Finland Visit Visa - Definitive Guide

To visit your family members and friends in Finland, people from most countries require a visit permit. Being a type of the Schengen C category, this is issued for a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. However, citizens of other Schengen nations and a few other visa-exempt countries do not require a permit to enter the country. Issued as single-entry, double-entry, or even multiple-entry, these also permit you to engage in tourism.

The process of applying for a Finnish visit permit is done via an online application form. However, the submission of this must be done at the VAC, or Embassy (if you are able to get an appointment). Before starting the application, you must ensure that you meet all the conditions that make you eligible for this category. After this, you can start applying as follows- 

1. Acquire all the necessary documents for this category. 
2. Visit the website of the VAC, or embassy and enter the application portal.
3. Fill in the required details, and submit. You will receive an email of the completed application form. 
4. You must now book the appointment for the application submission at a VAC or embassy (if possible). You can do this online, or calling them up.
5. Attend the appointment with the application form print out, documents, as well as the visa fees. You will have to submit your biometrics here.

Please note that if you have submitted your biometrics to the Schengen VIS (Visa Information System) in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. As a result, you do not physically have to be at the VAC in person. 

Also, ensure that you submit only genuine documents and the correct information. Submission of fake documents or wrong information can lead to a visa rejection. A denied permit can cause problems to your future application.

To be able to apply for this permit, you must meet the following criteria - 

• You must be present in the country you are applying from.
• You must possess a valid passport.
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to visit your family members or friends.
• You must possess enough funds to cover your stay in Finland.
• You must only apply for the visa if -

• 1. Finland is your one and only destination, or
  2. Finland is one of your multiple Schengen destinations in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or 
  3. Finland is your port of entry.

As per the Finland visit visa requirements, the following are the list of documents you must submit are as follows. You should submit only photocopies of these. However, you must carry the original documents to the VAC. 

• Valid Indian Passport- 

1. 1. It must contain at least 2 blank pages.
   2. It must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel.
   3. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.

• Covering letter - 

1. 1. Must include the applicant's basic details such as name, designation, address, etc.
   2. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
   3. It should mention the source of funds.
   4. It must be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Finland embassy.

• Travel itinerary 
• Proof of accommodation
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Invitation letter from your family member or friend living in Finland mentioning all the relevant details
• Travel insurance covering expenses up to 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation 
• Financial documents -Personal bank statements, copy of updated passbook, salary slips (if employed), income tax returns for the last 3 years or Form 16 A (if self-employed)

The photo specifications of Schengen Finland visit visa are as follows -

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

The processing time for this category depends on several factors such as the number of entries, the volume of applications, additional document requirements, and so on. Normally, your application should be processed within 15 working days. Due to the variability, it is suggested that you apply for it well in advance, but no more than 3 months before the date of travel.

The fees for the application varies depending on a few parameters. These include the number of entries, the biometric charges, the foreign exchange rates, as well as the service charges. As a result, it is your responsibility to check the exact fees before applying.

Once you have submitted the application and paid the corresponding fees, your application will begin processing. If the embassy requires any additional verification, they will contact you. Once approved, you can personally collect it from the VAC, or opt for it to be delivered to you for an extra courier charge.

You may track the status of your application using the services provided by the VAC. You can visit the website of the VAC and enter your application number and name at the tracking portal. Alternately, you can contact the travel agency you have applied through, to track it for you.

Once you receive the visitor permit, you must keep in mind the following points -

• Make a note of the validity of your visa, as well as the number of entries. You must not stay back after this period.
• Keep a copy of your travel documents with you while you are travelling in Finland. 
• While you are on a visitor permit, you cannot take part in work activities. 
• The Schengen business permit is non-extendable. 
• You may visit other Schengen regions while you are on this.