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Visa Information for Finland

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Read on to get information about the country you are visiting. From Currency to Climate to Holidays to Airports, get the exact facts before your travel.

Name: Finland

Location: Scandinavia, Europe

Time: IST (-) 3 1/2 hrs

Capital: Helsinki

Language: Finnish (official), Swedish (official) and some other (small Sami- and Russian-speaking minorities)

Area: 338,144 sq kms

Population: 5,266,114 (July 2013 est.)

National Day: 6 Dec (Independence Day)

Currency: Euro (EUR) 1 = INR 81.13

Climate: Finland enjoys a temperate climate, but with substantial temperature variations. The season of summer is warm with relatively mild weather in spring and autumn. On the other hand, winter (which lasts from November to mid-March) is very cold. In the north, the snow cover lasts from mid-October till mid May, while in the brief Arctic summer, there may be up to 16 hours of sunshine a day. The rainfall is dispersed throughout the year with snow in winter, but the low humidity often has the effect of making it seem warmer than the temperature would indicate (even in Lapland the temperature can rise to over 30°C). The Twilight season lasts for two months in the north during winter season.

Holidays-Year 2018:1 Jan - New Year's Day, 6 Jan -Epiphany, 18 Apr - Good Friday, 20 Apr - Easter Sunday, 21 Apr - Easter Monday, 1 May - May Day, 29 May - Ascension Day, 8 Jun - Whit Sunday, 21 Jun - Midsummer, 6 Dec - Independence Day, 9 Dec - All Saints' Day, 25 Dec - Christmas Day, 26 Dec - St Stephen's Day.

Holidays Name: Finnair (AY)

International Airports: Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) (Helsinki), Rovaniemi (RVN), Tampere (TMP), Turku (TKU)

This section gives you all details on visa rules and information. Here, you will find detailed information on all kinds of Visa, rules on visitor policies, visa forms and visa fees.
Finland is a Schengen State and has some specific visa guidelines. Kindly go through the following note:
Schengen Territory: The citizens of India can get short stay visa for a period that ranges from one to ninety days, which will be valid for all countries of the Schengen Territory i.e. Austria, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), Denmark, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Iceland, Latvia, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden & Switzerland. The Schengen Convention is an innovative initiative taken for freedom of circulation of people. According to the same, foreigners having a valid stay permit delivered by one of the Schengen states can leave and later re-enter the Schengen Territory without taking visa again, but with a condition that they have a valid passport along with relevant travel document and a multiple entry visa. However, application for visas have to be submitted with the relevant Consular authorities, which are to be determined according to the following criteria
A. If the applicant intends to stay in one country only, the application should be submitted at the Representation of the same country.
B. If the applicant intends to travel to more than a few member States, the application should be submitted at the Representation of the country where the main point of travel lies mentioning the duration of stay.
C. If the main destination cannot be determined, the competent Consular office for processing the application will be one of the countries of the first port of entry into the Schengen Territory.
D. The long term visas are still subject to the Law of the country of destination. They must be applied for at the Consular Authorities of the concerned member of the states.
Note: It should be noted that all first time travelers need to appear in person for any category of visa. In case, they are living near any of the three metros mentioned with the Consulates of Finland, they may appear for personal interview and have the visa form stamped as recommendation before sending it to Delhi for visa endorsement.

Tourist Visa

Note: According to the new rule of the Embassy, personal presence of the applicant will be required, even if the he / she has travelled or is holding valid visa for USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. However, the personal presence won't be required if the Applicant has already travelled to any Schengen State and if NOT, then Personal Presence is mandatory now for all the Applicants.
Note: Applicant must make sure that the Air Ticket, Insurance, Invitation, and Covering Letter should have matching dates.

The Applicant's passport (and one photocopy of the same) must be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for over 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. The passport should have two blank pages opposite to each other.
One carefully filled visa application form completed, dated and signed by the applicant. Applicant can complete the form electronically as well and take printed out of the same.
Two latest colour passport size photographs with a light background (not older than six months with size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm by the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. The photographs shouldn't have any stapler or pin marks which might disfigure the face or background. Instead the photograph should be pasted on the form.
Applicant should submit a covering letter mentioning the purpose of the visit.
Proofs of flight reservation (not a paid ticket) as paid tickets are required only when the visa is granted.
Application form should be attached with an application giving the purpose of visit.
If the applicant is visiting friends / relatives, the original sponsorship / invitation letter explaining the history and the relationship of the persons in question should be enclosed with the application form. The entire time period of travel and explanation as in who will pay the costs should be mentioned enclosing his/her bank statements of last six months with the application form is a mandatory requirement.
The passport and ID copies from the Sponsor / Inviter in Finland should be attached with the visa application form.
The applicant should enclose the certificate of employment in original from his / her present employer.
Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for the duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. It is a mandatory to take travel insurance now.

The approved list of Indian Travel Insurance Companies offering Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa is as follows:

Apollo Munich for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
Bajaj Allianz for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
ICICI Lombard for the age group of 3 months to 51 years.
IFFCO Tokio for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Future Generali for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
NATIONAL for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.
Reliance for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Tata/AIG for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
Oriental Insurance Company for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.

Other Requirements:

Applicant should attach the hotel booking proof or matching onward visa with the form.
The proof of sufficient funds in form of foreign exchange should also be enclosed with the application form.
Applicant's bank statement for the past six months should be attached.
Applicant need to submit a documentary proof of Income Tax returns for the past three years.
It should be noted that visa validity, and remains permitted at the discretion of the Embassy and as per the air ticket and request of the traveler.
The visa processing time can take up to 10 to 12 working days.
The Visa Fee should be paid in form of a Demand Draft (DD), drawn in favor of Embassy of Finland, payable in New Delhi.

Business Visa

Business Visa
Note: According to the new rule of the Embassy, personal presence of the applicant will be required, even if the he / she has travelled or is holding valid visa for USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. However, the personal presence won't be required if the Applicant has already travelled to any Schengen State and if NOT, then Personal Presence is mandatory now for all the Applicants.
Note: Applicant must make sure that the Air Ticket, Insurance, Invitation, and Covering Letter should have matching dates.

The Applicant's passport (and one photocopy of the same) should be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for over 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. The passport should have two blank pages opposite to each other.
One carefully filled visa application form completed, dated and signed by the applicant. Applicant can complete the form electronically as well and take printed out of the same.
Two latest colour passport size photographs with a light background (not older than six months with size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm by the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. The photographs shouldn't have any stapler or pin marks which might disfigure the face or background. Instead the photograph should be pasted on the form.
Applicant should attach a covering letter from the company explaining the purpose of the visit with the application form.
Proofs of flight reservation (not a paid ticket) as paid tickets are required only when the visa is granted.
A letter from the applicant explaining the purpose of the visit should also be enclosed with the application form.
Applicant should also attach an original free-form invitation letter from a business partner or an organization along with a copy of it to the visa application form. The invitation letter should state the contact information (name of the contact person, phone number and address), purpose and date of travel. In case, the business partner or organization needs to invite the application more than one time, then this information should also be given in the invitation letter. The numbers of entries may vary from: one, two or multiple.
Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for the duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. It is a mandatory to take travel insurance now.

The approved list of Indian Travel Insurance Companies offering Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa is as follows:

Apollo Munich for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
Bajaj Allianz for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
ICICI Lombard for the age group of 3 months to 51 years.
IFFCO Tokio for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Future Generali for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
NATIONAL for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.
Reliance for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Tata/AIG for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
Oriental Insurance Company for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.

Other Requirements:

Applicant should attach the hotel booking proof or matching onward visa with the form.
The proof of sufficient funds in form of foreign exchange should also be enclosed with the application form.
Applicant's bank statement for the past six months should be attached.
Applicant need to submit a documentary proof of Income Tax returns for the past three years.
It should be noted that visa validity, and remains permitted at the discretion of the Embassy and as per the air ticket and request of the traveler.
The visa processing time can take up to 10 to 12 working days.
The Visa Fee should be paid in form of a Demand Draft (DD), drawn in favor of Embassy of Finland, payable in New Delhi.

Transit Visa

The Applicant's passport (and one photocopy of the same) should be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for over 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. The passport should have two blank pages opposite to each other.
One duly filled visa application form (photocopy allowed).
Two latest colour passport size photographs with a light background (not older than six months with size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm by the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. The photographs shouldn't have any stapler or pin marks which might disfigure the face or background. Instead the photograph should be pasted on the form.
Applicant should attach a covering letter from the company explaining the purpose of the visit with the application form.
Applicant should attach a confirmed onward / return air tickets with their photocopies.
An application should also be submitted by applicant explaining the purpose of the visit with the application form.
If the applicant is visiting friends / relatives, the original sponsorship / invitation letter explaining the history and the relationship of the persons in question should be enclosed with the application form. The entire time period of travel and explanation as in who will pay the costs should be mentioned enclosing his/her bank statements of last six months with the application form is a mandatory requirement.
Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for the duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. It is a mandatory to take travel insurance now.

The approved list of Indian Travel Insurance Companies offering Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa is as follows:

Apollo Munich for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
Bajaj Allianz for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
ICICI Lombard for the age group of 3 months to 51 years.
IFFCO Tokio for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Future Generali for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
NATIONAL for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.
Reliance for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Tata/AIG for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
Oriental Insurance Company for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.

Other Requirements:

Applicant should attach the hotel booking proof or matching onward visa with the form.
The proof of sufficient funds in form of foreign exchange should also be enclosed with the application form.
Applicant's bank statement for the past six months should be attached.
Applicant need to submit a documentary proof of Income Tax returns for the past three years.
It should be noted that visa validity, and remains permitted at the discretion of the Embassy and as per the air ticket and request of the traveler.
The visa processing time can take up to 10 to 12 working days.
The Visa Fee should be paid in form of a Demand Draft (DD), drawn in favor of Embassy of Finland, payable in New Delhi.

Seamen Visa

The Applicant's passport (and one photocopy of the same) should be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for over 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. The passport should have two blank pages opposite to each other.
One duly filled visa application form (photocopy allowed).
Two latest colour passport size photographs with a light background (not older than six months with size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm by the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. The photographs shouldn't have any stapler or pin marks which might disfigure the face or background. Instead the photograph should be pasted on the form.
The application form should be attached with application from the Shipping Company in India, giving the port of entry and explaining the purpose of visit of the applicant.
A fax message from the Shipping Company in Finland giving the particulars of the seamen, date and port of joining the ship should directly be sent to the Embassy directly.
The application should be enclosed with confirmed onward / return air tickets with their photocopy.
Application should be enclosed with a covering letter from the company mentioning the purpose of the visit.
Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for the duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. It is a mandatory to take travel insurance now.

Some of the approved list of Indian Travel Insurance Companies offering Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa is as follows:

Apollo Munich for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
Bajaj Allianz for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
ICICI Lombard for the age group of 3 months to 51 years.
IFFCO Tokio for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Future Generali for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
NATIONAL for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.
Reliance for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Tata/AIG for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
Oriental Insurance Company for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.

Other Requirements:

Applicant should attach the hotel booking proof or matching onward visa with the form.
The proof of sufficient funds in form of foreign exchange should also be enclosed with the application form.
Applicant's bank statement for the past six months should be attached.
Applicant need to submit a documentary proof of Income Tax returns for the past three years.
It should be noted that visa validity, and remains permitted at the discretion of the Embassy and as per the air ticket and request of the traveler.
The visa processing time can take up to 10 to 12 working days.
The Visa Fee should be paid in form of a Demand Draft (DD), drawn in favor of Embassy of Finland, payable in New Delhi.

Work Permit Visa

The Applicant's passport (and one photocopy of the same) should be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for over 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. The passport should have two blank pages opposite to each other.
One duly filled Work Permit visa form (OLE19), photocopy of the visa form is accepted.
Two latest colour passport size photographs with a light background (not older than six months with size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm by the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. The photographs shouldn't have any stapler or pin marks which might disfigure the face or background. Instead the photograph should be pasted on the form.
Application should be attached with a covering letter from the applicant on company's letter head stating his name, designation and purpose of visit.
Application must be enclosed with an original approval document from the Labour Office in Finland.
Application must be enclosed with copy of certificate of employment / letter of appointment issued by the Employer in Finland.
Application should be attached with copy of Educational & Professional qualification and also, the work Experience Certificate.
Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for the duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. It is a mandatory to take travel insurance now.

Some of the approved list of Indian Travel Insurance Companies offering Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa is as follows:

Apollo Munich for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
Bajaj Allianz for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
ICICI Lombard for the age group of 3 months to 51 years.
IFFCO Tokio for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Future Generali for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
NATIONAL for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.
Reliance for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Tata/AIG for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
Oriental Insurance Company for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.

Other Requirements:

A letter by applicant explaining the purpose of visit with the application form.

All the applications are referred to Finland for approval and thus, the process can take up to 4 to 6 weeks after the receipt of complete application.
The applicant can be asked for personal interview at the discretion of the embassy.
The Visa Fee should be paid in form of a Demand Draft (DD), drawn in favor of Embassy of Finland, payable in New Delhi.

Dependent Visa

The Applicant's passport (and one photocopy of the same) should be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for over 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. The passport should have two blank pages opposite to each other.
One Work Permit visa form OLE1 (9) plus OLE 2 1 (5) to be filled by wife, (photocopy of visa form allowed); One form OLE 2 1 (5) has to be completed by husband as a supporting visa form;
One Work Permit visa form OLE1 (9) plus OLE 3 1 (5) to be filled in case of child, (photocopy of visa form allowed).
Two latest colour passport size photographs with a light background (not older than six months with size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm by the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. The photographs shouldn't have any stapler or pin marks which might disfigure the face or background. Instead the photograph should be pasted on the form.
The application should be enclosed with a covering letter from the Applicant, and a support letter from the husband's company. It is mandatory.
Application should be enclosed with photocopy of passport and visa copy of the husband.
Financial documents of husband such the Income Tax Returns documents for the past three years, bank statement for last six months etc. should also be enclosed with the application form.
Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for the duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. It is a mandatory to take travel insurance now.

Apollo Munich for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
Bajaj Allianz for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
ICICI Lombard for the age group of 3 months to 51 years.
IFFCO Tokio for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Future Generali for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
NATIONAL for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.
Reliance for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Tata/AIG for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
Oriental Insurance Company for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.

Other Requirements:

One should note that two sets of photocopies of all documents will be needed.
Marriage Certificate and Birth Certificate should be enclosed with the application form. However, both these certificates should first be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs and than by the Embassy;
Because, only after these attestations, the Embassy accepts the complete set of documents for further visa processing.
The personal presence of the applicant is required. However, if the Applicant has traveled to Schengen Countries in recent years OR has a valid or traveled Visa endorsement to USA, UK and Australia, then same can be exempted.
All the applications are referred to Finland for approval and therefore, can take up to 45 to 60 days after the submission of complete application form with all documents.
After the visa approval, it takes 24 hours for the visa stamping.
The Visa Fee should be paid in form of a Demand Draft (DD), drawn in favor of Embassy of Finland, payable in New Delhi.

Student Visa

The Applicant's passport (and one photocopy of the same) should be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for over 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. The passport should have two blank pages opposite to each other
One duly filled Work Permit visa form OLE1 (9), (photocopy of visa form allowed)
Two latest colour passport size photographs with a light background (not older than six months with size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm by the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. The photographs shouldn't have any stapler or pin marks which might disfigure the face or background. Instead the photograph should be pasted on the form.
Applicant need to submit a covering letter along with the application form
Applicants need to submit two copies of the Letter of Acceptance from the University / Institute and attested copies of certificates pertaining to Educational / professional qualifications.
The applicants should also express the ability to cover their living costs and expenses in Finland out of their own funds or through a scholarship.
Students (Applicants) are required to attach the original of the Letter of Acceptance from the University/ Institute.
Attested copies of certificates pertaining to educational/professional qualifications should be enclosed with application form.
Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for the duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. It is a mandatory to take travel insurance now.

Some of the approved list of Indian Travel Insurance Companies offering Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa is as follows:

Apollo Munich for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
Bajaj Allianz for the age group of 6 months to 70 years.
ICICI Lombard for the age group of 3 months to 51 years.
IFFCO Tokio for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Future Generali for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
NATIONAL for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.
Reliance for the age group of 3 months to 70 years.
Tata/AIG for the age group of 6 months to 55 years.
Oriental Insurance Company for the age group of 6 months to 60 years.

Other Requirements:

The bank statements of the sponsor from India with a minimum balance of Euro 6000 equivalent in INR.
One must note that two sets of photocopies of all documents are required.
All the applications are referred to Finland for approval and can take up to 45 to 60 days after the receipt of complete application.
After the visa approval is received it takes 24 hours for the visa stamping.
The Visa Fee should be paid in form of a Demand Draft (DD), drawn in favor of Embassy of Finland, payable in New Delhi.

Read on to this section to find-out about details of the nearest embassy of country or consulate of the country you want to visit.

In this section, you can download the visa forms for the destination country according to your requirement and purpose of the tour. However, one must note that submission / acceptation of forms will subject to the visa rules and regulations of the country.

Tourist

Tourist Form