Iceland: anyone who left after 23 August 2026 must prove the departure was lawful

CORRECTION 24.10.2026 The previous version placed the family exception next to the lawful-departure requirement. The source gives this exception only for the rule about a valid permit in another country. [2] WHAT CHANGED As a general rule, collective protection is not granted to anyone who already holds a valid residence permit based on temporary protection in an EU member state (or a comparable permit in Denmark, Norway, Switzerland or Liechtenstein). [1] Each application is assessed individually: an exception to this rule may be considered if a qualifying family member lives in Iceland (including a spouse or cohabiting partner who was part of the family on 24 February 2022). [2, 3] Separately: anyone who left Ukraine after 23 August 2026 may be required to prove that the departure complied with Ukrainian law, including military-service obligations. [4, 5] WHO IS AFFECTED Applicants for collective protection in Iceland. The departure requirement is not determined solely by age or gender. [6] WHAT TO DO The applicant must provide the proof of lawful departure. The source links the family exception only to the rule about a permit in another country, not to this requirement. [2, 6] VERBATIM FROM THE SOURCE (English) [1] “a valid residence permit based on temporary protection in an EU member state” [2] “Each application is assessed individually. An exception may be considered if the applicant has a qualifying family member living in Iceland.” [3] “A spouse or cohabiting partner who was part of the family on 24 February 2022.” [4] “Applicants who left Ukraine after the updated rules took effect may also be required to demonstrate that they were permitted to leave under Ukrainian law.” [5] “If you left Ukraine after 23 August 2026, you may be required to prove that your departure complied with Ukrainian law, including any obligations relating to military service.” [6] “This requirement is not determined solely by your age or gender. The applicant is responsible for providing sufficient evidence that the departure from Ukraine was lawful.” Source: island.is — https://island.is/en/humanitarian-permit-collective-protection Quotes checked against the official source on 24.10.2026.