Welcome to our comprehensive Finland Visa Guide! Finland, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes”, is a beautiful country situated in northern Europe. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and high-quality education system. Whether you are planning a short visit or a long-term stay, obtaining the correct visa is essential. Our guide will provide you with all the information you need to apply for a visa to Finland, including the types of visas available, the application process, and the necessary documents you will need to submit. We aim to make your visa application process as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on planning your exciting journey to Finland.
Who must need a Finland visa?
Whether or not you need a Finland visa will depend on your nationality, the purpose and length of your stay, and whether your country has a visa exemption agreement with Finland.
Citizens of some countries, such as EU member states, countries included in Schengen Area, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, do not need a visa to enter Finland for tourism, business, or transit purposes for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
However, citizens of many other countries will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Finland. It is important to check the visa requirements that apply to your specific situation before you make travel plans to Finland.
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Requirements to get a Finland visa
The requirements to obtain a Finland visa will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, but in general, you will need to provide the following:
- A valid passport or travel document that is valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in Finland.
- A completed and signed visa application form.
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets or a travel itinerary.
- Travel medical insurance covers the entire period of stay in Finland.
- Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Finland.
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of the trip and stay in Finland, such as bank statements, pay slips, or sponsorship letters.
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of the trip and the itinerary.
- Additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa and the specific circumstances of the applicant.
Types of Finland visa
There are several types of Finland visas, depending on the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay. Here are the main types of Finland visas:
- Schengen Visa
- National Visa
- Airport Transit Visa
- Tourist Visa
- Visa for Official Visit
- Visa for Cultural, Sports, or Religious Events
- Visa for Medical Treatment
- Seamen Visa
- Seasonal Work Visa
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Application Procedure
The application procedure for a Finland visa may vary depending on the country and the specific visa type, but here are the general steps to follow:
- Determine the type of visa you need and check the requirements and procedures on the Finnish embassy or consulate website in your country.
- Fill out the visa application form carefully and accurately. You can usually download the form from the embassy website.
- Gather all the required documents, including your passport, photos, travel itinerary, medical insurance, and financial proof.
- Make an appointment at the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate to submit your application and documents. Some embassies may also accept applications by mail.
- Pay the visa fee, which may vary depending on the visa type and your country of residence.
- Attend the visa interview, if required, and answer all questions truthfully and clearly.
- Wait for the visa processing time, which may take a few weeks or longer, depending on the workload and the visa type.
- Once your visa is approved, collect it from the embassy or consulate or by mail, depending on the instructions.
- Check the visa details carefully to ensure that they match your travel plans and comply with the visa requirements.
- To get more details, visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Finland.
Is an online application portal available to apply for Finland Visa?
Yes, an online Finland visa application portal is available for some types of Finland visas. The online portal, called Enter Finland, allows applicants to complete and submit their visa application electronically and track the status of their application online.
Currently, the Enter Finland portal is available for the following types of visas:
- Residence permits for work, family, or studies.
- Extended visa applications for family members of EU citizens.
- Visa applications for seasonal work.
- Visa applications for athletes and coaches.
If the online application portal is available for your Finland visa type, you will be able to create an account, fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the visa fee online. You may also be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate or provide biometric data, such as fingerprints or a digital photo, depending on the visa type and the country of residence.
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Finland Visa Costs
The Finland visa costs for may vary depending on the type of visa, the duration of stay, and the country of residence. Here are some general visa costs for Finland:
- Schengen Visa: The fee for a Schengen Visa is €80 for adults and €40 for children between the ages of 6-12. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from the fee.
- National Visa: The fee for a National Visa is €100 for adults and €50 for children between the ages of 6-12. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from the fee.
- Airport Transit Visa: The fee for an Airport Transit Visa is €80 for adults and €40 for children between the ages of 6-12. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from the fee.
- Visa for Official Visit: The fee for a Visa for Official Visit is waived.
- Visa for Cultural, Sports, or Religious Events: The fee for a Visa for Cultural, Sports, or Religious Events is €80 for adults and €40 for children between the ages of 6-12. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from the fee.
- Visa for Medical Treatment: The fee for a Visa for Medical Treatment is €80 for adults and €40 for children between the ages of 6-12. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from the fee.
- The Finland Visa fee for the following mentioned countries is €35:
- Albania
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Cabo Verde
- Georgia
- North Macedonia
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Russia
- Serbia
- Ukraine
Processing Time taken by a Finland Visa
The processing time for a Finland visa may vary depending on the type of visa, the workload of the embassy or consulate, and the time of year. Here are some general processing times for Finland visas:
- The processing time for a Schengen Visa is usually 15 days, but it may take up to 30 days in some cases.
- The processing time for a National Visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but it usually takes several weeks or longer, especially if the visa requires a detailed review of the application.
- The processing time for an Airport Transit Visa is usually 15 days, but it may take up to 30 days in some cases.
- The processing time for a Visa for Official Visit may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but it is usually faster than other visa types, as it is given priority.
- The processing time for a Visa for Cultural, Sports, or Religious Events is usually 15 days, but it may take up to 30 days in some cases.
- The processing time for a Visa for Medical Treatment is usually 15 days, but it may take up to 30 days in some cases.
Validity and Extension of Finland Visa
The validity of a Finland visa and the possibility of extending it depends on the type of visa you have been granted. Here are some general guidelines for the validity and extension of Finland visas:
- Schengen Visa: A Schengen Visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. It cannot be extended beyond this period, and you must leave the Schengen Area before the visa expires.
- National Visa: A National Visa may be granted for a longer period than a Schengen Visa, depending on the purpose of the visit. The validity of a National Visa depends on the length of stay and the reason for the visit. In some cases, it may be possible to extend a National Visa while in Finland, but this is subject to certain conditions.
- Airport Transit Visa: An Airport Transit Visa is valid for a maximum of 5 days and cannot be extended beyond this period.
- Visa for Official Visit: A Visa for an Official Visit may be granted for a longer period than a Schengen Visa, depending on the purpose of the visit. The validity of a Visa for an Official Visit depends on the length of stay and the reason for the visit. In some cases, it may be possible to extend a Visa for Official Visit while in Finland, but this is subject to certain conditions.
- Visa for Cultural, Sports, or Religious Events: A Visa for Cultural, Sports or Religious Events is valid for the duration of the event or activity and cannot be extended beyond this period.
- Visa for Medical Treatment: A Visa for Medical Treatment is valid for the duration of the medical treatment and cannot be extended beyond this period.
Facts about Finland
Here are some interesting facts about Finland:
- Finland is located in northern Europe and shares its borders with Russia, Sweden, and Norway.
- The capital city of Finland is Helsinki, and it is the most populous city in the country.
- Finland is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including vast forests, thousands of lakes, and the Northern Lights.
- Finnish is the official language of the country, and it is considered one of the most challenging languages to learn due to its complex grammar and pronunciation.
- Finland is one of the most literate countries in the world, with a literacy rate of nearly 100%.
- Finland is also known for its high-quality education system, which is free for all citizens and residents.
- Finland is home to many innovative companies, including Nokia, Rovio (the creators of Angry Birds), and Supercell (the creators of Clash of Clans).
- Finland is also famous for its sauna culture, with over 3 million saunas in the country, which is more than the number of cars.
- Finland is the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report, which takes into account factors such as income, social support, and life expectancy.
- Finland is the first country in the world to introduce the concept of “everyman’s right,” which allows people to access and enjoy the natural environment, including private lands, for recreation, and other purposes, as long as they do not harm the environment or disturb others.
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