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• All you should know about Finland Tourist visa
• Europe Visas
• Finland Visa
• Finland Visitor Visa Requirements, Finland Visitor Visa Application Process

Are you looking for a complex holiday destination? History, Crystal clear lakes, unspoiled archipelagos, the country of lakes accompanied by modern architecture with landscape, etc. Finland’s tourist attractions will satisfy every kind of taste. The Northern Lights? That’s a different story. Whether you are into winter or summer sports in nature or just want to enjoy its beauty, you will find your interests in Finland. Please make a quick stop. You might need a visa to travel to Finland. In this blog, we will explain if you need a Finland tourist visa or not, requirements, application, validity, processing time, fees, etc.

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Finland tourist visa.

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Who Needs and Does not Need Finland Tourist visa

The Finland tourist  visa also gets called a Schengen (tourist) visa. With this visa, you can enter the country to do sightseeing, visit family or friends. Whether you need a Finland tourist visa or not depends on your nationality. The EU, EEA, and all 26 Schengen states are free of Finland tourist visa. The nationals of these countries can enter Finland with their passport or travel document and stay up to 90 days. Apart from these countries, other countries are exempt from Finland tourist visa. If your nationality does not need a Finland short-stay visa, then you won’t need a tourist visa for Finland as well.

Finland Tourist visa Requirements

Once you find out you need this visa, you should collect the requirements. It is part of the application process. The requirements for a Finland tourist visa are as follows:

• Finland tourist visa application form. You can download it from the nearest Finish embassy or consulate you apply at. You should complete it with true and appropriate information. Please remember that the information you fill must match with your documents. Then print, sign, and date it.
• Two photos. They must be new, taken in the past three months with a clear background.
• Passport. It must be issued in the past ten years, not older. It should be valid for at least three months over the date you will leave Finland. At least, there must be two blank pages in it as well. If you have had any previous visas, provide a copy of them too.
• Cover letter. You state the purpose of your visit to Finland to the Finish government.
• Proof of accommodation. You should state where you will stay in Finland during our visit. It could be:
• A hotel reservation.
• Rental agreement.
• Staying with a host. He/she should provide name, address, and other requirements.
• Flight bookings and a Complete itinerary for the entire duration of your stay in Finland.
• Civil status proof— your marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.
• Proof to have enough funds. You should verify to have enough money to cover your expenses in Finland.
• Health insurance. You must buy health insurance from an insurance company approved by Schengen countries. It must be valid in Finland and the entire Schengen states. It must cover your medical expenses for 30.000 EUR. The health insurance must also cover the transportation of the corpse if the tourist passed away.
• Confirmation of hotel reservation
• An official invitation or a private invitation letter.
• Means of transport
• Financial means of support and assets
• Permission letter from both parents for minors.

Converting a Finland Tourist Visa to a Work Permit

Requirements based on your job.

• Contract of employment
• Bank statement for the past six months
• Permission leave from your employer.
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

 Self-employed

• A copy of your business registration/business license
• Bank statements of your company for the past six months.
• Proof of enrolment
• A no-objection letter from your school, university, or educational academy
• Advertisements
• Bank statements from the last six months

Please note that the Finish authorities have the right to ask for more documents. The specific visa you apply for might require more documents as well.

Finland Tourist visa Application Process

The application process for Finland tourist visa is as follows:

1. Application

You should download the Finland tourist visa application form from the Finish embassy or consulate you want to apply at. You should complete it with appropriate and true information. Please remember that the information you feel must be the same as your documents. Then print, date, and sign it.

2. Gathering requirements

Now collect all the required documents as we explained above. Please note that all Schengen states are strict with their laws and regulations. Don’t take anything easy. Incomplete documents are a major cause of visa denial.

3. Booking visa appointment

You must schedule an appointment to the Finish embassy, consulate or visa center approved by the Finish government. You could do it through their website or phone.

When the time of the appointment comes, attend it in person. Please don’t forget to bring the application and the requirements. It would be wise to wear something a bit formal.

Once you submitted everything, pay the visa fee. The fee for a Finland tourist visa is 80 EUR.

You also have to go through an interview. The visa officer will ask you a few questions about your background and the purpose of your visit; please try to be honest, friendly, and strong. You should remember that this interview will determine the fate of your application.

4. Waiting for processing

You have to wait about 15 calendar days for your application to get processed. Yet, it might take 30 or even 45 days. If your application gets approved, the Finish authorities will send you the visa attached to your passport. If it gets denied, they will send you a letter explaining the reason.

Finland Tourist visa Validity

Finland Tourist visa is valid for 90 days in six months. With this visa, you can also visit all the other Schengen states. Please note that the times you can enter and leave Finland depends on the type of visa:

Single-entry. You can enter Finland only for one time, stay up to 90 days and then leave.

Double-entry. You may enter Finland two times.

Multiple-entry. You have the right to enter Finland as many times as you want in 90 days.

How Long Does it Take to get a Finland Tourist visa?

The processing time for a Finland tourist visa is often 15 days. But it can take longer. Depending on the Finish embassy workload, your case, etc. the processing could take up to 30 or even 45 days.

Please note that the earliest time you can submit your application is six months, and the latest time is 15 days.

Can You Extend a Finland Tourist visa?

It is normally not possible to extend a Finland tourist visa. But, in particular emergencies, political turmoil, and humanitarian reasons, you can extend your tourist visa. Please note that you must have a compelling reason to convince the Finish authorities to extend your visa.

Can You Work in Finland Under a Finland Tourist visa?

You may not work in Finland under a tourist visa. You have no right to get involved in any paid job. Please keep in mind that the Schengen states are strict with their laws. If you break these laws and regulations, there will be heavy consequences.

Do You Have to Buy Health Insurance for a Finland Tourist visa?

YES. When you want to travel to one of the Schengen countries, you have to purchase health insurance. In this case, it must be valid in Finland and all the other Schengen states. The insurance must cover all your medical for 30.000 EUR.

Finland Tourist Visa Interview Questions

During your appointment at the Finish embassy, you have to go through an interview. The visa officer will ask you a few questions. Please remember that the destiny of your visa depends on this interview. Try to be honest, strong, and friendly. The questions you have to answer might include:

• The place you live
• Your children
• Previous studies
• Marital status
• Does anyone will travel with you
• Financial means
• The reason you have chosen Finland as a tourist destination.
• Will you return to your home country after your visit
• Your hobbies, etc.

Let’s sum up…

In this blog, we explained all about Finland tourist visa.

We explained if you need a tourist visa to Finland or not, requirements, the application process, validity, fees, processing time, FAQs, etc.

You can check the Visa Library to find more information about other countries’ visas.

In case you have some experience, please write it down in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences as comments is a great help for applicants.

• Published by
• August 25, 2020

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Finland Tourist visa

Required documents for a finland schengen visa.

In addition to English and Finnish, visa application forms are also available in Spanish, French, and Russian. However, applications with additional documents written in French, Spanish, and Russian, must also be translated into either English, Finnish, or Swedish.

Documents for a Finnish visa application must be filled in using capital letters.

• At least 2 blank pages
• With the applicant’s signature
• Not more than 10 years old
• Valid for at least 3 months after the expiration of the requested visa
• Previous passport, if applicable
• Size 3.5 x 4.5 cm
• Plain white background
• Taken within the past 6 months
• Forward-facing with facial features visible and clear
• Completed application form
• Biometric data (Fingerprints)
• Travel Itinerary or plan
• Proof of return to the country of residence or forward ticket to another country
• Reason for travel to Finland
• Flight reservations
• Proof of financial means (bank statements over the last 3-month period, personal properties, and/or other assets)
• Proof of accommodations (with booking reference number, location, and contact number of the hotel)
• Valid through the entire visa period
• Valid in all Schengen countries
• A minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR must be purchased
• Insurance conditions such as validity, duration, and extent of your coverage to be clearly stated on the confirmation letter or insurance document
• Name and address of employer
• Nature of employment
• Starting date of employment
• Purpose of travel
• Duration of time off from work for travel
• Personal-ID page of passport.
• Older Schengen visas (if relevant).
• Residence permit (if relevant).

Applicants below the age of 18 are required to submit the following additional requirements:

• If the minor applicant is adopted, adoption documents are required
• If the minor applicant's parents are divorced, divorce papers are required
• If the minor applicant's parents are deceased, death certificates are required
• Letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians
• Passport copies of both parents or legal guardians

It may also be necessary to submit supplementary documents in relation to your travel visa application.

Finland Schengen Visa Fees

The standard fee for the application of a Finland Schengen visa is 80 EUR. However, there are particular applicants who are exempted from fees, such as most student visas and visas for children below the age of 6. The visa fee can be paid either in cash or through bank transfers. Contact the consulate for more information on the visa fee. Applicants will probably have to pay a separate, non-refundable service payment with their application.

Finland Visa Application Steps

• Prepare all the required documents.
• Select “Tourism” as the reason for travel on the visa application form.
• Decide the number of entries needed to Finland or the Schengen area.
• The application form for a Finnish Schengen visa can be found here . Fill out the form in capital letters, print, and sign it. The form must be submitted to the Finnish consulate or visa processing center.
• Most applications require an in-person appointment at the nearest Finnish Consulate or visa center in order to submit the application. Alternatively, applications may be submitted without prior appointment during normal operating hours. Contact the Finnish Consulate or visa center to determine if there is a need to schedule an appointment.
• Note: Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the date of travel but not earlier than 6 months before the date of travel.
• Generally, applications must be submitted in person to the Finnish Consulate or visa processing center. However, there may be a few differences in the submission procedures.
• Applicants will likely be required to submit their fingerprints (biometric data). Children below the age of 12 are exempted from biometric data collection, but facial photo capturing is a must, regardless of the applicant’s age.
• Applicants may be required to come back on another date for an interview regarding their trip.
• Pay the visa application fee.

When to Apply

Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the travel date but not earlier than 6 months before the travel date.

Where to Apply for a Finland Schengen Visa

• Applications should be submitted either through the Finnish Consulate or a visa application center that is connected with Finland.
• Applications should be submitted at a consulate closest to the applicant or a visa processing center nominated by the consulate.
• Applications should be submitted only in the country of citizenship or residence.
• Applicants can search for the locations of Finnish Consulates and visa application centers here .
• In countries without any Finnish consulate, applications may be submitted through a Schengen state consulate representing the interests of a Finnish consulate.
• Applications must be submitted personally to the consulate or the visa processing center.

 Finland Visa Processing Time

It takes approximately 15 days to process Finland Schengen visa applications. However, in some cases it might take as long as 45 days.

For approved visa applications:

Applicants must ensure that the information on the visa is complete and valid upon collection.

Applicants who have received their Schengen Visa for Finland should remember the following things:

• Inform the Finnish Consulate of any change to your itinerary after submission is completed.
• The approval of a Schengen visa does not guarantee entry to Finland or other countries in the Schengen area.
• Additional documents pertaining to your financial means or accommodation may still be required to gain entry to Finland or other Schengen areas.

For denied visa applications:

If your application for a Finland Schengen visa was rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision within 30 days.

The letter of rejection contains the procedures of the appeal process, including the following information:

• Appeals must be written in either Finnish or Swedish.
• The appeal should be in the form of a request for an administrative review from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• A non-refundable fee of 170 EUR must be paid.
• If the appeal is rejected by the Finnish MFA, applicants have 30 days to submit a final appeal with the Helsinki Administrative Court.
• The final appeal will be brought to a Finnish consulate and requires a non-refundable fee of 260 EUR. The outcome of the appeal is considered final and cannot be appealed any further.

Check if you need a visa for your next destination

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The Best Time to Visit Finland

By Condé Nast Traveller

The best time to visit Finland can vary because every season in the Nordic country brings a different kind of charm. If you're seeking sunlight, the sun barely sets in the summers, whereas winters are your best bet at catching a glimpse of the northern lights dancing in the skies. In autumn, Finland is bathed in shades of crimson and gold, and the springtime is temperate and green. The best time to visit Finland depends on what lighting excites you the most: 24/7 daylight , or the neon green aurora borealis against the night skies? Here’s a quick guide to the best time to visit Finland.

• What is the best time to visit Finland? • What is the best time to visit Finland for the northern lights? • What is the best time to visit Finland for snow? • Temperature in Finland throughout the year • Plan your trip

What is the best time to visit Finland?

The best time to visit Finland is in the summer, between June to August , when the temperature ranges between 53°F and 73°C. The days are unusually long in the summer, with 20 to 22 hours of sunlight a day. Museums, castles , and other tourist attractions are open for longer during this time of the year, allowing you to explore long after the usual opening hours. Since winters last for nearly seven months in Finland, summer is also the best time to explore Finland’s 40 national parks and many nature hikes. This is also the season for festivals in Finland; for example. the 10-day Naantali Music Festival , which features classical music artists from around the world, takes place in June.

Shoulder season in Finland spans from April to May, which is to say: springtime. The temperatures usually hover between 32°F and 50°F. There are fewer crowds and nightly rates at hotels take a dip. Speaking of shoulder season, visit Finland in autumn, between September to November, when the temperature fluctuates between 41°F and 59°F, and the country's trees are plentiful shades of yellow and crimson. As it goes with shoulder season, hotels and airfare tend to be cheaper, and there are fewer tourists.

Winter in Finland, which is from December to March, is not for the faint of heart, with temperatures ranging between 14°F and 41°F and sunlight present only three to four hours a day. But this might also the most rewarding time to visit Finland because winter is northern lights season.

What is the best time to visit Finland for the northern lights?

Finland is one of the best countries in Europe where you can chase the northern lights. The northern lights are visible all year round, but they are seen only once the sun sets. Since there's minimal nighttime during the summer in Finland, the best time to spot the aurora borealis is during the winter season, from December to March, when days are actually just nights.

The northern lights are easiest to spot when you’re away from the cities. The secret recipe for a great sighting is clear skies, low light pollution, and long winter nights. If you’re lucky, you may spot the aurora in Helsinki itself, but your best bet is to head north to Lapland, Kemi, Rovaniemi, Muonio, Ivalo, Kakslauttanen, Levi, or Saariselkä.

What is the best time to visit Finland for snow?

Even if you don’t get lucky with the northern lights, the good thing about visiting from December to March is that there are plenty of winter activities to do while you're in Finland. November marks the beginning of the snow season in Finland. Stay in an ice igloo; go skiing or dog sledging; race rally cars through the Arctic; and visit Santa Claus’ home in Rovaniemi.

How many days do I need for a trip to Finland?

The number of days totally depends on your itinerary. If you wish to just explore the capital of Helsinki and places close by, a four- or five-day trip is sufficient. However, if you wish to see Lapland and more, plan a 10-day trip.

A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller India .

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• Finland Visa
• Finland Visitor Visa

What is Finland Schengen Visit Visa?

How to apply for finland visit visa, eligibility for finland visit visa, documents required for finland schengen visit visa, photo specifications of schengen finland visit visa, finland visit visa processing time, finland visit visa fees, after submission, how to check visa status, when you have this visa, finland visit visa - definitive guide.

Thanks to the temperate climate, excellent job opportunities, and the beautiful scenery, a large number choose to settle here. As a result, it is quite common that you would have a friend or a family member living in Finland. Owing to the Finland visit visa , it has become a much easier task to visit them in the country. 

To visit your family members and friends in Finland, people from most countries require a visit permit. Being a type of the Schengen C category, this is issued for a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. However, citizens of other Schengen nations and a few other visa-exempt countries do not require a permit to enter the country. Issued as single-entry, double-entry, or even multiple-entry, these also permit you to engage in tourism.

The process of applying for a Finnish visit permit is done via an online application form. However, the submission of this must be done at the VAC, or Embassy (if you are able to get an appointment). Before starting the application, you must ensure that you meet all the conditions that make you eligible for this category. After this, you can start applying as follows- 

• Acquire all the necessary documents for this category. 
• Visit the website of the VAC, or embassy and enter the application portal.
• Fill in the required details, and submit. You will receive an email of the completed application form. 
• You must now book the appointment for the application submission at a VAC or embassy (if possible). You can do this online, or calling them up.
• Attend the appointment with the application form print out, documents, as well as the visa fees. You will have to submit your biometrics here.

Please note that if you have submitted your biometrics to the Schengen VIS (Visa Information System) in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. As a result, you do not physically have to be at the VAC in person. 

Also, ensure that you submit only genuine documents and the correct information. Submission of fake documents or wrong information can lead to a visa rejection. A denied permit can cause problems to your future application.

To be able to apply for this permit, you must meet the following criteria - 

• You must be present in the country you are applying from.
• You must possess a valid passport.
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to visit your family members or friends.
• You must possess enough funds to cover your stay in Finland.
• You must only apply for the visa if -
• Finland is your one and only destination, or
• Finland is one of your multiple Schengen destinations in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or 
• Finland is your port of entry.

As per the Finland visit visa requirements , the following are the list of documents you must submit are as follows. You should submit only photocopies of these. However, you must carry the original documents to the VAC. 

• Valid Indian Passport- 
• It must contain at least 2 blank pages.
• It must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel.
• Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
• Covering letter - 
• Must include the applicant's basic details such as name, designation, address, etc.
• It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
• It should mention the source of funds.
• It must be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Finland embassy.
• Travel itinerary 
• Proof of accommodation
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Invitation letter from your family member or friend living in Finland mentioning all the relevant details
• Travel insurance covering expenses up to 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation 
• Financial documents -Personal bank statements, copy of updated passbook, salary slips (if employed), income tax returns for the last 3 years or Form 16 A (if self-employed)

The photo specifications of Schengen Finland visit visa are as follows -

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

The processing time for this category depends on several factors such as the number of entries, the volume of applications, additional document requirements, and so on. Normally, your application should be processed within 15 working days. Due to the variability, it is suggested that you apply for it well in advance, but no more than 3 months before the date of travel.

The fees for the application varies depending on a few parameters. These include the number of entries, the biometric charges, the foreign exchange rates, as well as the service charges. As a result, it is your responsibility to check the exact fees before applying.

Once you have submitted the application and paid the corresponding fees, your application will begin processing. If the embassy requires any additional verification, they will contact you. Once approved, you can personally collect it from the VAC, or opt for it to be delivered to you for an extra courier charge.

You may track the status of your application using the services provided by the VAC. You can visit the website of the VAC and enter your application number and name at the tracking portal. Alternately, you can contact the travel agency you have applied through, to track it for you.

Once you receive the visitor permit, you must keep in mind the following points -

• Make a note of the validity of your visa, as well as the number of entries. You must not stay back after this period.
• Keep a copy of your travel documents with you while you are travelling in Finland. 
• While you are on a visitor permit, you cannot take part in work activities. 
• The Schengen business permit is non-extendable. 
• You may visit other Schengen regions while you are on this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i extend my finland schengen visit visa.

It is not possible to extend the Schengen visit permit. Being a short term visa, and also the primary conditions for issue of this being that you must return to your country, it is non-extendable. However, in certain special cases such as a Force Majeure, or other humanitarian reasons that keep you from returning back to your home country, you may apply for an extension.

After expiring my Finland Visit Visa how long can I stay?

You cannot stay back any longer once your permit has expired. As a primary eligibility condition, you must leave Finland before the visa expiry date. Staying back after the allotted duration is considered as an offence. However, if you do require to stay in the country longer, you must apply for a new permit once you go back to your home nation.

What is the medical test for Finland Visit Visa?

Being a short term type, and issued only for a duration of 90 days, you do not require any medical tests mandatory. However, you will still require a travel medical insurance. You may require medical reports if you are applying for long term permits. In either case, it is suggested that you get a test done before travelling to a foreign country.

Can I convert my Finland Visit Visa into a business permit?

No, as a rule, you are not allowed to convert the short term category into any other visa. Although, once your visit permit expires, and you go back to your home country, you are permitted to apply for a new business visa provided that you meet the eligibility. However, possessing a visitor permit does not refrain you from taking part in business activities.

Can I travel another Schengen country on Finland Visit Visa?

Yes, you can most definitely travel to other Schengen countries with this permit. Finland, being a part of the Schengen region, allows visa-free travel between the other countries in this region. However, keep in mind that depending on your number of entries, if you exit the Schengen region, you may not be able to enter it back again.

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