Finland visa requirements for Gambians

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Gambians visiting Finland

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Finnish Visa.

  • A Gambian passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (35mm x 45mm), against a grey background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country. 
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Finland Visa for Gambians

Facts about Finland

Finland’s plethora of lakes makes it a top summer destination. There are a plethora of lakes which have holiday cabins and host activities such as swimming, fishing, and sailing. The Arctic Lapland province is a top destination for tourist, it is a wilderness that has national parks and ski resorts. The country is well-known for its saunas and iconic designs.

The tourism industry in Finland accounts for about 2.5% of the Finnish GDP. The industry is responsible for providing about 136,700 jobs. In 2017, Finland played host to over 6.7 million foreign tourists.

Types of Finland Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 3 months 90 days
Work visa 3 months variable
Student visa 3 months 3 months- 1year

General Requirements for Finland Visa

  • A Gambian passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (35mm x 45mm), against a grey background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Copy of return flight ticket.
  • Documentation showing applicant’s ties to home country. 
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
Finland Tourist visa Finland Work visa Finland Student visa

Finland Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Gambians intending to travel to Finland for tourism purposes are required to apply for the Finland tourist visa.
  • Finland is part of the Schengen countries so you can apply for a Schengen tourist visa.
  • This visa is valid for 90 days and it is not extendable.
  • The currency restriction for entry into and exit from Finland is 10,000 Euros.
  • You must provide proof of hotel bookings, flight bookings and a detailed itinerary for the entire duration of your stay in Finland.
  • You must provide proof of your financial ability so as to support yourself financially during your stay in Finland and for your return transportation. At present, a minimum of EUR 30 is required per day for staying in Finland.
  • You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
  • Always carry your prescription medication in the original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the government of Finland to ensure the medication is legal in Finland.
  • You may bring a 90-day supply of most personal prescription drugs with a formal doctor’s note.
  • Prescribed narcotics may only be brought into Finland for your personal use for a maximum of 14 days and must be accompanied by a medical certificate stating why you need them.
  • Finnish customs regulations prohibit you from receiving medication shipments from abroad.  Local physicians may be reluctant to prescribe equivalent quantities or dosages
  • Finland has an extensive network of highways and excellent public transportation services throughout the country. Driving in Finland is on the right side.
  • Unless otherwise noted on traffic signs, the speed limit varies from 30 to 40 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on open roads, and 120 km/h on expressways during summer (100 km/h in winter).

Finland Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Gambians looking to study in Finland can apply for the student visa can apply for the Finland student visa.
  • Finland student visa is a temporary short term permit that is issued to a foreign student who wants to stay and study in Finland for a maximum of 90 days (3 months).
  • Finland student residence permit is issued to a foreign student to wants to stay and study in Finland for a duration of more than 90 days (3 months). Normally, Finland's residence permit for students is granted for one year at a time.
  • The student visa is suitable for Gambians who plan to take a short term language course in Finland or want to appear in an entrance examination.
  • Applicants are required to provide the official letter of acceptance issued by your hosting Finnish university or educational institute or polytechnic.
  • You must provide proof of your financial ability so as to support yourself financially during your entire period of study in Finland. A student must have a minimum of EUR 560 per month for staying in Finland. 
  • You must provide a recent statement of your financial situation from your bank that shows you have at least EUR 6720 in your bank account. 
  • In case you do not have the above-mentioned amount in your account, you must provide written evidence of having received a stipend or scholarship or have been selected for benefits to be provided by your educational institute.
  • You must provide proof of having obtained valid health and medical insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Finland.
  • To be allowed entry into Finland, you must be in good physical and mental health and free from any kind of contagious disease.
  • You must also provide proof of a clean criminal record. 

Finland Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Gambians intending to travel to Finland to employment purposes can apply for the Finland work visa.
  • If you come to work in Finland, you need a residence permit. Before a residence permit can be granted to you, you must find a job in Finland.
  • For some jobs, you will not need a residence permit for an employed person, but will need a residence permit for a specific job. These jobs include:
    • Corporate leadership positions.
    • Specialist posts.
    • Researcher posts.
    • Work in the field of science, culture or the arts.
    • Traineeships.
  • The Finnish Immigration Service will decide on whether or not you will be granted a residence permit. For a residence permit, you do not need a decision issued by the Employment and Economic Development Office (TE Office).
  • If you come to Finland for seasonal work, you need a seasonal work permit. Seasonal work can last up to 9 months. Examples of seasonal work:
    • Plant growing.
    • Forestry work.
    • Festival work.
  • If you apply for a residence permit in order to work in Finland, you must get an appropriate salary for your work. This salary must be enough to support you for the entire time your residence permit is valid.

Finland Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (EUR)

Work visa

60.00 (EUR)

Student visa

60.00 (EUR)

Finland Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Gambia

Location

Address

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Finland currently does not maintain an embassy in Gambia. Citizens of Gambia are advised to use embassies/consulates in their neighboring countries for their applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Finland?

It depends on what you'd like to experience: for plenty of snow and winter activities, December to March is the best time. For springtime sun and the revival of nature after the winter, April to May is the period. For long and warm summer days and plenty of events, opt for June, July and August.

What month is best to see Northern Lights in Finland?

Although anywhere between September and April will give you a good chance of seeing the northern lights in Finnish Lapland, the nights are especially long between December and February.

How long does it take to process the Finland visa?

Submit your visa application at a mission of Finland or a visa centre 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.

As a Gambian citizen, where can I submit my tourist visa to Finland.?
Which neighbouring country of the Gambia can I apply for finish visa?
Alagie Sillah

2 years ago

Which neighboring country should I apply for Finnish Visa

Hello is Finland tourists visa available??
Where can I apply for a Finnish visa as a Gambian??
Alasan Jallow

1 year ago

Can I apply for a Finnish residential permit in Senegal? Am a Gambian.

Did finland embassy is now in Senegal?
I'm a Sierra Leonean i live in Gambia and I am doing Art and craft and is my profession and I wish to apply for finland Visa so that i can go and exhibit my creativity to their cultural festival in finland so we're can i submit my application form.?
I’m invited by a love one in Finland. I need to apply for my visa?
I want to apply a Visa for study in Finland?
Mr. Amadou Barry

11 months ago

How can in apply for students Visa

Hi, My Name is Jankeh, Am sending this email from the Gambia.am wanting to apply for a schagen tourist visa. But the finish Government does not maintain an office in Gambia. So where do I apply? Looking forward to hearing from you soon Cheers Jankeh?
Which neighboring country should I apply for Finnish Visa?