Navigating the UK Visa System: A Comparative Look for Icelandic and Indonesian Citizens

The United Kingdom, a global hub for business, education, and tourism, attracts visitors and migrants from every corner of the world.1 However, gaining entry into the UK is not a uniform process. The requirements and procedures for obtaining a UK visa vary considerably, primarily based on the applicant's nationality.2 This article will delve into the distinct pathways for securing a UK Visa for Icelandic Citizens and a UK Visa for Indonesian Citizens, highlighting both their shared elements and their fundamental differences in the post-Brexit immigration landscape.

The Visa Spectrum: Iceland vs. Indonesia

The key differentiator in UK visa requirements for Icelandic and Indonesian citizens lies in their respective classifications within the UK's immigration system. Indonesia is categorized as a "visa national" country, meaning its citizens generally require a full visa to enter the UK for any purpose, including short tourist visits.3

Iceland, on the other hand, is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the Schengen Area.4 While Brexit has removed the previous complete freedom of movement, Icelandic citizens still benefit from a more streamlined process for short stays. As of April 2, 2025, they will generally require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits. For longer stays, or for specific purposes like work or study, a full UK visa will be necessary, similar to other non-UK nationals.

UK Visa For Indonesian Citizens: A Comprehensive Process

For Indonesian citizens, securing a UK visa is a detailed and often rigorous process, demanding careful preparation and adherence to strict guidelines.5 The most common visa categories include:

• Standard Visitor Visa: For tourism, visiting family/friends, short-term business activities, or short study courses (up to 6 months).6

• Student Visa: For those accepted into a UK educational institution for a course exceeding six months.7

• Skilled Worker Visa: For individuals with a confirmed job offer from an approved UK employer in a skilled occupation.8

• Family Visa: For joining immediate family members (spouse, partner, child, parent) who are British citizens or settled in the UK.9

• Transit Visa: For passing through the UK on the way to another country.10

Key Requirements for Indonesian Citizens typically include:

• Valid Passport: With sufficient validity beyond the intended stay (usually six months) and at least one blank page for the visa.11

• Completed Online Application Form: All applications must be submitted digitally via the official UK government website.12

• Visa Fee Payment: Fees vary significantly by visa type, duration, and whether priority services are requested.13

• Biometric Information: Applicants must attend an appointment at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Indonesia (operated by VFS Global or TLScontact) to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.

• Proof of Financial Means: Comprehensive bank statements (usually for the past six months), payslips, and tax records demonstrating sufficient funds to cover all expenses during the stay without recourse to public funds.14 If sponsored, robust proof of the sponsor's financial stability and their relationship to the applicant is essential.

• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in the UK, along with proof of their address.15

• Proof of Ties to Home Country: This is a critical element for visa nationals. Applicants must provide strong evidence of their intention to return to Indonesia after their visit. This can include, but is not limited to, employment letters, property deeds, family commitments, and return flight tickets.

• Purpose of Visit Documentation: Clear and detailed documents outlining the specific reason for travel (e.g., invitation letters for family visits, business letters for conferences, university Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for students).16

• Tuberculosis (TB) Certificate: Required for certain visa types if staying for more than six months, obtained from an approved clinic in Indonesia.

The processing time for a UK Visa for Indonesian Citizens typically ranges from three weeks for standard visitor visas, with longer durations for work or settlement visas. Priority services are available for an additional fee to expedite the decision.17

UK Visa For Icelandic Citizens: Post-Brexit Travel

Since Brexit, the entry requirements for Icelandic citizens to the UK have evolved.

• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): From April 2, 2025, Icelandic citizens (like other EEA and EU nationals, excluding Irish citizens) will generally need to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits (up to 6 months) for purposes such as tourism, business meetings, or visiting family.18 The ETA is an online authorization linked to the passport, allowing multiple entries for a two-year period (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first).19 The application process is online, relatively simple, and typically approved within 12-72 hours.

• Full UK Visa for Longer Stays/Specific Purposes: If an Icelandic citizen intends to stay in the UK for longer than six months, or for purposes such as work, study, or family reunification, they will need to apply for a specific UK visa. The categories (e.g., Student Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, Family Visa) and general requirements for these long-term visas are broadly similar to those for Indonesian citizens, though the specific supporting documents might differ slightly based on the nature of the application.

Key Requirements for Icelandic Citizens (for full visas) generally include:

• Valid Passport.

• Completed Online Application Form.

• Visa Fee Payment.

• Biometric Information: Submitted at a Visa Application Centre in Iceland (e.g., VFS Global in Reykjavik).

• Proof of Financial Means.

• Proof of Accommodation.

• Purpose of Visit Documentation.

• Criminal Certificate: For certain visa types, such as the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, an Icelandic criminal certificate (Sakavottor) issued less than 6 months prior to application may be required.

The application process for full visas for Icelandic citizens involves online application, fee payment, and an appointment at a VAC for biometrics and document submission. Processing times for these categories are generally consistent with those for applications from other non-UK countries.

Commonalities and Distinctions

Similarities in the UK Visa Application Process:

• Online Application Platform: Both Icelandic and Indonesian citizens must initiate their applications online through the official UK government website.

• Biometric Enrolment: All applicants requiring a full visa must attend an appointment at a designated VAC to provide their fingerprints and a digital photograph.

• Supporting Documentation: Both nationalities are required to submit comprehensive supporting documents to substantiate their application, demonstrating eligibility, financial stability, and genuine intentions.

• Visa Categories: The broad categories of UK visas (Visitor, Student, Work, Family) apply to both nationalities when a full visa is required.

Crucial Distinctions:

• Visa Requirement for Short Visits: This is the most significant difference. Indonesian citizens always need a full visa for any entry purpose. Icelandic citizens, for short visits, will generally require an ETA (from April 2, 2025), which is a less extensive authorization process.20

• Evidential Burden: Indonesian citizens often face a higher evidential burden to prove strong ties to their home country and the genuine intent to return, given the higher perceived risk of overstaying from certain regions. While Icelandic citizens applying for long-term visas also need to demonstrate compliance, the general assumption for short visits is more straightforward due to their EEA background and the ETA system.

• Travel for Biometrics: Both generally have VACs in their respective countries, simplifying the biometric submission process compared to nationalities that might need to travel internationally for it.

Conclusion

The UK's immigration framework is designed to manage diverse global flows, leading to differentiated requirements based on nationality.21 For Indonesian citizens, securing a UK Visa remains a thorough and often challenging process that demands comprehensive documentation and a clear demonstration of intent to comply with immigration rules. For Icelandic citizens, the post-Brexit era introduces the ETA for short-term visits, a simpler system for entry, but they too must apply for full visas for longer stays or specific purposes.22 Understanding these specific requirements is crucial for a smooth and successful journey into the United Kingdom, whether for a fleeting visit or a longer stay