Finland Visit Visa Guide
Finland, with its appealing climate, abundant job opportunities, and stunning landscapes, has become a sought-after destination for many. It’s no surprise that you may have friends or family living in this beautiful country. Thanks to the Finland visit visa, visiting your loved ones in Finland has become more accessible than ever. In this definitive guide, we’ll navigate the intricacies of obtaining a Finland Schengen visit visa, enabling you to plan your Finnish adventure with ease.
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What is Finland Schengen Visit Visa? To visit family and friends in Finland, most countries’ citizens need a visit permit, classified as a Schengen C category visa. This visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, citizens of other Schengen countries and a few visa-exempt nations can enter Finland without a permit. The Schengen visit visa can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa, also permitting tourism activities.
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How to Apply for Finland Visit Visa? Applying for a Finnish visit permit involves several steps:
- Confirm your eligibility for this category.
- Gather the necessary documents.
- Access the online application form on the VAC or embassy website.
- Complete the required details and submit the form, receiving an email confirmation.
- Schedule an appointment for submitting your application at a VAC or embassy (if available). Appointments can be booked online or by phone.
- Attend the appointment with the printed application form, required documents, and visa fees. Biometrics will be collected during the appointment.
Note: If you’ve submitted biometrics to the Schengen VIS (Visa Information System) within the past 5 years, physical presence at the VAC may not be necessary. Ensure all documents are genuine and accurate, as providing false information or fake documents can lead to visa rejection, affecting future applications.
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Eligibility for Finland Visit Visa To apply for this permit, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be physically present in the country where you’re applying.
- Hold a valid passport.
- Have the sole purpose of visiting family members or friends in Finland.
- Possess sufficient funds to cover your stay in Finland.
- Apply for the visa only if:
- Finland is your primary destination,
- Finland is one of your main Schengen destinations with the majority of your stay there, or
- Finland is your port of entry.
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Documents Required for Finland Schengen Visit Visa The Finland visit visa requirements include the following documents. Submit photocopies, but carry the originals to the VAC:
- Valid Indian Passport:
- Must have at least 2 blank pages.
- Valid for a minimum of 6 months from the intended travel date.
- Include any old passports, if applicable.
- Covering Letter:
- Provide basic details: name, designation, address, etc.
- Clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
- Mention the source of funds.
- Addressed to the Finland embassy and signed by the applicant.
- Travel Itinerary
- Proof of Accommodation
- Confirmed Flight Tickets
- Invitation Letter from your family member or friend in Finland, including relevant details
- Travel Insurance with coverage of up to 30,000 Euros
- Proof of Occupation
- Financial Documents: Personal bank statements, updated passbook copies, salary slips (if employed), income tax returns for the last 3 years, or Form 16 A (if self-employed)
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Photo Specifications of Schengen Finland Visit Visa Ensure your visa photo complies with these specifications:
- Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm
- Colored photograph
- Head positioned centrally
- Taken within the last 3 months
- Background: Solid white, plain, or grey
- 80% face coverage
- Neutral expression
- Non-thick framed glasses and prescription eyewear permitted
- Headgear allowed only for religious reasons
- Facial hair is permitted
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Finland Visit Visa Processing Time The processing time for this category depends on several factors, including the number of entries, application volume, and additional document requirements. Typically, applications are processed within 15 working days. To account for any variations, it’s advisable to apply well in advance, preferably no more than 3 months before your travel date.
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Finland Visit Visa Fees The application fees vary based on several parameters, including the number of entries, biometric charges, foreign exchange rates, and service charges. It’s your responsibility to verify the exact fee amount before beginning the application process.
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After Submission After submitting your application and paying the required fees, your application will enter the processing phase. If the embassy requires additional verification, they will contact you. Once approved, you can either collect your visa from the VAC in person or opt for delivery, subject to an additional courier charge.
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How to Check Visa Status? You can track the status of your application using services provided by the VAC. Visit the VAC website and access the tracking portal by entering your application number and name. Alternatively, you can contact the travel agency through which you applied for assistance with tracking.
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When You Have This Visa Once you obtain the visitor permit, keep these points in mind:
- Note the visa’s validity and number of entries, and do not overstay.
- Carry copies of your travel documents while in Finland.
- Do not engage in work activities while on a visitor permit.
- The Schengen business permit cannot be extended.
- You can visit other Schengen regions during your stay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In general, Schengen visit permits are not extendable. These are short-term visas, and one of the primary conditions for issuing them is that you must return to your home country. However, in exceptional cases like Force Majeure or humanitarian reasons preventing your return, you may apply for an extension.
Overstaying beyond your permit’s expiry date is not allowed. It is a primary eligibility condition that you must leave Finland before your visa’s expiry. Staying beyond the permitted duration is considered an offense. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a new permit upon returning to your home country.
Short-term Schengen visit permits do not typically require mandatory medical tests. However, you will still need travel medical insurance. Medical reports may be necessary for long-term permits. Regardless, it’s advisable to undergo a medical check-up before traveling to a foreign country.
No, you cannot directly convert a short-term Schengen visit permit into another visa category. However, once your visit permit expires, and you return to your home country, you can apply for a new business visa if you meet the eligibility criteria. Possessing a visitor permit does not preclude you from engaging in business activities.
Yes, you can travel to other Schengen countries with this permit. Finland, as part of the Schengen region, allows visa-free travel to other countries within this region. However, be mindful of the number of entries on your visa; exiting the Schengen region may affect your ability to re-enter.
