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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Iceland"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ic-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Iceland.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ic-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ic-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Iceland.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ic-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/ic_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Iceland.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/ic_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/Coat_of_arms_of_Iceland.svg/567px-Coat_of_arms_of_Iceland.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms for Iceland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/Coat_of_arms_of_Iceland.svg/567px-Coat_of_arms_of_Iceland.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/Iceland2008-Sudureyri.JPG/800px-Iceland2008-Sudureyri.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Sudureyri, Iceland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/Iceland2008-Sudureyri.JPG/800px-Iceland2008-Sudureyri.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Sudureyri.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/Reykjavik_rooftops.jpg/800px-Reykjavik_rooftops.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Colorful rooftops in Reykjavik, Iceland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/Reykjavik_rooftops.jpg/800px-Reykjavik_rooftops.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Colorful rooftops in Reykjavik.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Grassodenh%C3%A4user.jpg/800px-Grassodenh%C3%A4user.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Turf-roofed house in Iceland (Skógar).'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Grassodenh%C3%A4user.jpg/800px-Grassodenh%C3%A4user.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Turf-roofed house in (Skógar).'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Eyjafj%C3%B6r%C3%B0ur.jpeg/799px-Eyjafj%C3%B6r%C3%B0ur.jpeg|410x579px|thumb|'''Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in [[Iceland]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/Islande_-_Rekjavik_du_haut_de_la_cath%C3%A9drale.JPG/800px-Islande_-_Rekjavik_du_haut_de_la_cath%C3%A9drale.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Central Rekjavik.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
 +
 
 +
=About Iceland=
 +
 
 +
Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., [[Iceland]] boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930.  For more information please read [[About Iceland]].
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Eyjafj%C3%B6r%C3%B0ur.jpeg/799px-Eyjafj%C3%B6r%C3%B0ur.jpeg|410x579px|thumb|'''Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
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Iceland is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague [[Adoption]] Convention]). Therefore all adoptions between Iceland and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.  
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[[Iceland]] is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague [[Adoption]] Convention]). Therefore all adoptions between [[Iceland]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about [[Iceland and the Hague Convention]].
  
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Iceland is not considered a country of origin in [[Inter-Country Adoption|inter-country adoption]]. While legally possible, [[Inter-Country Adoption|inter-country adoption]] of an Icelandic [[orphan]] by foreigners is unlikely. No Icelandic orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five fiscal years. The information provided is intended primarily to assist in extremely rare [[adoption]] cases from Iceland, including adoptions of Icelandic children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Iceland.
 
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and Iceland is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to adopt from Iceland, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who.php Learn more].
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[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Iceland]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Iceland]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Iceland]].
  
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Iceland also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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==Residency==
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Because [[Iceland]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Iceland]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For example, the Convention requires that [[Iceland]] attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. In addition to [[Iceland]]'s requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention [[adoptee]] for you to bring him or her back to the United States.
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be residents of Iceland or "have a special connection to the country" to be allowed to adopt children in Iceland.
 
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents and Marriage==
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=How to Adopt=
  
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Applicants must be at least 25 years old, but not more than 45 years old.  Married couples or a male and a female that have lived together in a proxy marriage (cohabitation registered with the National Registry) for at least 5 years can adopt together.  One of the married individuals or a male/female in a proxy marriage can adopt the partner's child or foster child with the partner's permission.  One of the married individuals or a male/female in a proxy marriage can adopt a child without the partner's permission if the partner has vanished or his/her mental state would impede the [[adoption]] process.  Individuals can adopt children in special circumstances and if the [[Adoption Benefits|adoption benefits]] the welfare of the child.  Same-sex couples can adopt (since 2006) as long as they fulfill all other requirements, such as length of marriage/ proxy marriage, age, health and no criminal record.
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==Adoption Authority==
  
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==Income==
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'''[[Iceland]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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Financially able to support a family.
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The Ministry of Judicial and Ecclesiastical Affairs - The National Commissioner on Adoptions.  
  
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==Other==
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==The Process==
  
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Applicants must be in good mental and physical state and must not have a criminal record.
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Because [[Iceland]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Iceland]] must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention [[adoption]] process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your [[adoption]] meets all necessary legal requirements.
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
  
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'''NOTE:'''  If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] with [[Iceland]] before April 1, 2008, the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention may not apply to your [[adoption]]. Your [[adoption]] could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions.  [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Learn more].
  
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=How to Adopt=
 
  
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# Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
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# Be Matched with a Child
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
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# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Iceland]]
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# Bring your Child Home
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Iceland]].
  
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==The Process==
 
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
  
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 +
 +
A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Iceland]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.
 +
 +
 +
'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
 +
 +
In addition to a U.S. passport, you may also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for [[Iceland]], see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
 +
 +
 +
'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
 +
 +
Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
 +
 +
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
 +
 +
When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in [[Iceland]], registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
 +
 +
 +
Registration is free and can be done [https://step.state.gov/step/ online].
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
  
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[[Iceland]] does not have any post-[[adoption]] or post-placement reporting requirements at this time. 
 +
 +
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
 +
 +
Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
 +
 +
 +
Here are some good places to start your support group search:
 +
 +
 +
[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
 +
 +
 +
'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
 +
 +
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==Contact Information==
 +
 +
'''U.S. Embassy in [[Iceland]]'''
 +
 +
Laufasvegur 21,
 +
101 Reykjavik, [[Iceland]]
 +
Tel: (354) 562-9100
 +
E-mail: reykjavikconsular@state.gov
 +
 +
 +
'''[[Iceland]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 +
The Ministry of Judicial and Ecclesiastical Affairs
 +
Arnarhvall on Lindargata
 +
150 Reykjavik, [[Iceland]]
 +
Tel: 011-354-560-9010
 +
Fax: 011-354-552-7340
 +
E-mail: postur@dkm.stjr.is
 +
 +
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'''Embassy of [[Iceland]]'''
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 +
1156 15 th Street N.W., Suite 1200
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[[Washington]], D.C. 20005-1704
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Tel.: (202) 265 6653
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E-mail: icemb.wash@mfa.is
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Internet: [http://www.iceland.org/us Embassy of Iceland]
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[[Iceland]] also has a Consulate General in [[New York]] and honorary consulates around the United States.
 +
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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
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 +
U.S. Department of State 
 +
CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel: 1-888-407-4747
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E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
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Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''[http://adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=iceland]
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 01:29, 9 December 2014

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

The official coat of arms.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Sudureyri.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Colorful rooftops in Reykjavik.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Turf-roofed house in (Skógar).
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Central Rekjavik.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

About Iceland

Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. For more information please read About Iceland.


Hague Convention Information

Iceland is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore all adoptions between Iceland and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about Iceland and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Iceland is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Iceland, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Iceland.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Iceland is party to The Hague Adoption Convention, children from Iceland must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For example, the Convention requires that Iceland attempt to place a child with a family in-country before determining that a child is eligible for intercountry adoption. In addition to Iceland's requirements, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee for you to bring him or her back to the United States.


How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Iceland's Adoption Authority

The Ministry of Judicial and Ecclesiastical Affairs - The National Commissioner on Adoptions.

The Process

Because Iceland is party to The Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Iceland must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention's requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your adoption meets all necessary legal requirements.


NOTE: If you filed your I-600a with Iceland before April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption. Your adoption could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. Learn more.


  1. Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
  5. Adopt the Child in Iceland
  6. Bring your Child Home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Iceland.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Iceland. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The Passport Application Wizard will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.


Obtaining Your Visa

In addition to a U.S. passport, you may also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for Iceland, see the Department of State's Country Specific Information.


Staying Safe on Your Trip

Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start. The Department of State provides Country Specific Information for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.


Staying in Touch on Your Trip

When traveling during the adoption process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Iceland, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.


Registration is free and can be done online.

After Adoption

Iceland does not have any post-adoption or post-placement reporting requirements at this time.


What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Iceland

Laufasvegur 21, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland Tel: (354) 562-9100 E-mail: reykjavikconsular@state.gov


Iceland's Adoption Authority

The Ministry of Judicial and Ecclesiastical Affairs Arnarhvall on Lindargata 150 Reykjavik, Iceland Tel: 011-354-560-9010 Fax: 011-354-552-7340 E-mail: postur@dkm.stjr.is


Embassy of Iceland

1156 15 th Street N.W., Suite 1200 Washington, D.C. 20005-1704 Tel.: (202) 265 6653 E-mail: icemb.wash@mfa.is Internet: Embassy of Iceland


Iceland also has a Consulate General in New York and honorary consulates around the United States.


Office of Children's Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC)

1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information[1]