Finland offers an excellent education system and employment opportunities for people worldwide. So, if you are willing to visit Finland, you must be mindful of two mandatory things. One is applying for a visa to Finland, and the other has valid travel insurance. Travel insurance for Finland became mandatory in May 2022.

This article will guide you through all the details you need to know about the Finland visa.

Yes, Indians will require a Schengen visa valid for 90 days to visit Finland. This is a short-term visa. Apart from this, Indians also need a passport.

Finland is not providing an eVisa or a Visa on Arrival to Indians. Therefore, if you wish to visit Finland for longer stays or are not eligible for ETIAS, you need to apply for a Schengen visa.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory when travelling to Finland. Finland is a part of the Schengen countries. Hence, to acquire a Schengen visa, you must have valid Travel Insurance. 

 When travelling to Finland, your travel insurance must have a minimum medical coverage of €30,000, with emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage. 

You can check here how to apply for a Schengen visa and buy your Schengen visa Travel Insurance online. 

1. If travelling to meet a friend or family member staying in Schengen country

• Original signed invitation letter from the family member/friend staying in the Schengen country

• Their address and contact details

• Intended period and duration of stay

• Evidence of legal residence of family/friends visited: copy of passport/national ID card (first and last page if it's an Indian passport) + copy of their residence permit (Inviter in the Schengen country) if applicable.

• Name and passport number of traveller

• Purpose of trip and itinerary of the visit in brief

2. If the application is not submitted by the applicant directly

• Signed authorisation letter for the travel agent or the representative

• Copy of the passport of the person submitting the application

3. If travelling to meet a friend or family member staying in Schengen country

• Original signed invitation letter from the family member/friend staying in the Schengen country

• Their address and contact details

• Intended period and duration of stay

• Evidence of legal residence of family/friends visited: copy of passport/national ID card (first and last page if it's an Indian passport) + copy of their residence permit (Inviter in the Schengen country) if applicable.

• Name and passport number of traveller

• Purpose of trip and itinerary of the visit in brief

4. If the application is not submitted by the applicant directly

• Signed authorisation letter for the travel agent or the representative

• Copy of the passport of the person submitting the application

5. In the case of a retired applicant

• Pension statements for the last three months and

• Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business

• Applicant's bank statements for the previous 3 months stamped by the bank (passbook copies are not accepted)

6. If self-employed

• Business registration documents and recent bank statements of the business

7. If unemployed

• Applicant's bank statements for the last 3 months stamped by the bank (passbook copies are not accepted)

8. If a student

• Enrollment certificate and a no-objection letter from your school or university

9. Proof of civil status

• If married, a marriage certificate is needed

• If divorced, divorce decree/custody decree is needed

• If travelling with children, the birth certificate of the children must be provided

• If applicable, the death certificate of the spouse should be provided

10. In the case of a retired applicant

• Pension statements for the last three months and

• Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business

• Applicant's bank statements for the previous 3 months stamped by the bank (passbook copies are not accepted)

11. If self-employed

• Business registration documents and recent bank statements of the business

12. If unemployed

• Applicant's bank statements for the last 3 months stamped by the bank (passbook copies are not accepted)

13. If a student

• Enrollment certificate and a no-objection letter from your school or university

14. Proof of civil status

• If married, a marriage certificate is needed

• If divorced, divorce decree/custody decree is needed

• If travelling with children, the birth certificate of the children must be provided

• If applicable, the death certificate of the spouse should be provided

Identify the Schengen Country You Want to Visit

Choose the country or countries you wish to visit within the Schengen area and decide which one you will enter first. This is crucial because the visa application process and required documents vary based on each country’s regulations. Once selected, identify the appropriate consulate or embassy for your visa application.

Select the Consulate or Embassy to apply for a Finland Visa

There are three ways to select the consulate:

1. If you plan to travel to multiple Schengen countries, you should apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country you will visit most days. This will be your primary destination. 

2. If there is no specific main destination and you visit multiple countries randomly, you should apply at the embassy or consulate of the first Schengen country you enter.

3. If you want to visit one specific country, apply to that country's consulate/embassy. 

If the country you're visiting doesn't have an embassy or consulate in India or doesn't process visas, you can apply through the Schengen state that represents it for visa matters.

What Is the First Port of Entry for a Schengen Visa?

The first port of entry for a Schengen visa is the first Schengen country a foreign visitor enters. Through the first port of entry, you enter the Schengen Area, and from there, you can travel to any other Schengen country using the same visa.

Initiate the Finland Visa Application

To start your Schengen visa application, head to the official website of the application centre or the embassy or consulate website representing the country you plan to visit first in the Schengen Area.

Check If You Need a Schengen Visa

Once you land on the right website, the first thing you should do is check if you need a visa and the particular visa type by providing your nationality, age, leading destination of stay, country of submission of application, etc., in the designated section.

For Indian citizens, processing a Finland tourist visa usually takes around 15 working days. In some cases, where the application is more complex, it can extend up to 30 days. Therefore, it is advisable to apply well ahead of your intended travel date to ensure timely approval.

If your Finland visa application is rejected, you'll receive a decision form detailing the reasons. You can request an administrative review from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs within 30 days. If the review is still unfavourable, you can appeal to the Helsinki Administrative Court within another 30 days. Address the reasons for rejection and improve your application if you reapply.

To avoid rejecting your Finland visa application, ensure you submit all required documents, such as a valid passport, application form, photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and financial statements. Provide accurate information and show evidence of sufficient funds. 

Submit your application well before your planned travel date to accommodate processing times. Clearly state your travel purpose and provide supporting documents. Double-check all details before submission to avoid errors.

Yes, you can extend your Finland visa while in the country by applying for an extended permit before your visa expires. This can be done online through the enter Finland service. Sometimes, you may not need to visit a service point to prove your identity. Ensure you have a valid passport and meet the extension requirements.

Purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Finland is highly recommended because it ensures you are financially protected against unexpected events and provides peace of mind. 

Personal Accident

If you meet with an accident on your trip that leads to partial or total permanent disability or death, we will cover you up to the limits mentioned in the policy schedule.

Accidental Death and Disability (Common Carrier)

It covers you for accidental injuries while riding as a fare-paying passenger on a flight or other passenger transport, leading to permanent disability or death.

Personal Liability & Bail Bond

It covers you for any amount that you pay to a third-party or the legal expenses incurred, due to an accident or damage during your trip.

Financial Emergency Cash

If you fall prey to pickpockets on a trip, this will cover you for the amount of travel funds lost.

Bounced Bookings

Bounced booking might occur when your accommodation or common carrier is overbooked, resulting in you losing your spot! This can happen primarily during the holiday season or during a particular event or festival, where there are chances for an upsurge in bookings to a particular.

Trip Abandonment

If it is not possible for you to continue with the trip due to unavoidable circumstance as mentioned in policy, we will pay any unused and additional charges.