Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need a visa to enter Iceland. Countries that need a visa are listed here: https://www.utl.is/index.php/en/who-needs-a-visa.

Schengen

If you need a visa to enter Iceland, the procedure is according to the EU visa regulations (Schengen). A visa normally grants you the right to stay in the entire Schengen region for up to 90 days. Embassies and consulates issuing short stay visas (max. 90 days) on behalf of Iceland can be found here: https://www.utl.is/index.php/en/where-you-can-apply-for-a-visa

Long stays (>90 days)

It depends on your citizenship whether you need a residence and work permit to be able to work in Iceland. Citizens of EU/EEA member states do not need permits but non-EU/EEA citizens do. You can read about long-term visas here: https://www.utl.is/index.php/en/long-term-visa2

Note that there is a processing fee applicable to all visa applications.

Covid-19

You can find general information, travel restrictions and links to relevant COVID-19 related information in Iceland here: https://www.covid.is/english.

Here is a list of hotels that offer accommodation during quarantine.

Instrumentation/Import/Export

Various goods are subject to special import conditions or import prohibitions according to law, regulations or other regulatory acts. Examples of goods that are subject to special import conditions can be found here: https://www.skatturinn.is/english/individuals/customs-matters/moving-to-iceland/import-restrictions/

If scientific instruments need to be shipped to Iceland a permit for temporary import is required. Such permits are issued by the Iceland Revenue and Customs Office.

When equipment is exported, Iceland Revenue and Customs needs to be notified, in order to have the export confirmed. Contact the office for more information and assistance.

Import of fishing equipment

To protect against importing infectious disease in to freshwater environments, the following equipment is strictly prohibited: Used fishing equipment such as fishing rods, reels, hooks/lures/flies, waders and nets; unless it has been disinfected by approved methods. You can read about the requirements and certificates you need here: https://www.mast.is/en/import-export/import-of-fishing-equipment.

Import/Export of threatened species

Iceland is party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Export of threatened species (listed by the CITES convention) requires a permit.

The relevant management and scientific authorities can be found here: https://cites.org/eng/parties/country-profiles/is.

Natural history specimens and micro-organisms originating in geothermal areas and their genetic material, may not be exported from Iceland without permission from the Icelandic Institute Icelandic Institute of Natural Historyof Natural History. An application form is available or send an email to IINH (ni@ni.is).

Note that a fee needs to be paid for all export permits.

Cultural heritage

Samples that are considered cultural heritage may not be exported from Iceland without a permit from the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland (email: postur@minjastofnun.is).

Application form (in Icelandic)

Chemicals

In general, it is recommended to use a shipping/transport agency, in order to assure compliance with complex regulations. Research stations and institutions may provide access to some types of chemicals that can be used by visiting scientists.

The Environment Agency of Iceland operates a helpdesk to serve as first point of contact for questions regarding Icelandic chemicals legislation (email: ust@ust.is)

If you want to conduct research in a protected area in Iceland, you need to apply for a permit from the Environment Agency of Iceland. Note that a fee is payable. Information about applying for a research permit can be found here: https://ust.is/english/nature-conservations/permits-on-protected-areas/research-permit/.

General information on where protected areas can be found, and permits in protected areas.

Nature reserves

Information on where the nature reserves in Iceland are located.

Off-road driving

Off-road driving is strictly prohibited in Iceland. Should off-road driving be needed for research purposes, a permit is required. The Environment Agency of Iceland (ust@ust.is) handles the permits. Application form (in Icelandic)

You may need one or more research permits, licenses or authorizations for conducting scientific research in Iceland. Whether you need to obtain such document(s) depends on the area you want to go to and the type of research you conduct.

There is no central coordination of research applications in Iceland. Scientists need to identify all relevant permits themselves and obtain them from relevant authorities.

Note that it may take some time to acquire a permit, and that a fee is often payable.

According to Icelandic laws, official research permits are not required to conduct scientific fieldwork on Icelandic dry lands, except for research on thermophilic microorganisms.

In order to assist foreign scientists to enter the country for the purpose of scientific fieldwork, and to help obtain clearance from customs authorities, the Icelandic Centre for Research (Rannís) issues a Research Declaration for foreign scientists. Application form. To ensure processing time, the form should be sent to rannis@rannis.is three months before the planned start date. The Research Declaration can be presented at customs upon entry to the country.

Experiments on animals

A research permit is needed for all experiments on animals in Iceland. The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) handles the applications. Application form (in Icelandic)

Note that the application needs to be submitted at least one month before the experiment will take place. No applications are evaluated during the months of December, June and July. If an experiment is to be conducted during the period of May to August, the application needs to be delivered before 30 April.

Note that a fee needs to be paid for all permits regarding animal experiments.

Bird ringing

A ringing permit is necessary for bird ringing in Iceland. The Icelandic Institute of Natural History is the responsible authority (email: fuglamerki@ni.is).


Geological resources and minerals

A permit is required to conduct research that includes earth resources.

The National Energy Authority handles the permits. You can read more about the application process here: https://orkustofnun.is/orkustofnun/leyfisveitingar/rannsoknarleyfi/ (in Icelandic).

Ocean resources

A permit is required to conduct research that includes ocean resources.

The National Energy Authority handles the permits. Find more information about the application process here: https://orkustofnun.is/orkustofnun/leyfisveitingar/audlindirhafsbotns/leidbeiningar/ (in Icelandic).

For more information, contact the National Energy Authority (email: os@os.is).

Archaeology

A permit is needed for archaeological research in Iceland.

The Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland handles the permits. Application form (in Icelandic). Note that the permit needs to be applied for at least four weeks before the planned start date.

Core drilling

A permit is needed from the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland for core drilling. Application form (in Icelandic)

If you intend to set up field instruments in Iceland, you will always need permission from the landowner. To find information about landowners you will have to contact the municipality office in the nearest town and work from there.

Drone use

Use of drones are regulated in Iceland. Practical information about flying with drones in Iceland can be found here: https://www.icetra.is/aviation/drones/.

Flying with drones in protected areas requires a permit. The Environment Agency of Iceland issues the permits. You can apply here: https://ust.is/english/nature-conservations/permits-on-protected-areas/photography-cinematography-and-drone-flying/. Find some additional guidelines here: https://ust.is/english/nature-conservations/drones-in-protected-areas/.

Weapons

No special permit is required for persons holding a European Firearms Permit. Firearms listed within the permit can be imported for up to three months.

All other firearms require a permit issued by the National Commissioner of Police. The best way is to contact the National Commissioner of Police directly (email: rls@rls.is).

Radio Permits

The Post and Telecom Administration authorizes use of 406 MHz PLB’s, issues all radio licenses and maintains a database (email: pfs@pfs.is).

PLB

PLB registration is available online at https://www.pfs.is/um-pfs/eydublod/umsokn-um-leyfi-til-starfraekslu-plb-neydarsendis/ (in Icelandic).

If you work out of a research station it is highly recommended to ask for guidance from the station manager. Information about station specific permits and policies can often be found on their respective websites. Contact information for all INTERACT stations.

Landowner permission

If you intend to set up field instruments or get access to an area for research purposes, you will always need permission from the landowner.

To get information about the landowner you will have to contact the municipality office in the nearest town and work from there. It might be helpful to contact the Icelandic Association of Local Authorities.

The Icelandic Institute of Natural History conducts basic research on the zoology, botany, and geology of Iceland. IINH houses libraries, collections, handles research, and monitors various projects in Iceland. The institute also provides consulting services as well as information on permissions for fieldwork and exporting samples.

Other authorities

The Environment Agency of Iceland promotes the protection as well as sustainable use of Iceland´s natural resources. It also offers information on protected areas, handling of fuel, chemicals, toxic and hazardous substances, driving in uninhabited areas, and waste management.

Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority

Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland

Icelandic Association of Local Authorities