Finland Tourist Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time
Key highlights
- Schengen Area access for up to 90 days.
- Straightforward application process for short-term visits.
- Mandatory travel insurance requirements for all applicants.
- Biometric data collection required at the time of application.
- Clear financial sufficiency requirements (approx. €30/day).
- Standardised visa fees across all Schengen member states.
- Applicable for tourism, visiting family, or short-term courses.
Processing time
15-45 working days
During peak summer or Christmas seasons, processing times may increase significantly. Some nationalities may require additional consultation periods of up to 7 days.
Estimated cost
~$120 - $140
- Standard Schengen Visa Fee (Adults)€80 / ~$87
- Standard Schengen Visa Fee (Children 6-12)€40 / ~$44
- External Service Provider (VFS) FeeVaries by location
Requirements
- Must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay (approx. €30 per day).
- Travel insurance covering the entire Schengen Area with €30,000 minimum limit.
- A clear travel itinerary including entry and exit dates.
- No record of being an alert in the Schengen Information System (SIS).
- Evidence of socio-economic ties to your home country (job, property, family).
- Purpose of visit must be purely for tourism or private visits.
- Applicants must provide biometric data (fingerprints) every 59 months.
- Minors must provide parental consent and birth certificates.
- Proof of paid visa application fee.
Documents you'll need
- A valid passport issued within the last 10 years with two blank pages.
- Two recent passport-sized photos compliant with ICAO standards.
- Completed and signed application form.
- Proof of travel health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage.
- Round-trip flight reservations or detailed travel itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter).
- Recent bank statements from the last 3-6 months.
- Proof of employment, student status, or retired status.
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Identify where to apply
Determine if you need a visa based on your nationality and check which Finnish mission or VFS Global centre handles applications in your region.
- 2
Complete the application form
Complete the official Schengen Visa application form online or on paper, ensuring all information matches your passport exactly.
- 3
Prepare your documentation
Gather all required documents, including your passport, insurance, bank statements, and flight reservations.
- 4
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the visa application centre or embassy to submit your files and provide biometric data.
- 5
Pay the application fee
Pay the non-refundable visa fee and any service fees required by the application centre.
- 6
Submit and provide biometrics
Attend your appointment to hand over your documents and have your fingerprints and photo taken.
- 7
Wait for processing
Wait for your application to be processed; you can often track the status online through the service provider's portal.
- 8
Collect your passport
Once a decision is reached, collect your passport or have it couriered back to you to check for the visa sticker.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure your travel insurance specifically mentions 'Schengen Area' coverage.
- Avoid booking non-refundable flights until your visa is granted; use flight reservations instead.
- Be consistent with your travel dates across all submitted documents.
- Provide a detailed cover letter explaining your itinerary and reasons for visiting Finland.
- Double-check that your bank statements are ‘stamped’ or verified by your bank.
- Ensure your passport is not damaged or frayed, as this is a common cause for rejection.
Frequently asked questions
Related visa guides
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.