Finland is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination. You can visit a reindeer farm in Lapland, sunbathe on the Finnish island, or see the Northern Lights. If you are traveling to Finland, you will want to know if you will need a visa to visit Finland, how long you can stay, and where you can apply for a visa.
US Citizens Entering Finland
US citizens do not need to obtain a visa if they stay in Finland for less than 90 days within a 180-day period. The passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after the trip. This is to ensure that you are eligible to return to the US when your visit is over.
When staying in Finland for a longer period of time, a residence permit issued by the Finnish Immigration Service is required.
As of 2018, the Finnish Embassy in Washington DC no longer accepts or handles visa or residence permit applications. The Consulate General of Finland in New York handles other applications for a residence permit based on studies or work. The Consulate General of Finland in Los Angeles offers some visa services.
Schengen visas
If you are a foreign citizen who requires a visa, you must have one when entering the Schengen area. Finland is a member country.
Schengen visas cover a short, temporary stay of less than 90 days within a 180-day period. A visa issued by one of the Schengen countries allows free movement within the Schengen area, unless otherwise stated on the visa label. Individual countries still have the right to prevent a person from entering and requesting to see their passport.
The Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Great Britain, Ireland, Croatia, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania have not signed the Schengen contract.
If you normally need a visa but have a valid residence permit in one of the Schengen countries, you do not need a visa to enter another Schengen country. VFS.Global handles Schengen visa applications for Finland in the USA.
EU citizens
EU citizens do not need a visa and can stay for an unlimited time as Finland is also part of the EU and EEA. You will not need a visa if you are from any other country (eg Canada, USA, Australia), but you will be able to stay a maximum of 90 days as a traveler without a visa for Finland. You can get personal assistance at one of the Finnish embassies near you.
Who needs a passport to enter Finland?
Citizens of the European Union (except citizens of the United Kingdom) do not need a passport for Finland, a national ID is sufficient. Bring your passport if you are from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia or Asia.
Return tickets are not required when you enter Finland without a visa.
If you are a citizen of a country that is not listed or you are unsure of your visa status, please contact one of the Finnish embassies in your home country. If you need a tourist or business visa, contact the Finnish Embassy. Spouses and children of EU and EEA citizens can receive visas for Finland free of charge.
