Navigating Finland Visa Portal and Policies with Travel Guidelines
Finland, known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” is a popular destination for tourists, business travelers, and students. As a Schengen Area member, Finland follows the common visa policy for short stays. This comprehensive guide provides updated information on visa requirements, fees, important travel policies, and a step-by-step application process for traveling to Finland.
Important Update: Finland is implementing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for visa-exempt travelers. Starting 2025, visa-exempt visitors will need ETIAS authorization before travel. Always check the latest requirements from official sources before applying.
Finland Visa Requirements
Finland’s visa requirements depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay. Below are the general requirements for a Finland Schengen visa.
Who Needs a Visa for Finland?
Citizens of the following categories need to apply for a visa to enter Finland:
- Non-Schengen countries: Citizens from countries without a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen Area
- Long-term stays: Anyone planning to stay in Finland for more than 90 days within a 180-day period
- Specific purposes: Those traveling for work, study, or family reunification
Citizens of EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and visa-exempt countries (like USA, Canada, Australia, Japan) can enter Finland without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days).
Required Documents for Finland Visa Application
| Document | Description | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Form | Completed and signed application form | Must be filled online or manually with accurate information |
| Passport | Valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay with 2 blank pages | Issued within the last 10 years |
| Passport Photos | Two recent identical color photos (35x45mm) | White background, taken within last 6 months |
| Travel Insurance | Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation | Must be valid for entire Schengen Area and duration of stay |
| Flight Itinerary | Round-trip reservation or flight itinerary | Not necessarily a paid ticket but confirmed reservation |
| Proof of Accommodation | Hotel bookings or invitation letter from host | Must cover entire stay in Finland/Schengen Area |
| Proof of Financial Means | Bank statements, sponsorship letter, or proof of sufficient funds | Minimum €30 per day of stay in Finland |
| Purpose-specific Documents | Documents based on purpose of visit (tourist, business, etc.) | See detailed requirements for each visa type |
Finland Visa Application Fees
The visa fee is non-refundable and must be paid when submitting the application. Fees are standardized across the Schengen Area.
| Applicant Category | Visa Type | Fee in EUR | Fee in USD (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | Schengen Visa (short stay) | €80 | $85 |
| Children (6-12 years) | Schengen Visa (short stay) | €40 | $43 |
| Children (under 6 years) | Schengen Visa (short stay) | FREE | FREE |
| Students/Researchers | For study purposes | €80 | $85 |
| Family members of EU/EEA citizens | All types | FREE | FREE |
| Long-stay visa (National D visa) | Residence permit applications | €350-€540 | $370-$570 |
Note: Visa fees may be waived or reduced for certain categories such as diplomats, participants in seminars/conferences hosted by EU institutions, and humanitarian cases. Always verify with the Finnish embassy or consulate in your country.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for a Finland Schengen visa:
Determine Visa Type
Identify the correct visa type based on your travel purpose (tourism, business, visit, transit).
Complete Application Form
Fill out the Schengen visa application form accurately. You can download it from the official Finnish immigration website.
Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents as per the checklist provided by the Finnish embassy/consulate.
Schedule Appointment
Book an appointment at the nearest Finnish embassy, consulate, or visa application center (VAC).
Submit Application & Biometrics
Attend your appointment, submit documents, pay the fee, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
Track Application
Use the tracking number provided to monitor your application status online.
Collect Passport
Once processed, collect your passport with the visa decision from the application center or wait for delivery.
Important Travel Policies
Schengen Area Rules
- 90/180 Rule: You can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period
- Border Control: Despite being in Schengen, Finland may perform temporary border checks
- First Entry Rule: If visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply through the country of your longest stay or first entry if stays are equal
COVID-19 Policies (Current)
- Check the latest health requirements before travel as they may change
- Some travelers may need to show proof of vaccination or negative test results
- Follow health guidelines during your stay in Finland
Other Important Policies
- Registration: If staying in Finland over 3 months, you must register your right of residence
- Work Restrictions: Schengen tourist visa does not permit employment in Finland
- Extension: Visa extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances
Application Tips
Apply Early
Submit your application at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date to account for processing time and potential delays.
Document Accuracy
Ensure all documents are current, accurately translated if necessary, and consistent across your application.
Proof of Funds
Provide clear evidence of sufficient financial means. Bank statements should show regular income/balance, not just a sudden deposit.
Travel Insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that clearly shows coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick Summary
Finland Visa – Frequently Asked Questions
- Schengen Visa (Type C): Tourism, business, visiting family, medical treatment (up to 90 days).
- National Visa (Type D): Work, study, research, family reunification.
- Airport Transit Visa (Type A): Transit through Finnish airports.
- Valid passport (minimum 3 months beyond intended return)
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Completed Schengen application form
- Confirmed travel itinerary
- Hotel booking or invitation letter
- Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Recent bank statements
- Employment or business proof
- Visa fee receipt
- €80 – Adults
- €40 – Children aged 6–12
- Free – Children under 6
- 15 calendar days – Standard processing
- Up to 45 days – During peak periods or additional checks
Yes. Applicants must book an appointment through:
- VFS Global Finland Visa Center
- Finnish Embassy or Consulate
Yes. Fingerprints and a biometric photograph are required and stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) for five years.
You can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period across all Schengen countries.
Yes. A Finland-issued Schengen visa allows travel within all Schengen member states, provided Finland is your main destination.
Extensions are only granted under exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies or force majeure. Tourism purposes do not qualify.
- Insufficient funds
- Incomplete or fake documents
- Lack of travel insurance
- Unclear travel purpose
- Doubts about return intention
No. Employment requires a National Visa (Type D) and a valid Finland residence permit.
Note: Visa requirements may change. Always verify information from official Finnish government sources.