Skip to content
MyVisaPort

United States for Icelandic passport holders: Visa-free

Your circumstances

Passport:
🇮🇸 Icelandic
Lives in:
Not specified (general rule)
Going to:
🇺🇸 United States
Purpose:
Holiday

Route summary

Visa-free

No visa – ESTA required (Visa Waiver Program)

Icelandic citizens can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, with an approved ESTA.

Conditions

  • Apply for ESTA before travel (approval can take up to 72 hours); an e-passport is required.
  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure unless your country has an agreement exempting this.
  • Up to 90 days for tourism or business; no work, no extension, no change of status.
  • Not eligible for ESTA if, since 1 Mar 2011, you travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen (limited exceptions), or to Cuba since 12 Jan 2021, or are also a national of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan or Syria – you then need a visa.
  • A previous visa refusal, overstay or certain criminal records also make you ineligible.
  • Border officers can inspect phones and social media and decide admission; a short trip to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean does not reset the 90 days.

ESTA required before you fly · US$40.62 · esta.cbp.dhs.gov (opens in a new tab)

About this route

Route type
Visa-free: no visa application needed.
Documents
Document list not published by the official source.
Fee
US$40.62 (as published).
Processing
Usually within 72 hours.

Next step

Steps not published by the official source — use the official link to start.

Official application pageesta.cbp.dhs.gov ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Last checked 1 Nov 2026 against travel.state.gov · Read in browser on official page

Documents

Document list not published by the official source.

Fees

Official government fee
US$40.62
Visa-centre / service fee (not a government fee)
None stated by the official source
Notes from the source
ESTA USD 40.62 per authorisation (from 16 Oct 2026, FY2027). If the application is denied: USD 10.62.

These notes may mention other charges that we have not yet separated into government and service fees. Visa-centre, service or other third-party charges are never official government fees.

Processing and validity

Processing time
Usually within 72 hours
Validity
2 years or until the passport expires (Smartraveller)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days

How to apply: No visa – ESTA required (Visa Waiver Program)

Where to apply

Where: Online – official ESTA site

Official application page: esta.cbp.dhs.gov ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Quick answers

Do Icelandic passport holders need a visa for United States?

No visa – ESTA required (Visa Waiver Program). Icelandic citizens can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, with an approved ESTA. Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html

Business, work or just passing through?

The rules above are for a holiday: tourism and visiting family and friends. Business visits, paid work and transit are covered separately below.

Business visits to United States

Option 1
Visa-freeBusiness visit (meetings, conferences – not paid work)

Business visit: No visa – ESTA required (Visa Waiver Program)

ESTA required before you fly· US$40.62Apply on the official site (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) →

Short business visits (meetings, conferences, negotiations – not paid work) follow the same route as a holiday, because the official source covers business visits (Tourism or business (Visa Waiver Program)). Icelandic citizens can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, with an approved ESTA.

Conditions

  • Apply for ESTA before travel (approval can take up to 72 hours); an e-passport is required.
  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure unless your country has an agreement exempting this.
  • Up to 90 days for tourism or business; no work, no extension, no change of status.
  • Not eligible for ESTA if, since 1 Mar 2011, you travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen (limited exceptions), or to Cuba since 12 Jan 2021, or are also a national of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan or Syria – you then need a visa.
  • A previous visa refusal, overstay or certain criminal records also make you ineligible.
  • Border officers can inspect phones and social media and decide admission; a short trip to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean does not reset the 90 days.
Government fee
US$40.62
ESTA USD 40.62 per authorisation (from 16 Oct 2026, FY2027). If the application is denied: USD 10.62.
Processing
Usually within 72 hours
Validity
2 years or until the passport expires (Smartraveller)
Max stay
Up to 90 days
Steps, documents & where to apply

How to apply

Steps not verified yet — follow the official source below.

Where: Online – official ESTA site

Official application page ↗

Documents checklist

Document list not verified yet — check the official source.

✓ Read in browser on official page

Official wording

“travel.state.gov "Visa Waiver Program": Iceland listed; "stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel".”

Working in United States

Main work visa routes for United States

These are the main routes and what they require. Whether you qualify depends on your circumstances; the official page decides.

H-1B specialty occupation

For: Jobs that require at least a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a specific specialty

  • A US employer files a petition (Form I-129) after a Labor Condition Application is certified by the Department of Labor
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in the specialty, or equivalent experience
  • Annual cap of 65,000 (plus 20,000 for US master's graduates); cap-subject cases need a selected electronic registration
  • Since 21 September 2025 certain petitions for workers outside the US need an extra $100,000 payment (subject to ongoing court orders – see USCIS)
Length
Up to 3 years, extendable to a total of 6 years

Source: USCIS – H-1B Specialty Occupations (uscis.gov).

What the source says

"The H-1B classification has an annual numerical limit (cap) of 65,000 new statuses or visas each fiscal year" … "An additional 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries who have earned a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education are exempt from the cap." … "you may generally be admitted for a period of up to 3 years. This initial period of admission may generally be extended for an additional period of up to 3 years, for a total period of admission of 6 years." … "must be accompanied by an additional $100,000 payment as a condition of eligibility."

L-1A intracompany transferee (executive or manager)

For: Executives and managers transferred from an affiliated foreign office to a US office

  • Worked for the qualifying organisation abroad for one continuous year within the last three years
  • Coming to work in an executive or managerial capacity
Length
Initial stay up to 3 years (1 year for a new office); extensions in 2-year steps to a maximum of 7 years

Source: USCIS – L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager (uscis.gov).

What the source says

"The L-1A nonimmigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer an executive or manager from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States." … "Generally have been working for a qualifying organization abroad for one continuous year within the three years immediately preceding his or her admission to the United States" … "All other qualified employees will be allowed a maximum initial stay of three years." … "until the employee has reached the maximum limit of seven years."

O-1 extraordinary ability or achievement

For: People with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or extraordinary achievement in film or TV

  • A US employer or agent files a petition
  • Evidence of national or international recognition (at least three types of documentation)
Length
Up to 3 years initially; extensions in steps of up to 1 year

Source: USCIS – O-1 Visa (uscis.gov).

What the source says

"The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics" … "The record must include at least three different types of documentation"

H-2A temporary agricultural worker

For: Temporary or seasonal farm work

  • A US employer with a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor files a petition
  • Generally for nationals of countries designated as eligible for the H-2A program

Source: USCIS – H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers (uscis.gov).

What the source says

"Offer a job that is of a temporary or seasonal nature." … "has designated as eligible to participate in the H-2A program."

H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker

For: Temporary non-farm work (for example seasonal or peak-load jobs)

  • A US employer files a petition after showing there are not enough US workers
  • Generally for nationals of countries designated as eligible for the H-2B program
  • Annual cap of 66,000

Source: USCIS – H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers (uscis.gov).

What the source says

"There are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the temporary work." … "has designated as eligible to participate in the H-2B program." … "Currently, Congress has set the H-2B cap at 66,000 per fiscal year"

Checked 16 Oct 2026. Overview: USCIS – Working in the United States. Requirements, fees and thresholds change; confirm on the official page before applying.

Transit through United States

Option 1
Embassy visaTransit (changing planes or ships in the US)

Transit visa (C), B visa or ESTA needed to change planes

Even to change planes in the United States you generally need a transit (C) visa. You can instead transit on a valid visitor (B) visa or – if you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country – on the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need a visa to transit.

Conditions

  • Immediate and continuous transit only; layovers to visit friends or sightsee need a visitor (B) visa.
  • Visa Waiver Program citizens can transit on ESTA; Canadian and Bermudian citizens need no visa.
Government fee
US$185
Application fee $185 (travel.state.gov); an issuance fee may apply depending on nationality.
Processing
Not verified yet
Validity
Not verified yet
Max stay
Not verified yet
Steps, documents & where to apply

How to apply

  1. 1Complete Form DS-160 online
  2. 2Pay the application fee
  3. 3Attend a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate

Where: US embassy or consulate (generally where you live)

Official application page ↗

Documents checklist

  • Passport valid at least six months beyond the stay (unless exempt by agreement)
  • Form DS-160 confirmation page
  • Proof of onward travel / permission to enter the next country

✓ Checked on the live official page

Official wording

“Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States enroute to another country ... If you already have a valid visitor (B) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States. If you are a citizen of a participating country, you may be able to transit the United States on the Visa Waiver Program. ... Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to transit the United States.”

Alert me if this route changes

Get an email when we update the guidance for Icelandic passport holders going to United States, after we've checked the change against the official source. Nothing else.

Tell me about changes to

We send a confirmation email first. Unconfirmed sign-ups are deleted after 7 days.

Before you go to United States

Customs cash limits and the scams official travel advice warns about in United States.

Cash you can bring in and take out

Bringing cash in
Report currency and monetary instruments totalling more than USD 10,000 to CBP (FinCEN Form 105) when entering.
Taking cash out
Same reporting duty when leaving the US with more than USD 10,000.

Official source: cbp.gov · Last checked 4 Oct 2026 · Details

Common tourist traps

  1. Pickpocketing and purse-snatching

    How it works: Thieves work crowded places and public transport.

    How to avoid it: Carry only what you need and keep valuables hidden.

  2. Rental-car break-ins

    How it works: Rental cars are easy to spot; thieves break in for luggage or passports left inside, even in the trunk.

    How to avoid it: Never leave passports or valuables in the car, and park in lit car parks.

  3. Drink spiking

    How it works: Drinks can be spiked in bars and clubs.

    How to avoid it: Watch your drink and do not accept drinks from strangers.

All 7 traps for United States →

Emergency numbers in United States

Other traps paraphrased from official travel advice: gov.uk · FCDO page updated 18 Aug 2026 · Last checked 4 Oct 2026.

Explore United States

Planning more than the paperwork? Our United States guide picks out places to visit, things to do and where to shop, with a source for every tip.

Places to visit:
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island · Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art · Times Square and the Empire State Building
Things to do:
Ride the free Staten Island Ferry · Walk the Brooklyn Bridge · Cheap Broadway tickets
Shopping:
Brooklyn Flea and Chelsea Flea · No sales tax on cheaper clothes · Fifth Avenue
Read the full United States guide

Icelandic passport: of the 155 destinations with a rule verified from an official source, 105 visa-free, 15 visa on arrival, 29 eVisa or travel authorisation, 6 embassy visa.

United States: rules verified from an official source for 198 of 198 passports. United States guide and every passport →

Where else can Icelandic passport holders travel? See every destination we cover →

Optional travel offers

Some links are affiliate links. Booking through them costs you nothing extra, and a small commission helps pay MyVisaPort’s ongoing hosting and maintenance costs and keeps the site free of banner ads. We only list services we think are useful, and they never affect the visa information we publish. These offers are not part of the visa guidance above and are never used to rank routes. How partner links work

Plan your trip to United States

Verify with the embassy before you book. Visa rules change without notice. We link every rule to its official source and last checked it on 1 Nov 2026, but the embassy, official e-visa portal and your airline have the final say. MyVisaPort is not a visa agent and is not affiliated with any government.