Schengen Visa for Finland: How to Apply

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 10/09/2024

The fine Nordic European land of Finland is famed for its breathtaking archipelagos, vibrant cities, and unique cultural heritage. Not to mention not one, not two — but a staggering 187,888 stunningly beautiful lakes. Oh, and it consistently ranks as having the world's best education system, cleanest air, and happiest people too!

So while it may not be as popular a travel destination as some of its warmer European neighbors, it’s no wonder Finland still manages to attract more than its entire happy population — i.e., 5.6 million people — in international visitors year after year (with close to 12 million tourists in 2022 alone, for example). If you’re happy to join their ranks sometime soon too though, chances are you’ll need a visa. But don’t worry — AXA is more than happy to help.

Do I need a visa to visit Finland?

That depends. Because — along with having 75% of its surface covered with forests, the world's biggest archipelago, and Europe's last untamed wilderness (aka Lapland) — Finland is also one of the countries in the Schengen Zone. And if you’re visiting from outside the Schengen, you might need a Schengen Visa to enjoy the cleanest air on the planet indeed.

Which travelers are required to apply for a visa to Finland?

You will need a Schengen visa for Finland if your home country has not signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU. This applies to nationals of nearly a hundred countries — i.e., China, India, Russia, all of Africa, most Asian and Middle Eastern nations, and so on.

PRO-TIP 1: Asking yourself do I need a Schengen visa? AXA can help answer that.

Which travelers don’t need a Schengen visa to come to Finland (for stays of less than 90 days)?

However, you’re good to go if you are:

And if you don’t need a Schengen visa, to enter Finland (and the Schengen Zone) for short stays you’ll only need to present a biometric passport (issued no more than 10 years prior to and valid for at least 90 days after the planned date of departure from the Schengen zone), your itinerary, and whatever other documents might be specific to your travel needs.

PRO-TIP 2: The European Commission provides full lists of both countries that are exempt from and those that do need a visa so you can quickly see if you’ve made the cut.

PRO-TIP 3: And while we’re on the topic, AXA can also tell you about which European countries you don’t need a Schengen visa for

What type of visa do I need to visit Finland?

You can generally choose from four basic types of Schengen visa: a Schengen business visa, Schengen work visa, or Schengen student visa.

While the first three are fairly self-explanatory, the latter is the most common one for Finland. The short-stay (aka Type C, aka “tourist”) visa allows travel there — as well as to and between the other Schengen countries — for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

If you want to stay in Finland longer than three months, however, you’ll need a national (aka Type D) visa.

And if you’re planning more than one trip, a multiple-entry visa is your go-to.

PRO-TIP 4: If you’re not sure which one to choose, AXA will gladly tell you about the different types of Schengen visa and help find one that suits your needs best.

How do I apply for a visa to go to Finland?

Your actual Schengen visa application process will depend on several different factors. But first and foremost, you’ll need to gather the proper documentation. And then to attend an in-person interview* (or two).

*NOTE: Yes, you will need to be physically present to apply for your visa at some point — and that’s for biometric collection. However, the EU plans to bring the whole Schengen Visa application process online soon!

What documents are required to obtain a Schengen visa for Finland?

Just in case, here’s a quick summary of what you’ll need to apply:

  • Your passport (issued within the last 10 years, with a validity of more than 3 months after the planned date of exit from the Schengen area)
  • A Schengen visa application form (duly completed and signed).
  • Two recent passport photos (we’re happy to tell you more about the specific Schengen visa photo requirements too)
  • Your itinerary
  • Travel insurance for Finland (NOTE: Your travel insurance must meet several criteria to be accepted with your visa application, but more on that below)
  • Proof of sufficient funds* (if applicable)
  • Proof of the purpose of the trip — such as a letter of invitation (if applicable)
  • Your residence permit and/or resident card (if applicable)
  • Proof of accommodation (if applicable)
  • Proof of socio-economic and professional stability (if applicable)
  • For minors — certified parental or guardian authorization

Traveling for business? You might also need:

  • a schedule of your stay with your business contacts and/or a signed letter of invitation from a Finnish company (if applicable)
  • documentation linked to your business operations (if applicable)

PRO-TIP 5: AXA continuously (and happily) strives to give you the latest info regarding Schengen Visa requirements for travelers near and far. However, these requirements often change fast from country to country. Fortunately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland also gladly provides detailed and up-to-date Schengen visa requirement info — as does the European Commission’s official visa website. So — before quoting us on anything — make sure you check with them too!

How much money do I need for my trip to Finland?

Here’s what Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (link above) has to say about that:

As of 1 January 2024, travelers arriving in Finland for short stays are required to have available funds of at least EUR 50 (instead of the former EUR 30) for each day* they spend in Finland.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: They add that “this financial requirement applies to visits of no more than 90 days.” So if you plan to stay longer, check back with the official source

When and where should I apply for my Finland Schengen visa?

Time-wise, you should submit your visa application no earlier than 6 months and no later than 2 weeks before your departure date. But keep in mind that while you can begin the process online, you will need to attend an in-person interview too (at least while the EU is still working on putting this whole thing online, that is).

In terms of location, you can apply at the Finnish embassy or consulate in your country of residence, or at a visa application center acting on their behalf.

Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs provides information on where and how to apply for a visa to Finland — including a country-specific search for Finnish missions abroad.

VFS Global — a visa processing partner for many countries — works with Finland too. Their website allows you to search for the nearest visa application center based on your location as well.

Let’s find out how to book a VFS global appointment!

How much does a Schengen visa for Finland cost?

The costs of the Schengen Visa are universal*.

The standard fee for one adult is currently €90.

If you’re between the ages of six and twelve, it’s €45.

And children under the age of six can get a Schengen visa for free.

What about ETIAS and EES?

Another one of these key changes is the “European Information and Authorization System” — aka ETIAS . ETIAS will not replace the Schengen visa, but it was initially designed to make travel to Europe safer, faster, and easier for everyone involved.

According to the EU’s official website, ETIAS is set to go into effect in “mid-2025.” But for that to happen, the EU first needs to implement its “Entry/Exit System” — aka EES. EES, in turn, is intended to replace traditional passport stamping. As of early 2024, the EU’s website states that EES will be implemented “starting in the second half of 2024.”

For now, neither ETIAS nor EES have yet to affect travel to the Schengen in any way. But AXA recommends you check back with the official source above (i.e., the EU) for the latest developments. Meanwhile, we remain hopeful.

How can AXA help with your visa for Finland?

And, finally, AXA can make your trip to Finland that much happier in no time too! How? With some affordable, top-quality, instant Schengen Travel insurance.

First and foremost, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement to be granted a Schengen visa — for Finland or any other Schengen state. And to be accepted, your travel insurance plan must meet the following criteria:

  • Guarantee minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
  • Cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons
  • Cover you in all member states of the Schengen Area
  • Cover you during the entire duration of your trip and stay in the Schengen Zone.

All three AXA plans — Low-Cost, Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — happily meet the requirements above. Moreover, if your Finland Schengen visa is denied, our plans are refundable in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation (i.e., an official explanation of why your visa was refused from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center).

But even if you don’t need a visa for Finland, travel insurance is still a good call. Even in a place where the people are happy and smart, and the air is clean. After all, with all those lakes, forests, and archipelagos — not to mention some brutal winters — you never really know what might go wrong.

And while Finland is also one of the safest countries on the planet, knowing that you have emergency (and not-so-emergency) medical coverage, 24/7 assistance, and countless other benefits will bring you and your family that much more peace of mind. Moreover, it can prove priceless when faced with the unexpected.

But here are just a few more reasons why choose AXA:

  • Our plans have no age restrictions.
  • They also cover you and your family in all 27 Schengen territories (and beyond) — not just Finland. 
  • Getting an AXA travel insurance plan is quick, easy, and can be done online in minutes.
  • The AXA travel insurance certificate can be downloaded (and printed) online instantly. And for you visa-hunters — said certificate is accepted by all Finnish (and other) Schengen embassies, consulates, and VFS Global centers around the world.

So compare and learn more about our 3 comprehensive plans today. With AXA, your Schengen visa is not only practically good to go. But visa or not, you’ll also find that your trip to the Land of both a Thousand Lakes (or, 187,888, to be exact) and the Air Guitar World Championships is a breath of fresh air — in every sense of the word.

How to apply for a Schengen visa for other countries

Meanwhile, thinking about applying to any of Finland’s 26 Schengen neighbors? AXA is happy to help too:

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FAQ

How long does it take to process a Schengen visa?

The wait time is generally at least 15 days. However, in some cases, embassies can take between a month or two to process a visa. It will depend on your particular situation. So get an early start.

Can I work or study in the Schengen Zone on a tourist visa?

No. While the tourist (or Type C) allows visitors to enter the Schengen for a short business trip, a holiday, and/or to visit family members, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit. AXA can tell you more.

Can I travel to Finland if I have obtained a Schengen Visa from another country?

Yes. A Schengen Visa allows you to travel to and throughout all Schengen countries — no matter which country you got it from. However, you must apply with the country in which you plan to spend the most time.

What should I do if my visa is refused?

You can either apply again or appeal. The EU’s Article 32(3) of the Visa Code of the Schengen Agreement can tell you more — but the outcome of your appeal will ultimately depend on the Finnish authorities.

Can my Finland Schengen visa be extended?

Yes, but only in exceptional cases. AXA can tell you more about that too.

What happens if I overstay my Schengen visa?

The consequences of overstaying your visa range from paying a fine, deportation, jail time, or even being banned from the country. And AXA is happy to help you avoid all of them too.

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AXA Schengen's Travel Insurances

AXA Schengen Low Cost

AXA Schengen Low Cost is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This travel insurance meets all the requirements demanded, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).

AXA Schengen Europe Travel

AXA Europe Travel is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. It provides coverage in all the Schengen countries + the European microstates + all the EU countries (including UK, Cyprus and the Republic of Ireland). And you get additional guarantees compared to AXA Schengen Low Cost.

AXA Schengen Multi Trip

AXA Multi Trip is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This annual travel insurance is ideal for those who often travel to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders. You get the same guarantees as AXA Schengen Multi Trip for different countries during 90 days.