Tourist Visa In Finland

Have you been planning to visit Finland but are confused about the type of visa you should apply for Finland? Finland is a beautiful country and an ideal destination for a vacation. Just think about it, you could be surrounded by crystal clear lakes and snow clad hills, or relaxing in its beautiful spa’s. To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled basic information you need to know.

Tourist visa in Finland is granted according to the Act on Entry into Finland and Stays. This article deals with the application for a tourist visa and its granting. A tourist visa is issued either if you have sufficient means to support yourself during your visit, or when there are sufficient funds guaranteed by a Finnish host to cover your expenses during your stay.

Finland is a popular tourist destination and offers many exciting attractions for visitors. However, if you plan to travel to Finland, you need to apply for a tourist visa before you arrive. The Finnish embassy in your country handles all applications for tourist visas.

You can submit an application for a tourist visa by mail or on their website. You will need to provide details about your trip, such as how long you will be staying in Finland and where you will be staying once you arrive at the airport or border crossing point. You will also need to provide copies of your passport and any other documents that prove your identity and nationality.

If you are planning on traveling with children under 18 years old, then you should include copies of birth certificates or marriage certificates (as appropriate) for each child traveling with you on your vacation.

If there is any doubt about whether or not your application has been received by the embassy before it closes at midnight on the day before the date specified on their website (which usually falls sometime between late May through early September), then it’s best not to take any chances with submitting too late: rather than risk being denied entry into Finland because they did not receive enough time.

Finland Tourist Visa Requirement

When you apply for a Finland Tourist Visa you need to put together a list of required documents:

• Valid passport. It’s important that you hold a valid passport when you apply for a Finland tourist visa. Your passport should be valid even three months after you return from your visit and it should have been issued during the last decade.
• Finland Tourist Visa Application Form. You have to fill in the visa application form so that you can attach it to your documents. Please make sure that you fill it in with the correct and updated information.
• Identity Picture. A recent identity picture is also required. You should make sure that you are following the Schengen visa photo rules when you take your picture.
• Travel Insurance. In order to qualify for a Schengen visa, you need to provide travel insurance. The insurance needs to be up to the amount of €30,000 and cover any kind of medical emergencies during your travel.
• Travel Itinerary. Some embassies may ask for a detailed travel itinerary where you write your departure and return dates, your flight number, and your visit plans. They usually ask for this to make sure that you won’t be overstaying after your visa is expired. You don’t have to actually purchase a ticket for this; you can simply reserve the flight tickets.
• Proof of accommodation in Finland. You need to provide evidence that you have secured accommodation for the duration of your stay in Finland. You can either attach proof of hotel bookings or rental agreements.
• Copies of Previous Schengen Visas. If you were issued any type of Schengen visa before you apply for a Finland tourist visa then you need to attach the copies of that visa to your application.
• Copies of Previous Passports.
• Copy of Passport Bio Page. Finland now requires that all applicants attach a copy of their passport’s bio page to the application, so make sure you add that as well.
• Financial Means. You must also provide evidence that you can finance your visit to Finland.
• Invitation Letter. If you were invited by a family member or friend then you must also attach an invitation letter to your application. This letter should contain all the details of your inviter and their residence status.
• Employment Status Document. Depending on your current status you may be asked to provide:
  • Work contract.
  • Pension statement (if retired).
  • Student records (if a student).
• Cover Letter. You also need to write a cover letter where you state the reason why you want to visit Finland, where you plan to go, and when you will return.
• Civil Status Documents. You may also be asked to provide copies of your birth certificate, marriage license, divorce papers, or adoption papers. It all depends on your personal situation and the embassy.
• Residence Certificate. You need to provide a document proving that you are living legally in your current country of residence.

Keep in mind that when it comes to requirements the embassies can ask for any other documents depending on various reasons. You may also be asked to legalize some documents, please make sure you check in with a local Finnish mission.

How to Apply for a Finland Tourist Visa?

This is what you need to do when you want to apply for a Finland tourist visa:

1. Fill in your visa application form.
2. Assemble all your documents.
3. Find a local Finnish mission.
4. Make an appointment.
5. Prepare for an interview.

Step 1. Fill in your visa application form

The visa application form is an essential document that is always required when you apply for a Schengen visa. So, make sure you fill this in first with all the correct information. Your request will most likely be rejected if the form is filled incorrectly.

Step 2. Assemble all your documents

Once you fill in your form you can continue with the rest of the documents (see above). Please check beforehand if any of your documents need to be legalized, you can ask your local embassy and they will let you know.

All your documents need to be either in English, Finnish or Swedish; if they are not you have to translate them through a verified translator.

Step 3. Find a local Finnish mission

Embassies or local official Finnish missions in your country of residence are in charge of reviewing visa applications. So, make sure you find the nearest authoritative office. There may be some cases where Finland is represented by another Schengen country, in this case, the application process time will take much longer than usual.

Step 4. Make an appointment

When you are ready to apply at the embassy you need to schedule an appointment for your hand-in. Most of the time the appointments are made via email but you can also make an appointment in person.

Step 5. Prepare for an interview

The embassy will probably ask you to sit in for an interview after you’ve submitted your application. You will be asked questions related to your reason for visiting and similar details around your trip.

When Should I Apply for a Finland Tourist Visa?

You should apply at least two weeks before your departure date. You can apply earlier than this, however, this is the latest you should apply since the processing time usually takes about 15 days.

Please keep in mind that if Finland in your country is represented by another Schengen state then the processing time takes longer, so apply earlier in this.

How Much Is The Finland Schengen Visa Fee?

You can expect to pay the following fees for your Finland Schengen Visa:

• For adults: 80 EUR
• For children 6 – 12 years: 40 EUR
• For children under 6 years: Free

Conclusion

Visas are necessary documents to enter foreign countries. The travel process is quite complicated, and the right advice can save your valuable time. You have to accomplish churchgist or tourist visa in Finland in order to travel abroad. Since the process is quite long, it is important to get help from an experienced entity with good reputation. It helps you not getting lost in the process of acquiring documents needed.