Finland is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport/visa regulations within the Schengen area, see the introductory section, How to Use this Guide.

Spouses and children of EU nationals (providing spouse’s passport and the original marriage certificate/children’s full birth certificate is produced), and nationals of some other countries, receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy for details).

Those wishing to visit the CIS from Finland are advised to obtain their visa in their country of origin; applications made in Helsinki take at least eight working days.

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
1. EU/EEA nationals (EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Swiss nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU/EEA nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU/EEA Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
(b) nationals of San Marino holding a valid national ID card.

Required by all except the following for a period of up to 90 days:
(a) EU nationals and all nationals listed in the chart and under passport exemptions (with national ID cards) above;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Korea (Rep), Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, Singapore, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela. Visas are required for stays exceeding 90 days and by all who wish to work during their stay except nationals of Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden;
(c) holders of a UN or EU laissez-passer.

Nationals must apply in person at the London Embassy if they are applying for a visa in the UK and reside in the vicinity of London.

All documents should be submitted both in their original form and with photocopy attached.

Apply to Finnish Embassy. Work permits and Residence permits should be arranged well in advance. EU nationals and nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are allowed to live and work in Finland without visas or permits for up to 90 days; for periods exceeding 90 days, they can obtain a residence permit (a work permit is not required) from the local police station. Contact the Directorate of Immigration for more information (website: www.uvi.fi).

The Schengen visa, is issued for tourist, business and private visits. All visas are £24 (€35), regardless of duration of stay or whether single-, double- or multiple-entry. Visa fees may vary with the rate of exchange. The transfer of a visa costs £14.

Transit visas are valid for up to five days. Single-entry and double-entry visas are valid for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Multiple-entry visas are valid for up to one year. Applications for renewal or extension should be made to the Embassy or Authorities in Finland.

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information. Visas must be applied for in person at Embassy of Schengen country visited. If visiting more than one Schengen country, apply to the Embassy of the main destination or to the Embassy of the country entered first (if there is no main destination).

(a) One completed, signed application form. (b) One passport-size photo. (c) Passport valid for at least three months from the date of return. An alien's spouse and children under 16 years may travel with passport holder if their names and dates of birth are in the passport, plus photo of spouse and photos of any children under seven years. (d) Re-entry permit into the UK valid for at least 90 days (for applicants applying at the Finnish Embassy in London). (e) Valid travel insurance other than EHIC. (f) Hotel reservation or original invitation from either a family or company in Finland. (g) Reservation of travel tickets (possibly original return tickets also) and proof of funds. (h) Fee (non-refundable; payable in advance in cash or by postal order only). (i) For minors under 18 years, letter from college/university and written permission from both parents, plus copy of parents’ passports. (j) Proof of funds (eg bank statement, credit card). Business: (a)-(j) and, (k) Letter of invitation from the Finnish company confirming length and purpose of stay and a letter from current employer. If Student, letter from educational institution.

Up to two weeks, although sometimes longer.

Embassy of Finland in the UK
38 Chesham Place, London SW1X 8HW, UK
Tel: (020) 7838 6200.
Website: www.finemb.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1230, 1330-1630; 0900-1200 (consular affairs in person), 1400-1600 (consular telephone enquiries).

Embassy of Finland in the USA
3301 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 298 5800.
Website: www.finland.org