Keflavík International Airport (KEF) — Transit Guide
Transit and entry requirements at Keflavík International Airport in Reykjavik, Iceland
Quick Facts
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is a Schengen Area airport in Reykjavik, Iceland. Transiting here may require ETIAS or a transit visa depending on your nationality.
Airport KEF
City Reykjavik
Country Iceland
Schengen Yes
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Airport Code KEF
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City Reykjavik
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Country Iceland
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Schengen Yes
Transit at Keflavík International Airport
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is located in Reykjavik, Iceland. As a Schengen Area airport, transiting here may require ETIAS or a Schengen transit visa, depending on your nationality.
If you're connecting between two flights that both stay within the Schengen Area, no additional entry is required. If arriving from outside the Schengen Area, you'll pass through border control.
Transit Requirements at Keflavík International Airport by Nationality
- EU/EEA citizens Transit freely with passport or national ID. No visa, ETIAS, or other authorization needed.
- Visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, etc.) Can transit without a visa. ETIAS will be required from Q4 2026 (€20) — even for airside transit.
- Visa-required nationals May need a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even for airside connections. Check with the embassy of Iceland.
Transit FAQs — Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
Do I need a visa to transit through Keflavík International Airport?
It depends on your nationality. EU citizens transit freely. Visa-exempt nationals will need ETIAS from Q4 2026. Some nationalities need a Schengen transit visa even for airside transit.
Is Keflavík International Airport a Schengen airport?
Yes. Keflavík International Airport is in Iceland, a Schengen Area member. Arriving from outside the Schengen Area means passing through border control.
Can I leave the airport during a layover?
If you have valid entry authorization (ETIAS, Schengen visa, or EU passport), you can leave the airport and visit Reykjavik during your layover.
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