COVID-19 TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Updated 20 November 2020
Like much of the world, Embassy Reykjavik’s Consular Section is operating at reduced capacity due to Covid-19 precautions and restrictions. We anticipate that demand for Consular services during the winter holiday period will far exceed available resources. As such, the Consular Section cannot guarantee a particular appointment date. Visa holders currently in the United States should understand that, if they decide to depart the U.S., there is no guarantee they will be able to return in a timely manner. Our available appointments are limited to the beginning of December and then restart January 4th.
TRAVELING TO THE UNITED STATES
- PLEASE NOTE: Presidential Proclamation 9993 (PP 9993) prohibiting entry of all foreign nationals present in the EU/Schengen countries, including Iceland, remains in effect.
- PP 9993 does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs), spouses or minor children of U.S. citizens, as well as to select non-immigrant categories such as diplomats and crew members.
- National Interest Exceptions (NIE): Travel in the national interest of the United States includes travel that provides a substantial benefit to the U.S. economy. This includes certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders, and academics, as well as certain categories of students.
- If you believe you qualify for an NIE, please send an email to ReykjavikConsular@state.gov or schedule a non-immigrant visa appointment here.
- If you believe you qualify for an NIE, please send an email to ReykjavikConsular@state.gov or schedule a non-immigrant visa appointment here.
- Please note that NIEs are valid for entry within 30 days of issuance. Keep that in mind in scheduling appointments.
- U.S. Embassy Reykjavik will offer limited visa appointments in December 2020. We will offer more regular appointments in January 2021.
THE MOST COMMON EXCEPTIONS TO THE TRAVEL BAN
STUDENT VISAS – F1, M1 and their dependents
- Must have a valid I-20
- College or university must offer in-person classes
- Colleges or universities that move to online only classes are not included
- SEVIS fee paid
- Students will need to self-quarantine subject to local requirements
- If you currently have a valid F1/F2 visa and a valid I-20, you may travel to the U.S. and apply for admission. You do not need to reapply.
ACADEMIC VISAS – J1 and their dependents
- Must have a valid DS-2019
- Includes the following categories:
- Professors
- Research scholars
- Short term scholars
- Specialists
- Please note: the following categories are currently not eligible for J1 visas:
-
- Au Pairs
- Summer camp counselors
- Interns
- Trainees
- Teacher
- Summer work travel programs
IF YOU MEET ONE OF THE EXCEPTIONS TO PP 9993, HERE’S HOW TO APPLY FOR A VISA:
- Complete the online application – DS-160
- Appointments are available through the online scheduling service:
- Pay the visa fee of $160 USD as well as the reciprocity fee of $134 USD or the equivalent in ISK. Payments must be made in cash only.
- If you already have a valid F1/F2/M1/M2 visa and I-20, you do not need to reapply.
BUSINESS TRAVELERS and their dependents
- Temporary travel to the U.S. includes:
- Technical experts and specialists
- Senior-level managers and executives
- Professional Athletes and essential staff who enter to participate in major sporting events
Contact ReykjavikConsular@state.gov for more information.
Remember, Presidential Proclamation 9993 prohibiting entry to all foreign citizens from EU/Schengen countries remains in effect for all other categories of travelers.
Local Resources:
Iceland COVID-19 Information Page
Other links:
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov
