International protection, rights and application procedure

Persons who are subject to persecution in their home country or face the risk of capital punishment, torture or inhumane or degrading treatment or penalty have the right to international protection as refugees in Iceland.

Stateless persons are entitled to international protection on grounds of statelessness.

How to apply

Anyone who wants to apply for international protection in Iceland must be present in Iceland, either at the country's border or within it.

The application must be submitted in person. It does not need to be in a specific format, and it is sufficient for the applicant to state their request verbally.

You can apply for protection with the police at Keflavík Airport upon arrival in the country.

Individuals who are already in the country can apply for protection at the reception centre for applicants for international protection at Egilsgata 3 in Reykjavík. It is open during daytime working hours.

Individuals located outside the capital area can apply for protection at the nearest police station.

Applications for international protection sent to Iceland from individuals who are abroad will not be processed.