Deporting the crew of the Bandero from Iceland could take several weeks, authorities have indicated, because Icelandic law requires a formal administrative process before any foreign national can be forcibly removed from the country. The crew members were released from custody following their arrest in connection with the vessel’s arrival in Iceland, but they remain subject to an entry ban and cannot legally stay.
Key takeaways
- Icelandic authorities say the Bandero crew deportation process could take several weeks due to legal requirements.
- Each crew member must be individually processed under Icelandic immigration law before removal can proceed.
- An entry ban has been issued against crew members, barring them from returning to Iceland for a set period.
- Officials are examining whether the crew could be removed aboard the Bandero vessel itself, but this is unconfirmed.
- The ship remains detained in Iceland while legal proceedings continue.
Why Is It Taking So Long to Deport the Bandero Crew from Iceland?
Iceland’s deportation process is not a quick administrative checkbox. Under Icelandic law — administered through the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) — authorities must individually assess each crew member’s case, issue formal removal orders, and allow a window for any legal challenges before deportation can be carried out. That process alone can stretch across several weeks.
Because multiple crew members are involved, the caseload multiplies. Each person must be notified of the decision in writing, given the opportunity to respond, and, if they contest removal, their case may go before the Immigration and Asylum Appeals Board (Kærunefnd útlendingamála). That board adds another layer of time to proceedings.
Icelandic officials have not publicly confirmed a specific departure date. Reports indicate that the authorities are working through the process as efficiently as possible, but legal obligations mean there is no shortcut available.
What Legal Steps Are Required Before the Bandero Crew Can Be Deported?
The formal deportation process in Iceland follows a structured sequence. Based on standard Icelandic immigration procedure, the steps include:
- Issuance of a formal removal order by the Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun) for each individual crew member.
- Written notification delivered to each crew member outlining the legal basis for removal.
- A response period during which the individual can object or seek legal counsel.
- Referral to the appeals board (Kærunefnd útlendingamála) if any crew member contests the decision.
- Coordination with authorities in the crew members’ countries of nationality to arrange travel documents and acceptance.
- Booking and execution of removal, either on commercial flights or, potentially, aboard the Bandero itself.
Each step takes time. If crew members hold multiple nationalities or lack valid travel documents, the process can take significantly longer, as Iceland must secure cooperation from foreign governments.
Could the Bandero Crew Be Removed on Their Own Ship?
This question has emerged as a practical possibility. Officials have reportedly discussed whether the crew could depart Iceland aboard the Bandero rather than on commercial flights. Removing a crew by sea on their own vessel would avoid the complexity of booking multiple international flights and coordinating with several airlines and transit countries.
However, allowing the Bandero to depart raises its own legal and logistical questions. The vessel is currently detained, and any release of the ship would require authorities to be satisfied that it will not return to Icelandic waters in violation of the entry ban. No confirmed decision on this option had been announced at the time of publication.
The Icelandic Official Gazette (Stjórnartíðindi) publishes formal legal notices related to such administrative actions, and any official decision on the vessel’s status would be documented there.
What Entry Ban Has Been Issued and How Long Does It Last?
Icelandic authorities have issued an entry ban against crew members of the Bandero. An entry ban (brottvísun or endurkomubann) prohibits the named individuals from re-entering Iceland for a specified period. The exact duration of the ban issued in this case had not been officially confirmed in detail at the time of publication, but entry bans under Icelandic law can range from one year to a permanent prohibition, depending on the severity of the grounds for removal.
Because Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area, an entry ban issued here can, in certain circumstances, be extended across all 27 Schengen member states — effectively barring the individual from most of continental Europe and the Nordic countries during the ban period. Authorities determine on a case-by-case basis whether to apply the ban at the Schengen level.
What Happens to the Bandero Vessel While the Crew Await Deportation?
The Bandero remains under the control of Icelandic authorities while deportation proceedings are ongoing. The ship is detained in port, and it cannot depart without official authorisation. This effectively means the vessel is on hold indefinitely until the crew situation is resolved.
Port detention in Iceland is handled through the Icelandic Coast Guard (Landhelgisgæsla Íslands) and relevant maritime authorities. Costs associated with the vessel’s stay in port — including berthing fees — may accumulate during this period, and the question of who bears those costs is typically settled as part of the wider legal resolution.
Whether the ship is ultimately released to the crew for departure, transferred to a third party, or subject to further legal action depends on the outcome of proceedings still underway.
Background: The Bandero and Paul Watson in Iceland
The Bandero arrived in Iceland carrying crew associated with marine conservation efforts linked to activist Paul Watson, who was himself detained in Greenland in 2024 on a Japanese arrest warrant before ultimately being released. The ship’s arrival in Iceland drew significant international attention, with multiple governments and conservation organisations following developments closely.
Watson’s case highlighted Iceland’s position as a jurisdiction where international legal pressures intersect with domestic immigration law. The Bandero crew’s situation follows a similar pattern: Iceland must balance its treaty obligations, its domestic legal framework, and intense international scrutiny.
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to deport the Bandero crew from Iceland?
Icelandic authorities have indicated the process could take several weeks. Each crew member must be individually assessed under immigration law, issued a formal removal order, and given the opportunity to respond or appeal before deportation can proceed. The exact timeline depends on whether any crew members contest their removal.
Can the Bandero crew appeal their deportation from Iceland?
Yes. Under Icelandic law, individuals subject to a removal order have the right to contest the decision before the Immigration and Asylum Appeals Board (Kærunefnd útlendingamála). If an appeal is lodged, the process extends further while the board reviews the case. Legal representation is permitted throughout.
Is the Bandero ship free to leave Iceland?
No. The vessel remains detained in port under the authority of Icelandic maritime and immigration officials. It cannot depart without formal authorisation. Discussions are reportedly ongoing about whether the crew could leave aboard the ship, but no confirmed decision had been made at the time of publication.
Does the Icelandic entry ban affect travel across Europe?
Potentially, yes. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, meaning an entry ban issued by Iceland can in certain cases be recognised across all Schengen member states. This would bar the affected individuals from entering most of continental Europe and the Nordic countries for the duration of the ban.
What is the connection between the Bandero and Paul Watson?
The Bandero is a vessel associated with marine conservation activism linked to Paul Watson, the prominent anti-whaling campaigner who was detained in Greenland in 2024. Watson was eventually released, but the ship and its crew continue to attract international attention, particularly given Iceland’s history of whaling and its legal obligations under international agreements.
