Visa Application

Applicable Visa Type: Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Category C). Iceland is a Schengen Area member country. A valid Schengen visa allows entry.

Required Documents: 1. Visa application form (filled online); 2. Recent passport photo (35×45mm); 3. Passport (valid for at least 3 months after the intended stay); 4. Travel itinerary (including hotel and transportation bookings); 5. Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements for last 3 months, recommended balance not less than 30,000 RMB); 6. Employment certificate (retirees provide retirement certificate, students provide proof of enrollment)

Application Process: Online appointment → Submit documents at Iceland Visa Application Centre → Pay fee (approx. 60 EUR) → Wait for processing (approx. 10-15 working days) → Collect passport

Local Transportation

1. Self-Driving

Suitable for ring road trips; requires International Driving Permit + original driver's license; recommend renting a 4WD vehicle with winter tires in winter; 2WD is acceptable in summer; main road is Route 1 (Ring Road, good condition, but no signal in some remote areas).

2. Public Transport

Reykjavik Excursions operates intercity buses covering popular routes like the Golden Circle and South Coast; City bus includes Hop On Hop Off tour buses (1-day pass approx. 40 EUR).

3. Guided Tours

Suitable for those without driving experience; Aurora tours, glacier hiking tours are often small groups (8-12 people); require advance online booking (recommended platform: Guide to Iceland).

Accommodation Recommendations

Reykjavik City: Hotel Borg (5-star, central location, includes breakfast), Kex Hostel (hostel, suitable for backpackers, has shared kitchen).

Southern Region: Hotel Ranga (30-minute drive from Vík town, possible aurora viewing from the hotel in winter), Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (near Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, rooms with lagoon views available).

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 months in advance for peak seasons (Dec-Feb, Jun-Aug); some hotels offer "Northern Lights Wake-up Service".