Planning a visit to the land which is called the land of a thousand lakes and the magical Northern Lights? Visiting the greater temples of Helsinki or Lapland’s wintry wonderland, but all these serve as the first steps in planning a memorable Scandinavian adventure applying for a Finland Visa. This guide will also take you through the complete procedure of applying for an Indian visa in Finland, telling all the necessary documents, types of visas, and some important travel tips, mostly suited for Indian travelers.
Why Visit Finland?
Finland will prove to be more than only the pristine gorgeousness of national parks and the Santa Claus Village. For an interesting plus, it’s good to know that Finland is just part of the Schengen Area, meaning a tourist visa for Finland can bring a tourist to 26 other European countries.
Do Indians Need Visa to Visit Finland?
Visas are to be obtained from India at present to get the Finland Visa before travelling for an Indian citizen. Most of the visa applications are for short tourism, business, family visit, or conference attendance-related travel for a short stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Types of Finland Visa for Indians
Common types of Finland visa for Indians are-
- Tourist Visa- Referred to as for holiday and leisure trips in Finland.
- Business Visa- For purposes of professional meetings and business events.
- Family Visit Visa- For visiting relatives in Finland.
- Student Visa- Student visa for short courses or seminars.
- Transit Visa- For those transiting through Finland to another location.
Most likely, the Finland Tourist Visa is what would apply to most Indian travelers and is the most commonly applied for.
Step-by-Step Guide on Applying for a Finland Visa from India
Step 1: Visa Type: Check Which Visa Type Is Right: Determine what type of visa you should apply for based on the purpose of travel; select “Finland Tourist Visa” for travel purpose.
Step 2: Select Date for Visa Appointment: Schedule your appointment at least 15 days prior to your travel date with the official Finland Visa Application Centre (generally managed by VFS Global). Earlier scheduling is advised, even earler than that, for possible quick processing.
Step 3: Fill Out the Visa Application Forms: Complete the online Schengen visa application form or download it from the official site of the Finnish Embassy. Ensure that all details match your supporting documents.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents: Essential documents required for a Finland Visa for Indians are as follows:
Indian passport (with at least 2 blank pages and 3 months’ validity beyond return date).
- Complete visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photo (as per Schengen specifications)
- Travel itinerary and flight reservations
- Hotel bookings or proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance (covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies).
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, income tax returns, salary slips).
- Cover letter explaining your travel purpose.
- Leave letter or employment proof (if employed).
- Receipt for payment of visa fee
Step 5: Attend Visa Appointment: On the date of the appointment, arrive at the VFS Visa Application Centre, where you submit your documents, pay the visa fee, and please provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
Step 6: Track Your Application: Using your reference number, online tracking of the application status can be performed via the VFS portal.
Step 7: Receive your Visa: Once the visa is approved, your passport with the visa sticker will be sent via courier or may be picked up in person. The Finland Schengen Visa is considered valid for a maximum of 90 days in most cases.
Finland Visa Fees for Indian Nationals
- Short-term Schengen Visa: €80 for adults
- Children (6-12 years): €40
- Children under 6 years: Free
Service charges may apply if applying through VFS Global.
Processing Time
The processing time for the Finland Visa from India is usually 15 working days. During tourist seasons, delays might be there, so make sure to apply a little early.
Tips That Can Increase the Chances of Obtaining a Visa for Finland
- Submit a clear and truthful cover letter.
- Be consistent in your travel history.
- Show proof of strong finances.
- Keep all the documents orderly and accurate.
- Don’t apply at the last moment.
Conclusion
From the application to the processing stages, getting a Finland Visa is an easy task when one has the right guidance and preparation. Whether you are thinking about taking a sauna, Arctic landscapes, scooping up the Northern Lights, or a combination of all, a well-executed application for your Finland Tourist Visa is the crucial passport. Start off early on the visa application, gather the correct documentation, and work on planning your location while in confidence.
Apply with Visament: Smooth Finland Visa Process
Need assistance in the visa processes? Visament is your partner in success for smooth visa solutions. We will assist you on filling up forms to appointment arrangements. Our services include:
- Visa Services- Smooth visa applications for Finland and other Schengen destinations
- Indian Passport Renewal Services- Prompt and trusty assistance in passport issuance
- OCI Services- Complete Assistance for OCI card applications and renewals
Let Visament do the paperwork while you just dream about your vacation planning.
Are you ready to explore Finland? Then drop a message to Visament, and let us begin your visa journey!
