?

Foreign nationals, who were legally staying in Iceland prior to 20 March 2020 and have been unable to return to their home countries due to travel restrictions, quarantine or isolation, were permitted to stay in Iceland without a residence permit or visa until 10 November 2020, upon being registered at the Directorate of Immigration.

The permission to stay without a residence permit or visa will not be extended again and such stays beyond 10 November 2020 may result in an expulsion.

Please note that the provision does not apply to those who were already in overstay before the introduction of travel restrictions.

My residence permit has expired or will expire soon but I can't get home. What should I do?

Foreign nationals, who were legally staying in Iceland prior to 20 March 2020 and have been unable to return to their home countries due to travel restrictions, quarantine or isolation, were permitted to stay in Iceland without a residence permit or visa until 10 November 2020, upon being registered at the Directorate of Immigration.

The permission to stay without a residence permit or visa will not be extended again and such stays beyond 10 November 2020 may result in an expulsion.

Please note that the provision does not apply to those who were already in overstay before the introduction of travel restrictions.

If I receive unemployment benefits due to reduced employment ratio because of COVID-19, will it affect the renewal of my residence permit or my application for a permanent residence permit?

No. The Directorate will regard temporary measures, such as the Government's benefits due to reduced employment ratio because of COVID 19, as secure, regular payments for support that can serve as a basis for your support.

Will the Directorate continue to process applications for travel documents?

Yes, the Directorate continues to process applications for travel documents.

Will it take longer for me to get an answer on my application as a result of COVID-19?

Currently, we do not know the impact the situation will have on our processing time but it is likely that it will lead to longer waiting times in some cases.

On our website you can find regularly updated information on which applications are being processed at the moment.

I received a letter from the Directorate asking for more documents to process my application, it says I have 30 days to submit the documents but because of COVID-19 I am having difficulty gathering them. Can I have an extension?

We are aware that because of the situation it might be difficult to gather certain documents. Please ask for an extension via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

I have a study permit and I am delayed in my studies due to COVID-19. What is the significance of this when I apply for a renewal of my residence permit?

If you are delayed in your studies due to COVID-19, we will take this into account when we process your application for renewal.

It is important that you explain the reason for the delay and document this in your application.

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    • Currently in Iceland: Q&A for non EU/EEA nationals
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OPENING HOURS

Monday to Thursday 9 - 14
Fridays 9 - 12

Tel.: 444 0900

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Location

Directorate of Immigration | Dalvegur 18 | 201 Kópavogur | +354 444 0900 | utl@utl.is

Kt. 670269-6399 | Rkn. 0515-26-410424

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