Finland Visa & Entry Requirements

Visa & Entry Requirements

A valid passport is required for all foreign nationals entering Finland and it is advisable to ensure that your passport has at least six months validity when visiting any foreign country. Along with 24 other European countries, Finland is a signatory to the Schengen Convention. That means a visa to any other signatory state of the Schengen Agreement is valid in Finland too (in most cases). No visa is required for citizens of other EU member states, and citizens of some selected nations with whom the European Union or Finland have special treaties can enter Finland for up to 90 days in a 180 day period without a visa. This includes Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and US citizens, among many others. Be aware that the 90 day limit runs concurrently across the whole of the Schengen zone and the countdown begins when entering any of the signatory countries. It does not reset when travelling into another country covered by the Schengen agreement.

Visas cannot be issued in Finland so you must hold one before entry if required to do so. You may be required to show immigration officials that you have return or onward tickets and adequate means of support and accommodation upon entering Finland. More info on the Schengen Agreement and travel documents for EU citizens can be found at http://europa.eu/travel/doc/index_en.htm

An international driver’s license is not required in Finland; your current domestic driver’s license is acceptable.

Anyone permanently residing outside the EU and Norway can shop tax free in Finland. Stores with a tax free shopping sign will provide customers with a cheque covering the VAT refund which can be cashed on leaving the last EU country visited. The cheque together with the goods purchased (in unused condition) should be presented at the point of departure and the refund will be paid in cash.

As entry requirements may change from time to time it is strongly advised that you check with the department of foreign affairs or your local consulate or embassy for the current requirements.

More information can be found by clicking here.

We strongly advise that all Australian travellers check the latest travel advice on the Australian Government Smart Traveller site.