Visas to Finland
- transit visa
- issued to persons whose purpose of visit is transit to third countries through the international airport of Finland; - visa-free transit
- if a transfer from one flight to another is carried out in the transit zone of one airport within 24 hours, to a country not included in the Schengen zone; - visa category C
(short-term stay up to 90 days) - issued to persons whose purpose of visit is tourism, transit, visiting relatives or friends, business trips. This visa gives the right to visit countries in the Schengen area. A visa can be single, double or multiple and allows a foreigner, respectively, one, two or an unlimited number of times, during the time specified in the visa, to transit or enter and plan to stay in the territory of the countries participating in the Schengen Agreement. The validity period of a visa can be from several days (usually issued according to the duration of the trip) to several years, however, the duration of the trip or the total number of days of stay in the territory of the Schengen countries should not exceed 90 days for each period of 180 days; - visa category D
(long-term national visa for a period of stay of 90 days) - valid only in Finland and gives the right to stay in the country for up to 1 year with the possibility of extension after expiration. This visa gives the right to travel to Schengen countries for up to 90 days during the validity period of the national visa. For such a visa, you must apply directly to the Consulate General of Finland in Moscow.
Types of Finnish visas by validity period
Since Finland is part of the Schengen Union, staying there even for 1 hour requires an entry permit.
A Finnish visa can be either national (you can only visit this state) or multi-Schengen (allows you to cross the borders of all countries in this zone).
Most tourists strive to immediately obtain a long-term entry permit, since the longer its validity, the less often it is necessary to collect packages of documents, pay consular fees, and visit a visa center.
Based on the issuance period, the following types of entry permits are distinguished:
Single-entry visa to Finland
is a single entry visa, giving the opportunity to make only 1 visit to Finland within the specified period;- double entry, which provides the opportunity to make 2 trips to this country;
- multiple, provided for six months - according to this Schengen, the number of visits to the country of Suomi within 6 months is not limited, but stays of more than 90 days are prohibited;
- multiple-entry visa for 1 year, which allows you to visit a neighboring country within 1 year from the date of issue;
- multiple entry Schengen for 2 years;
- multiple entry visa for 3 years.
A tourist who is interested in how long a Finnish visa is given for the first time needs to know that most often the number of days is equated to the time that the traveler plans to spend in the country.
If the trip for which the first visa was obtained was successful, the next time entry permission can be obtained for a longer period - six months, a year or several years. The maximum period of entry permission is a visa for 5 years.
Experts believe that a 3-year visa to Finland is more convenient for those who live near the border with this state. In this case, you can travel to a neighboring country quite often without wasting time and money on consular fees to obtain permission for short-term visits.
Experts advise tourists applying for Schengen to this country to apply for the longest period possible, regardless of how long the travelers plan to spend in the country and how many times they visit it. Since the decision depends entirely on the consulate, they may not provide permission for a longer period, but give Schengen for a shorter period.
List of documents for obtaining a visa to Finland through a travel agency
An approximate list of documents required to obtain a Finnish visa (different tour operators may require a different set of documents):
- international passport
valid for 3 months after the end of the trip. Be sure to have two blank pages. The passport must not be damaged, torn, dirty, or have any extraneous entries or marks. All corrections in the passport must be certified by the seal of the issuing authority. The passport must contain the signature of the owner from the age of 14; - Application form for a visa to Finland in two copies. The application form must have the original signature of the tourist, as in the international passport (signature in paragraph 37 and at the end of the 4th page), one of the parents signs for the minor;
- 2 color photographs
: 3.5x4.5 cm, matte, on a white background, without corners, ovals, stamps, black glasses, in dark clothes, less than 6 months old, head size 3.2-3.6 cm (70-80 % of the entire image). The passport should not contain visas with this photo; - copies
of the first page
of the international passport
and all Schengen visas in it. If the passport contains visas opened by the consulates of Schengen countries, but the border crossing stamp was placed by another Schengen country, then a written explanatory note from the tourist is required to provide the reasons for this discrepancy; - copies
of all
Schengen visas
in canceled passports, including copies of the first pages of these passports; - copies
of all completed pages
of the internal passport
. In case of a change of surname and replacement of a civil passport with a new one, the tourist MUST replace the foreign passport with a new surname within one month from the date of change of surname; - a certificate from the place of employment
on the company's letterhead indicating the telephone number and address of the organization, position, length of service and monthly salary of the applicant (at least 20,000 rubles), the period of paid leave is indicated. The certificate must indicate the date of issue. The certificate is valid for no more than a month from the date of submission of documents to the Consulate. The certificate is signed by the head of the organization and certified by a seal. If the head of the enterprise is a relative or namesake, a second signature is required (chief accountant, deputy director, head of human resources). Working pensioners additionally provide a pension certificate; - confirmation
of a sufficient amount of funds (if the salary is less than 45,000 rubles) - an original bank account statement with movements for the last 6 months on bank letterhead, confirming that the tourist has sufficient funds, at the rate of 57 euros per day, but not less than 1000 euros per person or, in case of insufficient personal funds, a statement from the sponsor to assume all expenses, indicating the relationship of the sponsor and the sponsored + documents confirming the relationship: copies of the marriage / birth certificate, + a copy of the first page and page with registration of the internal passport, a certificate from the sponsor’s place of work and an extract from his account; - for tourists who are married
but have different surnames, it is necessary to attach
a copy of the marriage certificate
; - if one of the tourists has a valid Schengen visa
, you must attach copies of the double-page spread of your passport with a photo and visa; - if your own funds are insufficient,
be sure to include
a statement from the sponsor
agreeing to cover all expenses
Additional requirements
for non-working people
(schoolchildren, students, pensioners, housewives, etc.):
- certificate from the place of study
(students, schoolchildren) - copy of student ID
(students) - a copy of the pension book
, notarized (pensioners) - a statement from the sponsor
about accepting all expenses, indicating the relationship between the sponsor and the sponsored person (+ a copy of the relationship document), + a copy of his international passport (first page) or a copy of the first page and page with registration of the internal passport, a certificate from the sponsor’s place of work, with indicating a salary of at least 20,000 rubles or a bank account statement at the rate of 57 euros per day per person.
for individual entrepreneurs
and those who work for them (in addition to a certificate from the place of work):
- a copy of the certificate of registration
with the tax authority - a copy of registration certificate
with the tax authority
for minors:
- a notarized copy of the child's birth certificate
. If the surname of one or both parents in the birth certificate does not coincide with the surname of the child, it is necessary to provide notarized copies of documents confirming the relationship (certificate of paternity, marriage certificate, divorce certificate) - when a child leaves with one of the parents,
it is necessary to provide a copy of the notarized permission to leave from the second parent + a copy of the internal passport of the parent giving consent to the entry and exit of the child - when a child leaves accompanied by third parties,
it is necessary to provide a copy of the notarized permission to leave from both parents + copies of their internal passports, including the accompanying person - a copy of the visa
+ a double page of the passport with the details of the accompanying person (or parents), if any; - in the event of the death of one of the parents or deprivation of his parental rights, it is necessary to provide copies of the relevant documents. If one of the parents is missing, a police certificate is required; if at the birth of the child the father was registered according to the mother’s words, it is necessary to provide a certificate from the regional registry office - form 25 (original or notarized copy)
Sponsors can only be immediate family members
- spouses, parents, children, grandparents (documents confirming relationship must be provided)
The consulate reserves the right to request additional documents and invite a tourist for an interview, regardless of his location.
Tours “Finland for an hour”
- Comfortable buses and minibuses
- Arrival in Finland for 1-2 hours to “roll back” the visa. Visiting shops
- Cost from 850 rubles
Select tour
Requirements for the above documents
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date your visa expires. If the visa is issued in a new passport, then the old passport must also be brought with you.
Description of the first trip
The description is provided in free form. Instead, you can provide confirmation of your hotel/ferry/cottage reservation.
Sample route sheet
Confirmation of the applicant's solvency
You must provide OR a certificate from your place of employment on company letterhead indicating your salary, OR a bank account statement showing the flow of funds for the last 3 months, OR a document confirming ownership of real estate in the Russian Federation.
Sample certificate of employment
Photo
A clear example of a correct photograph: instructions on personal photography for a visa.
The photo must be:
- a passport-size color photograph that can be used to identify a person;
- the photograph is no more than six months old, photograph size 47 x 36 mm;
- the background color should be one color, light gray;
- the photograph must be clear, the position of the head is frontal (face straight);
- the facial expression should be neutral, eyes open, gaze aimed directly at the lens.
Policy
The insurance policy must cover the entire duration of the requested visa and the entire Schengen area.
The policy must have a sum insured limit of at least 30,000 euros. It must also cover expenses in emergencies, during illnesses or accidents, and include the costs of medical repatriation to the insured person’s place of permanent residence or post-mortem repatriation.
Documents for a child under 18 years of age
- Separate visa application
- Birth certificate (copy and original)
- Notarized consent from parents (if the child is traveling alone) / second parent (if the child is traveling with one of the parents) / guardian
The validity period of the certified consent should not exceed 1 year from the date of its issuance.
- Copies of parents' visas (if the child is traveling abroad with both parents)
For each child included in the parent’s foreign passport, a separate application form and a separate visa are required. The visa is pasted into the passport in which the child is registered.
Applying for a visa to Finland yourself
You can apply for a visa to Finland yourself
, for this you need to collect approximately the same list of documents + medical insurance, a copy of round-trip air tickets, proof of residence, or an invitation, and submit it either to the
Consular Section
in Moscow, or to the nearest
visa center
which is located in the cities:
Moscow, St. St. Petersburg, Petrozavodsk, Murmansk,
Ekaterinburg, Kazan, Krasnodar, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don, Vladivostok, Perm, Omsk, Krasnoyarsk, Samara, Ufa, Irkutsk, Kaliningrad, Pskov, Vyborg, V. Novgorod, Vologda, Arkhangelsk .
Detailed information
information about the types of visas, methods of obtaining, a list of documents provided, production times, costs, addresses of visa centers, forms and samples of documents, sign up to submit documents, etc. can be found
on the website of the Finnish visa center
VFS GLOBAL.
Features of the registration procedure
You can submit current certificates either independently or with the help of employees of the Finnish CC. You can submit documents today:
- in Moscow;
- St. Petersburg;
- Kazan;
- Murmansk branch of the Finnish CC.
To avoid misunderstandings, it is recommended to register online. You can also register by phone. The phone number can be found on the website of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How is the procedure carried out?
You can submit an application for a visa to Finland either personally or through a third party. If the applicant cannot be present when submitting the certificates, he must ensure that he receives a power of attorney in a timely manner.
The visa application form can be downloaded here.
When entering the consular section, you must present your civilian passport in an expanded form. If the city in which the applicant lives is located 500 km from the capital, then his question can be considered within 2 working days.
Electronic application form for a visa to Finland
However, only those who submit documents in person can count on such a “bonus”. Residents of St. Petersburg who have previously traveled to the territory of the European Union, in addition to a new foreign passport, need to have an old one with them.
If a traveler has visited the country multiple times, he is entitled to a two-year visa to Finland.
Terms and cost of registration
In 2021, the processing time for a visa document varies from 6 to 9 working days. But it is important to understand that the speed of registration depends on many different factors. If a particular document raises questions or complaints, the processing time will increase. The processing time depends on the season. On the eve of the New Year holidays, obtaining a visa to Finland is much more difficult.
To avoid troubles, it is recommended to start collecting documents in advance. Finnish diplomatic staff advise doing this 6-7 days before the expected European rendezvous.
The cost of obtaining a visa document is relatively affordable. The visa fee is 25.5 euros. The consular fee is 35.0 euros.
Visa processing time
- when applying for a visa to Finland through a travel agency
, check the deadlines with your manager, usually they are
10-12 working days
from the date of application + time to send documents from the city of departure, and in the high season this period increases to 20 days - when applying for a visa through visa centers,
the period is
from 10 working days
, plus time for sending documents - Documents for obtaining a Finnish visa can be submitted no earlier than 3 months before departure
.
general information
Just like several years ago, in 2021 Russians wishing to visit one or more Schengen countries will need to worry about obtaining a visa.
The main innovation should be considered the biometrics procedure (fingerprints). And in 2021, when applying for a visa, you must go through this procedure. This manipulation will be repeated for Russian travelers who decide to visit Europe this year only in 2021.
Biometrics procedure
Visa validity period for Finland
The Finnish Consulate issues:
- single and double-entry Schengen visas
for a period of stay in the country
of up to 90 days
(usually the length of stay corresponds to the invitation/hotel reservation) - Schengen multiple visas
valid for
180 days
with the right to stay in the country (Schengen countries) for no more than
90 days
within six months. A multiple entry visa can be issued if the passport already contains Finnish visas, or there is a reasoned written application for the need to issue a multiple entry visa - transit Schengen visas
valid
for up to 6 months
(the length of stay is determined depending on the tickets provided and hotel reservations. In the case of a double or multiple transit visa, the total period of stay during all entries is indicated)
Fill out the application form
The form can be downloaded or filled out directly on the website. To do this, you need to select a city, and then click on the “visa application” tab. Fill it out in Latin letters, print it out, sign it and stick a photo (read about photo requirements in the next paragraph).
Lifehack
You can print out the application form for free at the Visa Application Center and stick a photo there (scissors and glue are also available). If you are filling out the application on site (at the consulate or Visa Application Center) and by hand, use only a black or blue pen.
Cost of obtaining a visa to Finland
When purchasing a tour through a travel agency
- for Russian citizens - 65-85
€ - for children under 6 years old - 35
€
When submitting documents independently through the Consulate
- for Russian citizens - 35
€ - for children under 6 years old - free
When submitting documents independently through a Finnish visa center
- for Russian citizens - regular 35
€, + service fee -
26.75
€ - for children under 6 years old - free
Payment of visa and service fees is made at the visa center in rubles at the Central Bank exchange rate on the day of payment.
Schengen visa to Finland in St. Petersburg on your own in 2020 - step-by-step instructions
Residents of St. Petersburg and the Northwestern Federal District (with the exception of the Kaliningrad, Murmansk regions and the Republic of Karelia) can independently apply for a Finnish visa to the Consulate General or the Visa Center of St. Petersburg.
Via the consulate
The Consulate General of Finland in St. Petersburg is responsible for issuing visas to the Scandinavian country. It is located on Preobrazhenskaya Square, 4. The entrance is located from Radishcheva Lane. To obtain an entry document, you must contact the visa department. On weekdays they receive clients from 9.00 to 12.00 and in the afternoon from 13.00 to 16.00.
To obtain a visa you need:
- Fill out the form. All data is entered online into a form that is posted on the official website of the Finnish visa center in St. Petersburg. You must first register there.
- Make an appointment at the consulate to submit documents. This can be done on the same website. On the main page you need to select the “Make an appointment” item. After filling out the required data, you will be able to select the date and time of your appointment. If the operation is successful, an appointment confirmation email will be sent to your email address. You must print it out.
- Collection and submission of documents. At the appointed time, you must come with all the necessary documents and a printed letter confirming your appointment at the consulate. If necessary, biometric data is provided. The procedure is free and can be done at the consulate. The employee receiving the documents will check that they are filled out correctly and may ask a number of questions regarding the purpose of the trip and visiting other Schengen countries. After this, he will issue a receipt for which you will need to pay the visa fee, and set a date when you can pick up the completed document.
- Payment of visa fee. Based on the issued receipt, you will need to pay the fee. To do this, you don’t need to go anywhere: there is a terminal at the exit from the document reception hall. He doesn't handle cash. You can pay by credit card. Not any will do, only Visa or Mastercard.
- Receipt of the finished document. At the appointed time, you will need to come to the consulate again to pick up your visa. Be sure to have a receipt and check with you confirming payment of the fee.
Via Visa Application Center
Visa documents can be submitted through the Finland Visa Application Center in St. Petersburg. It is located on Stremyannaya Street, 21/5. Documents can be submitted on any day except Saturday and Sunday, from 9.00 to 16.00. To obtain a visa you need:
- Register on the official website of the Finnish visa center, determine the purpose of the trip and the type of visa. The package of documents that will need to be prepared will depend on this.
- Fill out the form. This can be done on the same website.
- Prepare documents.
- Submit documents. To do this, you need to come to the Visa Application Center. It is not necessary to register in advance, but you may have to wait in line.
- Pay the visa and service fee. This can be done on the spot. Both cash and bank cards are accepted for payment.
- Pick up the finished document. You must have an internal passport, a contract and a receipt confirming payment of the visa fee. When submitting documents through the Visa Application Center, it is possible to order delivery of your passport by courier if you do not have time for a personal visit.
If the applicant has not previously submitted biometric data, the fingerprinting procedure can be completed at the Visa Application Center. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from it.
Migration card
Upon arrival in Finland, before crossing the border, a migration card is filled out. To speed up the process of passing through the border control point, such cards are usually issued on the plane, where our flight attendants can help fill them out. It should be filled out with a blue or black pen, in block Latin letters. The card must be filled out for each person entering, including each child with their own passport. Sample of filling out a migration card when entering Finland. There is no need to download a blank card from the Internet, print it out and fill it out at home; just take a sample of the form with you.
What affects the validity period of a visa issued?
Experts say that for those who wish to obtain a visa for a long period, good behavior during a previous visit to countries that are members of the Schengen Union, including Finland, is of great importance. If a citizen has been found to have committed unseemly acts, it will be more difficult to obtain a visa a second time.
For example, if a traffic violation occurred and the fine was not paid. The speed limit for cars is strictly monitored in this state.
Law enforcement considers exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 km/h a serious offense that may threaten the safety of the local population. You can also end up in quarantine if you do not pay the fines issued for any reason.
A Schengen visa to Finland may not be available if an overstay has occurred, when the tourist was in Europe under Schengen for more than 90 days in six months or returned home after the expiration of the entry permit.
An important condition for obtaining a Schengen visa to this country is the absence of attempts to get a job illegally. If this fact becomes clear, visiting this country again will be quite problematic.
It is believed that the Finnish consulate has a negative attitude towards those tourists who often use this country as a transit country to visit neighboring countries with a Schengen visa. Therefore, those who are issued a Finnish visa for 2 years or more are recommended to use it only for trips to this country.
Embassy and consulates of Finland in Russia
Embassy of Finland in Moscow
Address: Moscow
, Kropotkinsky Lane 15-17 Phone: (495) 787 4174 Official website: finland.org.ru
Consulate General of Finland in St. Petersburg
Address: St. Petersburg
, Preobrazhenskaya sq., 4 Telephone Official website: finland.org.ru
Branch of the Consulate General of Finland in Petrozavodsk
Address: Petrozavodsk
, st. Gogol 25 Phone Official website: finland.org.ru
Branch of the Consulate General of Finland in Murmansk
Address: Murmansk
, st. Karl Marx 25A Phone Official website: finland.org.ru
You are registered in another district of the Russian Federation
You must submit your documents to the Finnish Embassy in Moscow in Moscow or the Finnish visa center in Moscow:
- Completed and signed application form
- International passport
- Photo – 1 pc.
- Medical insurance policy for traveling abroad (original + copy)
In addition to the standard package of documents, it is advisable for you to have:
- A printed confirmation of your hotel reservation or a letter from an accredited travel agency. The list is on the embassy website.
- Invitation or contact information and date of birth of the person who invited you (if you are visiting by invitation).
The requirements for these documents are the same as for citizens of the Northwestern Federal District.
