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
PermitlyHQ provides informational software tools only and does not offer legal, immigration, or consulting services. Visa policies change frequently — always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying.