Finland, a Nordic country known for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, is an increasingly popular destination for tourists and business travellers. To facilitate the entry of foreign visitors, Finland offers an electronic visa or Evisa, an online application process designed to streamline and expedite the issuance of travel permits. In this article, I will share my experience with the Finland Evisa application process and provide a comprehensive guide on applying for Finland Evisa. By following these steps, you will master the technique and confidently obtain your visa with ease.
Check if your country supports Finland Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Andorra | visa free |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Austria | visa free |
| Bahrain | visa on arrival |
| Belgium | visa free |
| Belize | visa free |
| Benin | e-visa |
| Bhutan | visa required |
| Bulgaria | visa free |
| Burkina Faso | visa on arrival |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Croatia | visa free |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Cyprus | visa free |
| Czech Republic | visa free |
| Denmark | visa free |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa free |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Egypt | visa on arrival |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Estonia | visa free |
| Ethiopia | visa on arrival |
| France | visa free |
| Gabon | visa on arrival |
| Germany | visa free |
| Ghana | visa required |
| Greece | visa free |
| Guinea | e-visa |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
| Iceland | visa free |
| India | e-visa |
| Iran | e-visa |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa free |
| Italy | visa free |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
| Jamaica | e-visa |
| Jordan | visa on arrival |
| Kenya | visa on arrival |
| Kuwait | e-visa |
| Latvia | visa free |
| Lebanon | visa on arrival |
| Liberia | visa required |
| Libya | visa required |
| Liechtenstein | visa free |
| Lithuania | visa free |
| Luxembourg | visa free |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | visa on arrival |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa required |
| Malta | visa free |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Monaco | visa free |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Myanmar | e-visa |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nepal | visa on arrival |
| Netherlands | visa free |
| Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | visa on arrival |
| North Korea | visa required |
| Norway | visa free |
| Pakistan | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa free |
| Papua New Guinea | visa on arrival |
| Poland | visa free |
| Portugal | visa free |
| Romania | visa free |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| San Marino | visa free |
| Saudi Arabia | e-visa |
| Sierra Leone | visa on arrival |
| Slovakia | visa free |
| Slovenia | visa free |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Spain | visa free |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Sweden | visa free |
| Switzerland | visa free |
| Syria | visa required |
| Tajikistan | visa on arrival |
| Tanzania | visa on arrival |
| Togo | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| United Kingdom | visa free |
| Vatican | visa free |
| Yemen | visa required |
| Zambia | visa on arrival |
| Zimbabwe | visa on arrival |
Eligibility criteria for Finland Evisa
Before diving into the application process, it is essential to determine whether you are eligible for a Finland Evisa. The Finnish government has established specific criteria that applicants must meet to qualify for an Evisa. These include:
- Nationality: Finland Evisa is currently available to citizens of specific countries. You can find the list of eligible nationalities on the Finnish Immigration Service website.
- Purpose of visit: The Evisa is granted for short stays, typically for tourism, business, or family visits. It does not cover long-term stays, such as for work or study purposes.
- Duration of stay: The maximum duration permitted under a Finland Evisa is 90 days within 180 days.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can proceed to the next step: understanding the Finland Evisa requirements.
Finland Evisa requirements
Gathering all the required documentation beforehand is crucial to ensure a smooth application process. The Finland Evisa requirements include the following:
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from Finland. It should have been issued within the last ten years and have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Digital passport-sized photograph: A recent, coloured photograph in a digital format with a plain white background and meeting the standard dimensions (35mm x 45mm).
- Travel itinerary: A detailed trip plan, including flight bookings and accommodation reservations.
- Proof of sufficient funds: Bank statements or other financial documents demonstrating your ability to support yourself during your stay in Finland.
- Travel insurance: A valid travel insurance policy covering medical expenses and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
With the necessary documents, you can confidently begin the application process.
How to apply for Finland Evisa: step-by-step guide
The process of how to apply for Finland Evisa is straightforward and user-friendly, consisting of a few simple steps.
- Visit the official Finland Evisa website: Access the Finnish Immigration Service’s official Evisa platform.
- Create an account: Register for a user account by providing your email address and creating a password.
- Complete the online application form: Fill in the required personal and travel-related information, ensuring the accuracy of all details.
- Upload supporting documents: Attach digital copies of your passport, photograph, travel itinerary, proof of sufficient funds, and travel insurance.
- Pay the Evisa fee: Submit the application fee using the available payment methods (credit or debit card, PayPal, etc.).
- Wait for the decision: You will receive a confirmation email after applying. The processing time for Finland Evisa applications varies, and it will notify you of the decision via email.
- Download and print the Evisa: If your application is approved, you will receive the Finland Evisa in PDF format. Please print a copy and carry it with you during your trip.
Finland Evisa duration and validity
Understanding the Finland Evisa duration and validity is crucial to avoid overstaying your visa and facing potential penalties. The Evisa is typically valid for a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days. This validity period starts from the date of issue, not the date of entry into Finland. It is essential to plan your trip accordingly to ensure compliance with the visa conditions.
Finland Evisa process time
The Finland Evisa process time can vary depending on factors such as the applicant’s nationality and the complexity of the application. Applying for the Evisa at least 15 days before your intended travel date is recommended. However, some applications may be processed in at least 24-48 hours. Applying for your Evisa in advance is advisable to avoid any potential delays.
Finland Evisa cost and payment methods
The Finland Evisa cost is determined by the type of visa you are applying for and your nationality. The fees are regularly updated; you can find the most current information on the official Evisa website. Accepted payment methods for the Evisa fee include credit or debit cards, PayPal, and other online payment platforms. Please note that the Evisa fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.
Tips for a successful Finland Evisa application
To maximize your chances of a successful Finland Evisa application, consider the following tips:
- Ensure accuracy: Double-check all the information you provide on your application form for accuracy and completeness. Any discrepancies or missing details can lead to delays or even rejection of your application.
- Prepare your documents: Gather and organize all required documents before starting the application process. It will save you time and help avoid potential errors.
- Apply early: Submit your Evisa application well before your intended travel date to allow for sufficient processing time and address any potential issues that may arise.
- Stay informed: Regularly check your email for updates on your Evisa application status and respond promptly to requests for additional information.
Frequently asked questions about Finland Evisa.
To further assist you in mastering the Finland Evisa process, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
- Can I extend my Finland Evisa? In general, Finland Evisas cannot be extended. However, you may be granted an extension in exceptional cases, such as medical emergencies or force majeure. Contact the Finnish Immigration Service for further guidance.
- What if my Finland Evisa application is rejected? If your Evisa application is rejected, you will receive a notification explaining the reasons for refusal. You can appeal the decision within 30 days or reapply with the necessary adjustments to address the issues raised in the rejection.
Read: How to apply and get France eVisa
By following the guidelines and tips in this article, you will be well-equipped to navigate the Finland Evisa application process confidently and quickly. Remember to research the eligibility criteria, gather all the required documents, carefully complete the application form, and submit the necessary fees. With careful planning and attention to detail, you will master the process and obtain your Finland Evisa, paving the way for a memorable and hassle-free trip to this beautiful Nordic country.