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If you tried to go to Iceland (or any other nation in the world) without having first received permission, then yes you could expect to be given the boot. That'
by jbri 14y ago
If you tried to go to Iceland (or any other nation in the world) without having first received permission, then yes you could expect to be given the boot. That's what a "visa" is.
If you're only staying for a short period and your own nation is on friendly terms with the place you're visiting, you can often expect to get a (limited) visa automatically. If you try and sneak in without one, that's called "illegal immigration".
- andrewcooke 14y agoamericans don't need a visa for up to 90 days - business or tourist. basic googling would tell you that. [ooh more downvotes for posting facts. because that's what hn is all about.]
- jbri 14y agoBeing granted an automatic visa that allows you to be in the country is not the same as sneaking in while avoiding customs and immigration.
- dalke 14y agoAn "automatic visa" is what I get when I visit South Africa. The officials at the airport when I arrive put a paper in my passport which says "temporary visa." Iceland does not have a visa, automatic or otherwise, for Americans on a short visit. Quoting from the Icelandic Útlendingastofnun at http://utl.is/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=57&lang=en http://utl.is/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&... : "Who does not need a visa to enter Iceland?" ... "Nationals of the following countries are exempted from the obligation to carry a visa on arrival in Iceland for a stay of up to three months in all within the Schengen area." ... "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." So no, US citizens visiting Iceland do not need a visa to enter Iceland.
- raverbashing 14y agoTry saying to a USCBP official that you're going to work for 90 days in the US "Business travel" precludes several things, including work. (of course, several duties in a business travel can be considered work, but they're usually spelled out). Basically you can't be compensated by your activities directly by someone in the receiving country. But I'm sure doing an investigating in another country under government orders does not count as business.
- Wilya 14y agoJust sourcing this, because you're right. Basic lack of visa isn't the problem here. Source: http://www.utl.is/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=57&lang=en http://www.utl.is/index.php?option=com_content&view=arti...
- Jamiecon 14y agoI haven't downvoted you, but I would hazard a guess that the reason for the downvotes as at least partially due to the combative nature of your tone. As to your point, I have no idea about the legalities, but it seems to me that if law enforcement officials are going to operate in a foreign country they might want to go through official channels before turning up. Regarding the private plane, I would imagine that the article mentions it because it (accurately or otherwise) enables me to better visualise a group of brash Americans turning up via the most expensive mode of transport and expecting the little Icelanders to be so awed by the powerful FBI that they won't ask for little things like, you know, governmental authorisation. I really want to like America. There are so many things to love about it, especially on paper. And then I read about stuff like this and wonder if it really is that much of a mystery why much of the world has such distaste for the country and the people. Not that I'm claiming the UK is any better, mind. And our teeth are much worse.
- mikeash 14y agoFBI on official business doesn't qualify for one, I'm sure.
- Nursie 14y agoI don't think this is really the issue, it's more of a diplomatic snafu - these were not businessmen or tourists, they're law enforcement there on official business. You don't send law enforcement officers to other places without them being invited.