Finland Tourist Visa for Indians - Definitive Guide

Issued for people visiting the country for the purpose of tourism, this type of Finland Schengen visa is issued for a period of 90 days in a 180-day period. It is stamped as single-entry, double-entry, or even multiple-entry. With this permit, you are allowed to take part in sightseeing, adventure or leisure activities, holidaying, etc. However, citizens of other Schengen countries and a few other visa-exempt nations do not need a specific entry permit. They can enter the country and stay there up to 90 days without any additional documentation.

The application for the Finland tourist visa from India is done online.  However, the submission of the application is performed offline. The Embassy of Finland has outsourced all of its visa services to Visa Application Centres (VAC). However, the embassy does accept a limited number of applications per week. Before starting your application, you must ensure that you are eligible for the tourist type. You may proceed as per the following procedure - 

1. Obtain all the mandatory documents as per the requirements. 
2. Visit the website of the VAC and login to the application portal.
3. Fill in the application form with all the relevant details. Take a print out of the application confirmation you receive via email. 
4. Proceed to book your appointment at any of the VACs, or at the embassy (if available). You can do this by calling or emailing the respective centre, or by using the online platform of the VAC.
5. Attend the appointment with your documents, application form, and fees. You will also have to submit your biometrics here.

Please note that if you have already submitted your biometrics in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. In such cases, you do not have to be present in person at the appointment centre. 

Ensure that you fill the correct details and submit all the genuine and valid documents. Submitting the wrong information, not following the correct procedure, or submitting fake documents can lead to visa rejection.

To be eligible to apply for the tourist category, you must meet the following conditions - 

1. You must be in your home country while applying from within. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign nation, you may apply it from there. 
2. You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel, as well as submit any old passports.
3. Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in tourism activities.
4. You must possess proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the country.
5. You must apply for the permit only if -

• • Finland is your only destination, or
  • Finland is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, you are spending time in all the other destinations where Finland is your port of entry.

As per the Schengen Finland tourist visa requirements, the documents necessary for this category of the Finland Schengen visa are as follows. You must ensure that all the documents have been translated into English, Finnish, or Swedish.

• A valid Passport- 
• 1. The passport should consist of at least 2 blank pages.
  2. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel.
  3. Passports issued beyond 10 years are not accepted.
  4. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.

• Covering letter - 

• 1. The letter should include the applicant's basic details such as name, designation, address, passport number, etc.
  2. It should clearly mention the person providing the funds. 
  3. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  4. It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Finnish embassy.
• Travel itinerary/documents - 
  1. A day wise travel itinerary 
  2. Confirmed flight tickets
  3. Proof of accommodation 
• Medical travel insurance covering expenses up to 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation - 
• If employed 

• 1. Employment contract copy, Employee ID card copy
  2. Letter from employer stating sanction of leave for the travel period
  3. NOC (No objection certificate) from the company
• If self-employed
• 1. A copy of the business license
  2. Copy in the commerce register or as a partner in a company
• If student
• 1. Letter granting leave for the travel period
  2. Proof of admission
  3. NOC from the institution
• If retired
• 1. Pension statement of the latest 6 months
  2. Copy of Retirement letter/relieving letter
• Financial documents -
  1. Personal bank statements for the last 3 months or copy of updated passbook showing sufficient funds, or
  2. Income tax papers/salary slips (If employed). 
  3. Income tax statement of the last 3 years or form no 16 ( if self-employed).

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position

The Finland Tourist Visa Photo Specifications are mentioned below -

• Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the application for the Finland tourist visa for Indian citizens depends on several factors such as the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, additional document requirements, etc. Normally, it is issued in about 15 working days. However, due to the uncertainty in this, it is suggested that you apply well in advance.

The total fees for the process depend on the number of entries, biometric charges, express processing charges, as well as any other additional service charges. It also depends on foreign exchange rates. As a result, you are expected to confirm the exact amount before applying.

Once you have submitted the application and paid the fees, your application will begin processing. If the embassy requires any additional documentation, you will be contacted. Once approved, you can collect it from the VAC or you can have it delivered to you for a price.

While waiting for your result, you may track the status by visiting the website of the VAC and entering your application number and name at the tracking portal. Alternately, you can contact your travel agency to track it for you.

On possession of this permit, you must keep in mind the following points before travelling, as well as while you are in the country - 

• Keep in mind the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries on the sticker. You must not stay in the country beyond this allowed period.
• Always carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are travelling within the country to avoid unnecessary problems. 
• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot take part in any work. Unpaid voluntary or charity work is permissible. 
• You cannot extend the permit unless in extreme circumstances.
• You are permitted to visit any of the Schengen nations while you are on this visa.