How To Apply Schengen Visa For Finland

Pristine lakes, lush forests—and the surreal harmony of colors in the Aurora Borealis. Those are just one of the unspoiled natural environments of Finland in Europe. It is a country of diversity, with its Midnight Sun during summer and the Polar night along with the Northern

Lights in the winter—you’re up for a magical travel experience that you surely won’t forget. If you’re into river rafting, snowmobiles, dogsled (Huskies!) and reindeer safaris, you can start by applying for a Finland Tourist Visa.

Schengen Visa For Finland

If you are a Filipino with a Philippine Passport, in order to travel to Finland you must obtain a Schengen visa to enter the country. Below is the list of other Schengen countries for your reference:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Poland
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Slovenia
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Sweden

If the traveler’s foremost destination cannot be determined, the Schengen state whose territory constitutes the main destination of the visit in terms of purpose or the length of stay will be responsible for granting the Finland tourist visa.

General Schengen visa requirements applying to all applicants:

• A visit to the Embassy in person.
• A Philippine passport (which is valid at least three months following the end of the visit) and a copy.
• A Schengen visa application form carefully completed, dated and signed by the applicant – visa application forms can be downloaded from the website of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
• A recent color passport photograph, taken within the past six (6) months (size 36 mm wide x 47 mm high, facial dimensions being 32 mm X 36 mm, against an off-white or light background)
• Flight reservation (Please DO NOT purchase the actual ticket beforehand. Submission of the ticket is only upon the approval of the visa.)
• Travel insurance (Submission of travel insurance is only upon approval of the visa)
• NBI clearance (National Bureau of Investigation, a purpose for Travel abroad, a maximum of 12 months old)
• A Valid Birth certificate (Note: Only National Statistic Office (NSO) certificates printed on a security paper are accepted by the Embassy)
• Other documents may be required on a case to case basis.

Additional documents that should be attached:

• Private visit (processing time 15 days)
• An invitation letter stating the necessary details relating to the host and visitor (names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers), the purpose and duration of the visit, confirmation of accommodation including the address, account of the relationship between the host and the visitor. The invitation letter must be signed and dated.
• A marriage certificate if the applicant and the host are married.
• A certificate of kinship between the host and the applicant (such as latest birth certificates or marriage certificate), in case of a family visit. (Note: Only National Statistic Office (NSO) certificates printed on a security paper are accepted by the Embassy)
• A copy of the host’s passport or other identity documents. If the host has visited the applicant in the Philippines, also the copies of entry and exit stamps have to be included.
• Proof of sufficient funds (such as a copy of a bank statement from the past three months or a written certificate from the employer stating regular monthly income). The level of means of subsistence depends on the length of visit, the purpose of the visit, and also on the cost of living of the Schengen State or States to be visited.
• Certificate of employment and approved leave of absence from the company/employer.
• DTI / SEC registration of Business if an applicant is a self-employed / entrepreneur.
• School certificate if the applicant is a student and proof of enrollment.
• Other documents may be required on a case to case basis.
• Tourist visit (processing time 15 days)
• A detailed itinerary of the tour and the contact information of the local and Finnish tour operator.
• Flight and hotel reservation.
• Proof of employment and approved leave of absence.
• DTI / SEC registration of Business if the applicant is a self-employed / entrepreneur.
• Proof of studies/holiday.
• Evidence of sufficient funds (such as a copy of a bank statement from the past three months)

Note that the processing time is at least 15 working days with a fee of:

• Visa fee (also for a negative decision)   = EUR 60 or an estimate of P3,600.
• Visa fee for children aged 6 to 11 (also for a negative decision) = EUR 35 or P2,100.
• In accordance with the visa facilitation agreement between the EU and a third country, the visa fee payable by a citizen of the country in question is (also for a negative decision) = EUR 35 or P2,100.
• In accordance with separate visa facilitation, the agreement fee for an accelerated procedure is (also for a negative decision) = EUR 70 or P4,230.
• Forms to which a visa is affixed for persons whose travel document is not accepted by Finland = EUR 10 or P600.

You must submit your visa application at a mission of Finland or a visa center no later than 15 days before travel. The application can be submitted at the earliest three months before the intended visit. In case Finland is represented in the country by another Schengen state, the processing time is usually longer.

For further details on Finland immigration requirements, Filipinos are advised to contact:

Embassy of Finland
21st Floor, BPI Buendia Center
Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue
Makati City, Metro Manila
Philippines
Telephone: (632) 891-5011 / 5
Fax: (632) 891-4107
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.finland.ph