Foreign nationals situated in Iceland, who are unable to return to their home countries due to travel restrictions, quarantine or isolation, are allowed to stay in Iceland without a residence permit or visa until 10 September 2020, according to an announcement of the Ministry of Justice.
An earlier permission, added to the Regulation on foreigners with a temporary provision in the beginning of April, has thereby been extended.
To whom does the temporary provision apply?
The provision applies to foreigners who stayed in Iceland before the introduction of travel restrictions on 20 March 2020, on the basis of:
- a residence permit, which has now expired or expires before he/she can leave the country,
- a visa, which has now expired or expires before he/she can leave the country,
- being visa exempt, but will have stayed longer than 90 days in the Schengen Area before he/she can leave the country.
Please note that the provision only applies to those who are unable to return to their home countries due to travel restrictions, quarantine or isolation.
To whom does the temporary provision not apply?
The provision does not apply to foreigners who were in illegal stay before 20 March 2020 and does not prevent an expulsion on that or other basis in accordance with the provisions of the Foreigners Act.
Please note that the fact that there are no direct flights to your home country, high travel costs or other inconveniences of travelling now are not grounds for being allowed to stay in Iceland without a residence permit or visa.