Finland is a fascinating northern European country that has caught the attention of the tourist population with its beautiful landscape and gorgeous lakes. The dense forests cover a larger portion of its landscape elsewhere in Europe, contributing to its spectacular backdrops. Travel and tourism are major contributors to its economy, and the government has made various strides to improve and make the country more user-friendly and accessible for travelers worldwide. As you plan a refreshing holiday in this northern European country, we bring the important milestones you must cover as part of your Finland visa journey.

Travelers who do not need a visa to enter Finland’s borders

The nationals of the EU/EEA member states are exempt from a visa before their Finland border entry as it falls in the Schengen region. In addition, nationals of the United States of America, Australia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Israel, the Republic of South Korea, and other countries with a signed visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen member states are exempt from applying for a visa before entry.

Finland visa categories

There are different visa categories that travelers can opt for basis their travel needs and requirements. Each visa category is assigned a specific purpose, and the visa is issued to only those applicants who fulfill the criteria set for each visa category.

Airport Transit visa

This short-term visa is issued to applicants who must land at one of the Finnish airports as they board their flight to a third destination country beyond the Schengen region.

The following documents need to be presented during their Finland visa application process:

• Valid and original passport
• Valid visa to the third destination country
• A valid flight ticket to the third destination country

Schengen visa

This short-term visa is issued to applicants who are non-EU nationals and intend to visit Finland for tourism, leisure, exploration, vacation, or even reuniting with their family or friends who reside in the Schengen region.

Business visa

This short-term visa is issued to applicants who intend to participate in business-related activities such as closing business contracts, negotiations, and business agreements in Finland or with a Finland-based company.

The following additional documents need to be presented as part of the Finland business visa journey:

• Invitation letter from the Finland-based firm indicating the applicant’s name, purpose of travel, and travel dates.
• No objection letter from your current employer permitting you to travel to Finland.
• Trade license and business bank statement, if applicable
• Proof of the entire trip being financed by either the employer or the Finland-based company.

Medical visa

This short-term visa is issued to travelers who intend to undergo medical treatment, therapy, or advice from a hospital or clinic in Finland.

The following additional documents need to be presented as part of the Finland medical visa journey:

• A medical report from a local doctor in your country confirms your medical condition or status and the need for medical consultation, treatment, or therapy in Finland.
• A confirmation from the Finland-based doctor, clinic, or hospital confirms the applicant’s medical status and appointment schedule.
• Proof of financing the medical treatment and covering the basic expenses during the applicant’s stay in Finland.

Student visa

This short-term visa is issued to travelers who intend to study a course or attend training or internship with a Finland-based company or Finland-based university or institute.

The following additional documents must be presented as part of the Finland student visa journey:

• If applicable, a No objection letter from your current education institute, school, or university.
• Enrollment or admission letter from the Finland institute or university.
• An internship agreement is signed between the applicant and the Finland-based company or university.

Visa for sports, cultural, religious, and film crew members

This short-term visa is issued to travelers who intend to travel to Finland to attend or participate in a cultural/religious/sporting event organized in Finland or part of the film crew members traveling to Finland.

The following additional documentation must be presented as part of the Finland visa for sports, cultural, religious, and film crew members:

• Invitation letter from the organizing body in Finland, the event details, and the nature of activities held in Finland.
• Enrolment conditions that are laid down by the organizing body.
• Detailed itinerary of the program or event held in Finland.
• Entry ticket for the event.
• Other documents that will help validate your previous performances, such as winning or participation certificates.

For film crew members traveling to Hungary, they need to present the following:

• Letter from the filming company detailing the name, film synopsis, and shooting locations
• Details of all traveling film crew members, along with their position
• Film permit from the Hungarian body or authority.

Visa for official delegation visits

This short-term visa is issued to applicants from an official delegate team visiting Finland.

The following additional documents must be presented as part of the Finland visa for official delegations:

• Official invitation copy from the organizing body or government of Finland indicating the applicant’s name, travel dates, and purpose of travel.

Visa for the spouse of a Finland national

This short-term visa is issued to applicants who are spouses of Finland nationals.

The following additional document must be presented as part of the Finland visa journey for the spouse of a Finland national:

• Validate your spouse’s Finland citizenship through the passport, ID card, or consular card issued to your spouse.
• Marriage certificate valid in Finland
• Family record book valid in Finland

Visa for minors

All minor applicants must present the following additional documents while applying for a Finland visa:

• Original birth certificate
• Finland visa application signed by both parents.
• Copy of your family court order for one of the parents if they have full custody of the minor.
• Suppose the minor is traveling with another adult; the original copy of the accompanying person’s passport or ID and a notarized copy of parental authorization are signed by both parents.

Documents required for submitting your Finland visa application

The following documents need to be presented as part of your Finland visa journey:

Visa application form

Completed visa application form without any missed fields, even if it is not valid for you. After completing it online, you need to sign the printed copy of your Finland visa application form.

Passport

The entry and exit visa stamps required two blank pages in your original passport issued in the last ten years. The passport should be in good physical condition and valid beyond three months from your Finland departure date. If applicable, copies of your previously issued visas should also be submitted.

Passport photographs

Two identical passport-size photographs captured in the last three months must be submitted and meet the photo guideline criteria set by the Finland Immigration authorities.

Travel health insurance

Health insurance from an authorized provider of a minimum of 30,000 Euros is valid during your stay in the entire Schengen region.

Round-trip flight itinerary

A confirmed and valid flight itinerary featuring the traveler’s name, flight details, date of departure and exit, and other relevant details regarding your flight.

Proof of accommodation

A valid and confirmed hotel booking from a Finland hotel that features the traveler’s name, stay duration, and contact details of the hotel in Finland.

Cover letter

A cover letter addressed to the Finland embassy, consulate, or visa application center you are applying to summarize your travel details, such as departure and exit dates, purpose of travel, and places of interest.

Financial means

Sufficient financial means to cover your basic daily expenses during your Finland trip. For validation, you can share your bank statement for the last six months and your salary slip for the last three months.

Application process for a short-term Finland visa

Most Finland visa categories have the same application process defined, with slight variations per the visa category.

• Finalize on the nearest Finland embassy, consulate, or visa application center to your residing location.
• Determine the visa category you wish to apply.
• Collate all the supporting documents and pay the non-refundable visa fees.
• Book your visa interview at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center.
• Attend your scheduled visa interview appointment.
• Submit all the supporting documents, the signed visa application form, and the visa fee receipt.
• Wait for your visa processing timeline.

Visa fees

The non-refundable visa fees can vary as per the consulate, embassy, or visa application center you have applied. In general, each adult needs to pay 80 Euros per application. Each child between 6 and 12 years pays 40 Euros per application. Kids under six years old do not pay any visa fees.

Visa processing timeline

The timeline for your Finland visa processing can be delayed or go beyond the expected timeline depending on multiple factors, such as your nationality or the backlog of the embassy or consulate you have applied. In general, your visa should be processed in 15 calendar days. To avoid any mishap or delay in your visa processing, we recommend you apply prior, keeping in mind your travel dates.

Extension of your Schengen visa

Schengen visas are extended only on exceptional circumstances such as war, force majeure, political instability in your home country, or a family emergency. However, the extension of your visa lies at the discretion of the Finland immigration official. Apply for your extension in advance before your visa expires.

Revoking your Schengen visa

Your Schengen visa may be revoked if you do not validate your Schengen visa requirements or if the conditions for issuing your visa are no longer valid.

Conclusion

Spectacular landscapes featuring several natural elements, low crime levels, a chilled-out way of living, a world-class educational system, and a high standard of living are some of the key reasons tourists explore this fascinating northern European country. Finland has repeatedly topped the charts as the world’s happiest country in the last decade. Experience Finnish happiness as you plan for a Finland Schengen visa before your travel itinerary, and enjoy a wonderful and relaxing vacation here.