This post was originally posted on Polly’s blog, but as I am nearing my 8 months living in Iceland I wanted to share with you all the story of my first move to Iceland two years ago.
As I said my goodbyes to my family at the airport that day I was stress free and looking forward to an exciting adventure abroad with H.
My first flight was quick and easy but as I was checking into my direct flight to Iceland I was surprised when the flight attendant asked for my return ticket or visa permit. When I began explaining that I would be receiving my visa once I arrived in Iceland I was informed that in order to board the plane I needed proof that I would be leaving the country within the allowed time period or that I have a visa.
Enter panic mode.
As I headed off to try and call my family or H to tell them the situation I remembered that I had canceled my phone service just that morning and would have to rely on the pay phones inside the airport.
Do airports even have payphones anymore?
Finally I found a payphone and my first thought was to call H to explain the situation and see what he had to say about my predicament. Of course it was the middle of the night in Iceland and he wasn’t waking up to my phone calls so this plan was useless.
My family proved to be just as unhelpful since they had no idea about how visas worked or what I should do. After talking with my family though I was a bit calmer so I headed back to the counter to try and see if there was something we could work out so I could get on the plane to Iceland.
After showing the flight attendant several emails from the immigration office in Iceland and explaining the situation she agreed to let me on the plane but with words of caution. She told me that she didn’t think Iceland immigration would let me into the country once I landed.
Awesome.
With nothing to lose I took my chances and boarded the plane and kept my fingers crossed I would be allowed to enter Iceland.
Reykjavik on a summer day
I spent that entire 7 hour flight stressing out about what would happen when I landed in Iceland. I thought of everything I would say to the passport control and pulled up all the emails I could think of. I don’t think I relaxed for one minute on that flight!
Standing in the passport control line I was a sweaty mess. I hadn’t slept in 24 hours, couldn’t tell you when I last ate and I was sick to my stomach with stress. When I got to the counter I dived into my story in one long-winded breath. When I looked up for air the passport control man just looked at me, said enjoy your time in Iceland and stamped my passport.
What!
No way was it that easy, the flight attendant in Seattle had me convinced I was about to be deported. But no it really was that easy and before I knew it I was moving into my new apartment in Iceland and exploring the beautiful country I now call home.
One of my favorite places in Iceland, the beautiful Blue Lagoon
Luckily my move to Iceland this winter was much smoother and stress free but I will never forget that long plane ride over for my first move here, nor will I forget the flight attendant who had caused all that stress! But now I am officially legal here in Iceland and am ready for that flight attendant if we ever meet again!
Question of the Day?
Have you ever had any issues while flying abroad? What is your travel horror stories?
I'm Kaelene, a girl from Oregon figuring out life in Iceland. I have a passion for travel and a weakness for a good glass of wine. I believe in faking it tell you make it and am far from figuring out the expat life. 
