Finland visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Finland

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

  • A valid passport that does not expire for 3 months after the date of exit from Finland. The passport should have two blank pages facing each other.
  • A copy of correctly filled and signed application form.
  • Two coloured passport-sized photographs. The photo must follow the specification for a visa application.
  • Proof of sufficient funds. This is to show that you can cater for yourself for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Photocopies of all the required documents should be made prior to submission.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Travel itinerary.

Finland Visa for South Africans

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.

The possession, usage, and trafficking of drugs are highly prohibited in the country. A huge prison sentence will be dished out to defaulters.

Types of Finland Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 days 90 days
Business visa 15 days 90 days
Student visa 15 days 90 days

General Requirements for Finland Visa

  • A valid passport that does not expire for 3 months after the date of exit from Finland. The passport should have two blank pages facing each other.
  • A copy of correctly filled and signed application form.
  • Two coloured passport-sized photographs. The photo must follow the specification for a visa application.
  • Proof of sufficient funds. This is to show that you can cater for yourself for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Photocopies of all the required documents should be made prior to submission.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • Travel itinerary.
Finland Tourist visa Finland Business visa Finland Student visa

Finland Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is best for foreigners travelling to Finland for leisure, recreation and sightseeing.
  • Applicants of this visa may also have the intention to visit relative and friends in the country.
  • A letter from your current employer in South Africa written with the company letterhead stating that he is aware of your leave is needed. The duration of the trip should be clearly stated in the letter.
  • Applicants should ensure they have a valid medical insurance.
  • Visiting a friend or relative requires you to possess a letter of invitation for you host with the host’s address.
  • If you are not a South African, a valid South African stay permit Is required.
  • Minors should ensure they have a letter of consent signed by both parents.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee is required.
  • With this visa, you are not allowed to take up a course of study.
  • The visa is processed for 15 days.

Finland Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows you to do business in Finland.
  • Applicants of this visa can discuss business, negotiate and sign contracts with their partners in Finland. You can attend conferences as well.
  • Invitation letter from your business partner in Finland is one of the important documents you will need to have.
  • You are required to have the receipt of your paid visa application fee.
  • A letter from your current employer is South Africa clearly stating that he is aware of your business leave and the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Return flight ticket to South Africa is needed.
  • A valid travel insurance is required.
  • With this visa, you are not allowed to take up paid or unpaid employment.
  • You are also not allowed to take up a course in any of the country’s institution of learning.
  • Minors should ensure they have the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • For non-South Africans, a South African stay permit is required.

Finland Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Applicants of this visa apply for this visa with the intention of having to study in one of the schools in Finland.
  • A letter of invitation from the institution you have been offered a course is required.
  • For non-South Africans, a valid South African stay permit should be presented.
  • A valid medical insurance is needed.
  • You should have the receipt of your paid visa application form.
  • If you are traveling alone, a consent form signed by both parents is needed.
  • Minors should also ensure they have the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • Receipt of payment of visa application fees.
  • Statement from your local doctor showing that you are in good health condition.
  • Certificates and transcripts from your previously attended schools.

Finland Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (EUR)

Business visa

60.00 (EUR)

Student visa

60.00 (EUR)

Finland Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

628 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, 0002 Pretoria.

https://finlandabroad.fi/web/zaf/frontpage

sanomat.pre@formin.fi

+27 12 343 0276

Cape Town

1 Westlake Drive, Tokia 7945 Claremont 7700 South Africa

+27 21 700 2800

Durban

534 Peter Mokaba Road, Durban, South Africa

+27 31 201 0788

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel to Finland with a Schengen visa??

Yes, you can travel to Finland with a Schengen visa.

Can you use euro in Finland??
Yes, you can use euro in Finland.
What is the minimum wage in Finland??

The current minimum wage hourly among industrial workers is about €14 per hour.

What is the normal processing time for Finland??

The normal processing time for Finland is 15 days.

How much is the visa processing fee for Finland??

The visa fee for Finland is €60.