Europe – Finland Visa – Tourist Visa

1. What is the process for obtaining a Finland tourist visa?

The process for obtaining a Finland tourist visa is as follows:

1. Determine if you need a visa: Citizens of certain countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Finland for tourism purposes. You can check if your country is on this list on the website of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. Gather required documents: The documents required for a Finland tourist visa may vary depending on your nationality, purpose of travel, and duration of stay. However, in general, you will need a valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration, recent photographs, proof of sufficient funds, travel itinerary or confirmed flight tickets, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation.

3. Fill out the visa application form: You will need to fill out an online application form on the website of the Embassy of Finland or VFS Global (the official partner handling visa applications for Finland). Make sure to answer all questions accurately and thoroughly.

4. Schedule an appointment: After completing the application form online, you will need to schedule an appointment to submit your documents at the designated visa application center in your country.

5. Submit your documents: On the day of your appointment, bring all required documents to the designated application center and submit them along with your passport and visa fee.

6. Attend an interview (if required): Some applicants may be required to attend an in-person interview at the embassy or consulate. This interview is usually conducted after submitting your application and can be scheduled through VFS Global.

7. Wait for processing: The processing time for a Finland tourist visa can vary depending on your location and other factors. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your planned trip.

8. Collect your passport: Once your visa has been processed, you can collect your passport from the designated application center or have it mailed back to you if that option is available.

2. How much does it cost to apply for a Finland tourist visa?

The cost for a Finland tourist visa varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. The current fee for a short-stay Schengen visa is 80 euros, while a long-stay visa costs 100 euros. In some cases, there may be additional fees for services such as document translation or courier delivery.

3. How long does it take to get a Finland tourist visa?

The processing time for a Finland tourist visa can vary depending on your location and other factors, such as the embassy’s workload. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your planned trip, as processing times can range from one week to several weeks or even months.

4. Can I extend my stay in Finland with a tourist visa?

If you have been granted a Schengen visa, it allows you to stay in Finland and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you want to extend your stay beyond this timeframe, you must apply for an extension from the Finnish Immigration Service before your current visa expires.

5. Can I work with a tourist visa in Finland?

No, a tourist visa does not allow you to work in Finland. If you want to work in Finland, you will need to obtain a separate work permit or residence permit that allows employment.

6. Can I visit other countries with my Finland tourist visa?

Yes, if you have been granted a short-stay Schengen visa by the Finnish authorities, it allows you to travel within the entire Schengen area (26 European countries) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, please note that if your primary purpose of travel is tourism in Finland, you should apply at the Finnish embassy/consulate as they are responsible for processing your application.

7. Is it possible to appeal if my Finland tourist visa application is denied?

Yes, if your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeal process and requirements may vary depending on your country of residence and nationality. You will need to submit an appeal to the designated authority within a specific time frame and provide additional documentation to support your case.

8. Can I get a refund if my Finland tourist visa application is denied?

No, the visa fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied. This fee covers the cost of processing and evaluating your application, regardless of the outcome.

2. Is there an online application for a Finland tourist visa?

Yes, you can submit an online application for a Finland tourist visa. The Finnish Immigration Service offers an online application service called Enter Finland, which allows you to fill out and submit your application form electronically. This service is available for certain nationalities and types of visas. You can check if you are eligible to use this service on the Enter Finland website.

3. How long does it take to get a visa for Finland?
The processing time for a visa application to Finland may vary depending on the nationality of the applicant and the type of visa applied for. However, it usually takes around 15 calendar days for a decision to be made on a short stay visa application (less than 90 days). For long stay visas (more than 90 days), the processing time may be longer.

4. How much is the visa fee for Finland?
The visa fee for Finland varies depending on the type and duration of the visa applied for. As of 2021, the fee ranges from EUR 35-80 for short-stay visas and EUR 60-100 for long-stay visas.

5. Can I apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa to Finland?
Yes, it is possible to apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa to Finland. However, whether or not you will be granted a multiple-entry visa depends on your individual circumstances and at the discretion of the Finnish consular officer reviewing your application.

6. Do I need travel insurance to apply for a tourist visa to Finland?
Yes, you are required to have travel insurance when applying for a Finnish tourist visa. The insurance must cover medical expenses up to at least EUR 30,000 and must be valid throughout your intended stay in Finland.

7. What documents do I need to submit with my tourist visa application?
The specific documents required may vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances, but generally you will need:

– A completed and signed visa application form
– Valid passport or travel document
– Two recent passport-size photos
– Copy of your flight itinerary
– Proof of accommodation in Finland (e.g. hotel reservation)
– Travel medical insurance
– Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Finland (e.g. bank statements)
– If applicable, documents supporting the purpose of your trip (e.g. invitation letter, travel itinerary)

8. Can I apply for a visa to Finland if I am already in the Schengen area?
Yes, you can apply for a visa to Finland if you are already in the Schengen area. However, you must have a valid residence permit for one of the Schengen countries and be able to provide proof of it with your application.

9. Can I extend my tourist visa while in Finland?
In most cases, tourist visas cannot be extended while in Finland. If you wish to stay longer than originally planned, you will need to leave the Schengen area and apply for a new visa from outside.

10. What should I do if my Finnish visa is denied?
If your Finnish visa is denied, you will receive a written explanation stating the reason for the denial. You can appeal the decision within 30 days by submitting additional documentation or addressing any concerns raised by the Finnish authorities. If your appeal is rejected, there is no further recourse and you will need to reapply for a visa at a later time with updated information and supporting documents.

3. What is the validity period of a Finland tourist visa?


The validity period of a Finland tourist visa varies depending on the type of visa issued and the specific circumstances of the traveler. In general, a tourist visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. However, this can vary based on individual circumstances. It is important to check with the embassy or consulate where you will be applying for your visa for more specific information.

4. Can I extend my Finland tourist visa if I need to stay longer?

Yes, it is possible to extend your Finland tourist visa if you need to stay longer. You will need to apply for an extension at the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) before your current visa expires. You will need to have a valid reason for staying longer, such as unexpected circumstances or continued tourism plans, and provide necessary documentation to support your request. The decision to approve an extension is at the discretion of Migri. It is recommended to apply for an extension well before your visa expires.

5. How long can I stay in Finland with a tourist visa?

Typically, a tourist visa allows you to stay in Finland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You can enter and exit the country multiple times during this period.

6. What documents do I need to include in my Finland tourist visa application?


When applying for a Finland tourist visa, you will need to include the following documents:

1. A completed visa application form: You can find this form on the website of the Finnish embassy or consulate in your country.

2. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay in Finland. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

3. Two recent color passport-sized photos: These photos must meet the requirements set by the Finnish embassy or consulate.

4. Flight itinerary and hotel reservations: You will need to provide proof of your travel plans, such as a round-trip flight reservation and confirmed hotel bookings.

5. Travel insurance: You must have travel health insurance that covers the entire duration of your trip to Finland. The insurance must be valid in all Schengen countries and have a minimum coverage of €30,000.

6. Proof of financial means: You must show that you have enough funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Finland. This can include bank statements, credit card statements, or a letter from your employer stating your salary and approved leave.

7. Employment verification: If you are employed, you may need to provide a letter from your employer stating that you have been granted leave for the specified travel dates.

8. Accommodation proof: If you are not staying in a hotel, you will need to provide proof of accommodation from a relative or friend living in Finland (such as an invitation letter) or rental agreement.

9. Itinerary: A detailed itinerary of your trip is required, including information on where you will be staying and what activities you plan to do during your stay in Finland.

10. Travel history: If you have traveled to other countries before, proof of these travels (such as previous visas) can strengthen your application.

11. Proof of ties to home country: You may also need to provide evidence that you have strong ties to your home country, such as properties, family, employment or studies.

12. Embassy/consulate-specific requirements: Some embassies or consulates may have additional requirements, so make sure to check their website before submitting your application.

It is important to provide all the required documents and any additional supporting documents to increase your chances of getting a Finland tourist visa approved.

7. Is it mandatory to have travel insurance for my trip to Finland?


It is not mandatory to have travel insurance for your trip to Finland, but it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can help protect you in case of any unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. It can also provide coverage for activities and excursions, as well as offer assistance with emergency services and repatriation. Ultimately, having travel insurance can give you peace of mind and help ensure a smoother trip.

8. Are there any specific financial requirements for a Finland tourist visa?


Yes, applicants must provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Finland. This may include bank statements, proof of employment and income, or a letter from a sponsor if applicable. The exact amount required may vary depending on the length of stay and individual circumstances. It is recommended to have at least 50-100 euros per day for accommodation and living expenses.

9. How much does a Finland tourist visa cost?


The cost of a Finland tourist visa varies depending on the type and duration of the visa. As of 2021, the prices are as follows:

– Short stay visa (up to 90 days): €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12 years old
– Long stay visa (over 90 days): €120 for adults, €60 for children aged 6-12 years old
– Visa facilitation fee: €35

Please note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on your nationality. It is best to check with the Finnish embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information.

10. What are the processing times for a Finland tourist visa?


The processing times for a Finland tourist visa can vary depending on the individual’s nationality and the workload at the embassy or consulate where they are applying. Generally, it can take anywhere from 7 days to several weeks to process a tourist visa application for Finland. It is recommended to apply for a visa well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for enough processing time.

11. Can I apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa to Finland?

Yes, you can apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa to Finland. However, the decision to issue a multiple-entry visa is at the discretion of the Finnish embassy or consulate where you are applying. You will need to provide a strong reason for needing a multiple-entry visa, such as frequent business or personal travel between your home country and Finland.

12. Will I be interviewed as part of the visa application process?


It is possible that you may be required to attend an interview as part of the visa application process. This will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your personal circumstances. Some countries do not require interviews for non-immigrant visas, while others may require them for all applicants. It is important to check the specific requirements for the country you are applying to in order to prepare yourself for any potential interviews.

13. Do I need to have confirmed hotel bookings before applying for a Finland tourist visa?


Yes, it is recommended to have confirmed hotel bookings before applying for a Finland tourist visa. This shows that you have a clear plan for your trip and ensures that you have accommodation during your stay in Finland. However, if you are staying with friends or family, you may provide their address and contact information instead of a hotel booking.

14. Is there an age requirement for the applicant of a Finnland tourist visa?

Yes, applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Finnland tourist visa. If the applicant is under 18 years old, they must have a parent or legal guardian provide consent and act on their behalf during the application process.

15.Can I apply for a Schengen Visa through another country if my main destination is Finland?


Yes, you can apply for a Schengen Visa through another country if your main destination is Finland. This would be considered as a “representative visa” or “proxy application” and is allowed under certain circumstances. You will need to provide proof of your reason for applying through the other country and submit all necessary documents for both Finland and the other country. It is recommended to consult with the specific embassy or consulate for more information on how to proceed with a representative visa application.

16.What happens if my Schengen Visa application gets rejected by Finnish Embassy?

If your Schengen Visa application is rejected by the Finnish Embassy, you have the right to appeal the decision. You will receive a letter with the reason for the rejection and instructions on how to file an appeal. You will also have the option to reapply with a new application if you believe there were errors or lack of important information in your initial application. It is important to carefully review the reasons for rejection and provide strong evidence to support your appeal or new application.

17.I hold UK residence permit, do I still need to obtain separate Finnish Visa in order to travel there?

Yes, as a non-EU citizen holding a UK residence permit, you will still need to obtain a separate Finnish visa in order to travel there. Having a residence permit in one EU country does not automatically grant you the right to enter and travel in other EU countries. You will still need to go through the visa application process for Finland.

18.Can someone else submit my Schengen Visa Application on my behalf to Finnish Embassy?

No, you must personally submit your Schengen Visa Application to the Finnish Embassy. It is not allowed for someone else to submit it on your behalf unless you have a legal representative acting on your behalf and can provide necessary documentation proving this arrangement. This is because your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be taken at the time of submission. Your signature will also be required on the application form.

19.How soon can I apply for another Schengen Visa after expiration of current one?


You can apply for another Schengen Visa as long as you meet the entry requirements and your previous visa has expired. There is no set time limit for when you can apply for another Schengen Visa, but it is recommended that you wait at least a few months before applying again. This will allow you to show a change in circumstances or purpose of travel, which may increase your chances of getting a new visa approved. It is also important to note that frequent or consecutive applications for short-stay visas may raise suspicion and could affect the outcome of your application.

20.Do minors require adult supervision when submitting their Schengen Visa Applications at the Finnish Embassy/Consulate?

Yes, minors under the age of 18 usually require adult supervision when submitting their Schengen Visa Applications at the Finnish Embassy/Consulate. This can vary depending on the specific requirements of the Embassy/Consulate and the country of origin of the minor. It is recommended to contact the Finnish Embassy/Consulate directly for more information on their specific procedures for minors applying for a visa.