FINLAND - SCHENGEN VISA

Part 1. Schengen Area Countries 2020

The Schengen zone is a territory of 26 European countries. It consists of 22 European Union member states and four other countries that are part of the European Free Trade Association, which are Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein. All these countries signed a document named Schengen Agreement.

The regulations of this original agreement aimed to abolish any and all border checks at common borders that were shared among various countries, to reduce speed vehicle checks and allow residents who lived in border areas to cross the borders at places far away from designated checkpoints. Visa policies would also be aligned under the agreement.

List Of Schengen Countries

In which:

• 22 members fully implement the Schengen acquis,

• Four of them – members of the EFTA, implement Schengen acquis through specific agreements related to the Schengen agreement.

• Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein are associate members of the Schengen Area but are not members of the EU.

• Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City have opened their borders with, but are not members of the visa free zone.

• The Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands are special members of the EU and part of the Schengen Zone even that they are located outside the European continent.

• There are five more EU members, that have not joined Schengen zone: Ireland – that still maintains opt-outs and Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus – that are seeking to join soon.

You should not confuse Schengen Area and EU, there are some countries belongs to EU but not belong to Schengen Zone and vice versa.

Schengen Area Border Policy

Do you know the rules of Schengen Agreement? Let’s check out these sharing regulation of the Schengen countries.

The important features of the Schengen Area which are based on the destruction of borders between the European member countries are as follows:

• The member countries do not carry out border checks at their internal borders and also carry out harmonized controls, based on clearly defined and jointly agreed with criteria at their external borders.

• A citizen passing from one Schengen country to another Schengen country does not need to undergo border checks, which means he or she does not have to show a traveling document at the borders.

• However, an identification document (ID or passport) is necessary at ports and airports.

• The Schengen member states are obligated to remove all obstacles in order to enable a fluid flow of the road traffic.

• Police checks may be carried out only with the purpose to prevent possible threats to public security.

• Within the area, there is an increased police operation, in particular through hot pursuit, cross-border surveillance, as well as the establishment of joint police centers and teams.

• Also, the Schengen member countries have common rules for the non-Schengen countries’ citizens applying to cross the EU’s external border, including common asylum policies.

List Of Schengen Countries That Have Low Rate Of Rejection For Visa

There are many people apply for visa at the embassy/ consulate especially for travel throughout the Schengen Area. The more people apply for Schengen visa, the lower chance for your visa is accepted. However, there are some countries that have the lowest rate of visa rejection, as well as shorter waiting times and a higher chance of receiving a long-term visa, as opposed to permission for short-term travel. These countries include: The Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia.

Part 2. Schengen Visas Types

Schengen visa is a type of short stay visa issued for allowing its holder to enter and travel around the Schengen area for a duration up to 90 days per every 180 days. Depending on the purpose of traveling, you must apply for different type of Schengen visa. There are three main categories is Category A (Airport transit visa) and Category C (Tourist visa, Business visa, Visitor visa, Cultural visa, Medical Treatment Visa) and Category D (National visa)

A Category: Airport Transit Visa

The Airport Transit Visa is a visa for citizens of a non-Schengen country who have to enter the airport of a country in the Schengen zone in order to take the plane to their Schengen destination country. It does not allow the holder to leave the airport.

C Category: Short-Stay Visas

This is regular Schengen visa that is the most people get. It is often issued for purpose of tourism, visiting family and friends, business and other allowed activities. Depending on the purpose of your travel the C-category could be either:

• Tourist visa

• Business visa

• Visitor visa

• Cultural visa

• Medical Treatment Visa

Number Of Entries

As you may know, the Schengen visa can be valid for a single, double or multiple entry. Depending on your purpose and frequency of your travel, you will choose the number of entries for your visa.

Single-Entry Visa

This visa allow its holder to enter Schengen area only once. When you leave Schengen zone, the visa expires and you are not allowed to enter again. If you want to get another entry, you must apply for new visa.

Double-Entry visa

With this visa, the holder can enter the Schengen area two twice. You can visit a Schengen country then visit a non-Schengen country and enter a Schengen country again. Once you enter the Schengen country twice, you visa will expire even if you have not stayed in Schengen Area for the number of the days mentioned in your visa.

Multiple-Entry visa

As its name, the holder of this visa can enter the Schengen area many times up to 90 days within 180 days period. However, to apply this type of visa you must meet several requirements of the embassy/consulate such as:

• You must prove that you need to travel to Schengen Area frequently.

• You should show that you have good financial situation in your country residence.

• You have good history of your previous trips ( not overstay and left in time)

• You have genuine intention to leave Schengen Area before your visa expires.

This visa can be divided into various duration based on your reason to travel frequently:

1 year multiple entry

If you had a double-entry visa and you can show proof why you are travel to Schengen area frequently, you can apply for this visa.

3 year-multiple entry visa

You must justify why you are travel to Schengen area frequently and why you need 3 year-multiple entry visa. In order to get this visa, you must lawful use the previous issued visa.

5 year-multiple entry visa

Like other type of visa, to apply this visa you must justify why you need 5 year multiple entry visa and you must lawful use a 3 year-multiple entry visa. You have to apply for 5 year-multiple entry visa at least year before the current 3 year multiple entry visa expires.

National Visa

The national visa (category D) is issued for people who would like to entry Schengen visa for studying, working or residing permanently in one of the Schengen countries. It can be single entry or multiple entry.

To apply for a National visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You are an international student in a program that grant a Schengen visa up to one year.

• You are an international student who is about start a full time study in a course. You will be granted a visa up to one year and allowed extension.

• You are traveling to teach at a higher education institution or research center.

• You are sportsman, an artist or other professional who would be traveling to share your expertise.

• You are already traveling to Schengen Area and your medical emergency prevents you from leaving the Schengen Area in allowed time frame.

Part 3. Schengen Visa Application Requirements

One of the most important step to apply for Schengen visa is collecting the required documents for visa application. The Schengen States have created a list of the required documents for each purpose of entry in this territory and require you to submit them in application process.

In this article, you can find a checklist of the generally required documents to obtain a Schengen Visa, as well as the specific required documents for each visa type. In addition, you will also find a short brief for each requirement and their specifications.

What Documents Are Required When Applying For A Schengen Visa?

The following list of documents are required for any short-term Schengen visa application:

• Visa application form. Fully completed and signed.

• Two recently taken photos meet the visa photo requirements.

• A valid passport

• Round trip reservation or Flight itinerary.

• Travel insurance policy. Read more about Schengen Travel Insurance.

• Proof of accommodation. This can be a hotel/hostel booking, rental agreement, a letter of invitation from a host at whose house you will be staying.

• Proof of financial means. Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself financially throughout your stay in the Schengen. This

• can be bank account statement, sponsorship Letter, a combination of your bank account statement and a letter of sponsorship.

• Proof of paid visa fee. €80 for adults and €45 for children from 6 to 12 years old.

Schengen Visa Requirements According To Applicant’s Employment Status

Along with the generally required documents, there are some specific documents are required to submit from the visa candidates depending on their employment status as well as several additional documents depending upon the type of Schengen visa applied for.

Specific required documents, based on visa applicant’s employment status are as following:

For the applicants are employee:

• Employment contract.

• Current bank statement of the latest 6 months.

• Leave permission from the employer.

• Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary.

For applicants are self-employed:

• A copy of your business license.

• Company bank statement of the latest 6 months.

• Income Tax Return (ITR).

For the applicants are students:

• Proof of enrollment.

• No objection letter from School or University.

For the applicants are retirees:

• Pension statement of the latest 6 months.

For the applicants are unemployed and married to an EU citizen:

• Confirmation of Employment letter, no older than three months, from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date.

• Spouse’s valid passport.

• An official marriage certificate.

What Documents Are Required For Schengen Visa For Minors?

The parents / legal guardians of minors applying for a Schengen visa, must submit some extra documents for the underage applicant:

• The minor’s birth certificate.

• Application form signed by both parents.

• Family court order – in cases where only one parent has full custody over the child.

• Certified copies of ID / passport of both parents.

• A notarized parental authorization signed by both parents / guardians if the minor will be travelling alone.

Specific Documents Required According To Schengen Visa Type

Apart from all the general mandatory documents, you will need to submit several additional documents depending on the Schengen visa type you are applying for.

Below you will find the information about all the additional documents needed for any type of Schengen visa separately.

Documents Required when Applying for an Airport Transit Visa

• A valid visa (if needed) for the final country one is travelling to

• The flight ticket for the final country you are travelling to

Documents Required when Applying for a Visa to Visit Relatives or Friends

• Affidavit of Support.

• Travel Itinerary.

• Means of Subsistence.

• Letter of Invitation.

Documents Required when Applying for a Tourist Visa

• Bank statement. Preferably for the last 6 months.

• Affidavit of Support

• Travel Itinerary.

Part 4. Documents Required when Applying for a Business Visa

On the following link you can find the list of required documents to obtain a Business Schengen visa.

Documents Required when Applying for a Training Visa

• Enrollment certificate. At an eligible institution for the courses one will be attending in the Schengen country.

• No objection letter. NOC from the educational institution where the visa applicant is currently enrolled (if applicable)

Documents Required when Applying for a Medical Visa

• A letter from a doctor / clinic / hospital in the home country of the visa candidate, that he or she needs medical treatment.

• Official confirmation of the treatment/appointment by the receiving medical institution (hospital/clinic) in EU.

• Proof of financial means.

• Verbal note from the Ministry of Health of applicant’s home country

Other Travel Purposes

If the purpose of your visa is different than any of those listed above, then you should collect the additional documents listed below, according to your purpose of traveling to Europe.

Documents Required when Travelling to Europe for the Purpose of Studying

• Two application forms instead of one.

• Letter of acceptance at an EU University/College/School.

• Proof of financial means.

Documents Required when Travelling to Europe for the Purpose of Employment

• Two application forms instead of one.

• Employment contract.

Documents Required when Travelling for the Purpose of Joining a Spouse Residing in EU

• Two application forms instead of one.

• The original certified copy of the marital certificate.

• A copy of spouse’s passport, if he / she is an EU citizen. If the spouse is not an EU citizen, but only lives in a Schengen country the copy of his/her residency permit is to be submitted as well.

Documents Required when Travelling for the Purpose of Participating in Cultural, Sports or Religious events in Europe

• Event Information. As i.e. invitation letters, entry tickets, enrollment conditions, detailed programme and other documents that present relevant information about the event.

• Proof of previous performances. Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winners certificates, proof of world/international ranking (sports).

Part 5. Schengen Travel Insurance

When vising Schengen area, travelers should be able to handle and financially cover medical services in case of an accident, injury or any other sudden event. To take care of unexpected problems related to expense that appear while travelling, you should have a travel insurance to help with financial support. If you have a Travel Insurance, you will be comfortable to continue your travel journey without worries. It is also an important required documents for applying a Schengen visa.

Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements

Your Medical insurance for Schengen visa must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage of at least 30,000 EUR (equivalent to 34,000 USD).

• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area.

• Cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent health attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or death.

Having a travel insurance is very helpful when you traveling to Europe, however, not everyone need to have it. It is just required for people who want to apply for a Schengen visa.

Foreigner who travel to Europe with visa free travel to Schengen zone can get their preferred travel insurance if they want, it is high recommend to have it but not a requirement.

Who Must Purchase Schengen Travel Insurance For Europe?

Anyone travelling temporarily to Europe from a country that is subject to visa requirements, be it an individual visitors or group visitors, tourists, or business travelers. Travel Visa Insurance is a must when applying for a Schengen Visa.

Who Provides Schengen Travel Insurance?

Usually, travelers purchase an individual Schengen travel insurance policy for the days planned to spend in Europe at the rightful insurance provider. Make sure your company you choose is licensed and accepted in the Schengen country you will travel to. You can buy Schengen Visa Insurance from Europ Assistance or AXA. Both companies are accepted by European Embassies and Consulates worldwide. They will support you to cancel insurance without fee if your visa has been rejected.

How Much Does Schengen Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost for Schengen visa insurance varies from company to company. Here you can take a look at costs from AXA Schengen.

Part 6. How to Apply for Schengen Visa?

Any people who want to travel to Schengen countries need to apply for a visa unless they are citizens of visa exempt countries. Currently, more than 60 countries around the world can enter Europe visa free zone without the need to obtain a visa first, and remain there for 90 days within a six-month period.

If you need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Europe, proceed reading this article which is the ultimate guideline of a Schengen visa application process.

As other type of visa, you will need to follow many steps to submit your visa application form as below:

1. Figure Out Which Schengen Visa Type You Need

There are several types of Schengen Visa, you must decide to choose a type of visa that is matched with your purpose of traveling. You can choose one of the following type of Schengen visa:

• Transit visa

• Tourism visa

• Visa for Visiting Family or Friends

• Business visa

• Visa for Culture and Sport activities

• Visa for Official Visits

• Study visa

• Visa for Medical Reasons

2. Find Out Where You Need To Apply

Normally, you may apply your visa application at the embassy/consulates or visa service centre of the country that you will visit. However, with Schengen visa, you can travel to many countries in Schengen zones, you must choose a country that you need to apply visa for. Depending on the country you will visit and the time you spend to stay in each country, you may choose the country to apply as the following rules:

1. If you are going to visit only one Schengen country, file your application at the embassy / consulate / visa center of that country
   

2. If you are going to visit more than two Schengen countries, file your application:

• At the embassy / consulate / visa center of the country where you will spend most days, if you will be spending unequal amount of days in each

• At the embassy / consulate / visa center of the country where you will step first, if you will be spending an equal amount of days in each

3. Find The Most Suitable Time To Apply

Choosing a suitable time to apply your visa may help you to avoid delaying for your trip. Read carefully the requirements about the time to apply for a Schengen visa below:

• The earliest you can file a visa application: six months before you start your planned trip.

• The latest you can file a visa application: at most 15 working days before you intend to travel.

• The recommended time to file a visa application: at least three weeks before your trip.

4. Make An Appointment

Most of countries will give you a chance to book an appointment online. In some case, you must book an appointment in person at the embassy or consulate in your country. Therefore, it is recommended to check carefully before you plan to apply for a visa.

5. Fill Out The Visa Application Form

To fill out the visa application form, you must download the Schengen visa form online first. The Schengen countries share the same format of visa application form no matter which country’s visa it is that the applicant is applying for.

You will need to provide the following information in your visa application form:

• Personal information,

• Information on your background,

• Purpose of your trip to the Schengen Area,

• Other related details.

Note:

• Download the latest form of the application since that is the only form accepted.

• Make sure you fill out every required gap. Here you can find some clear instructions on how to fill-in the visa application form.

• Do not leave any columns blank. If you feel that, there are columns that do not correspond to your case, fill them with NA (No Answer).

• Remember to print the form twice. Sign both of the copies at the end.

• If you are a minor, your parents have to submit a written consent and sign in the corresponding column of the application form.

6. Collect The Required Documents

To meet the requirements of the embassy/consulate when you apply for a visa, you must gather all required documents to prepare to submit it in your appointment day.

You should prepare the following documents to be ready for submit:

• The visa application form.

• Valid passport.

• Two identical photos.

• Travel insurance. You can easily purchase it online from AXA Schengen or Europ Assistance.

• Round trip reservation or flight itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area.

• Proof of accommodation.

• Proof of financial means, etc.

Beside these documents you may need to collect some other specific documents for each type of visa. These documents and their specifications differ from one visa type to the other. In addition, some of the Schengen member states have their own extra requirements for visa applicants. Therefore, check with the embassy/consulate where you will submit your visa application form.

7. Attend The Visa Interview

After booking an appointment and gathering all required documents, you will be ready for your visa interview. In the day of your appointment, you should be attend on time and bring all required documents with you.

You will take part in a 10-15 minutes interview, you will be asked personal questions about your whereabouts, the intended trip and other travel details. Make sure your answers are firm and correct, and that they comply with the information in the application form and the other documents.

8. Pay The Visa Fee

You will need to pay a non-refundable administration fee when applying for a Schengen visa, in order for your visa application to be processed. Currently, a Schengen visa fee is €80 per person. Children and some other specific categories will have to pay either reduced fees or no fees at all, depending on their situation. The fee may change without notice, check with your visa application centre previously. Read more detail about Schengen visa fees

9. Wait For An Answer On Your Application

After you finish all steps above, you have to wait for the answer on your application. It may take about 15 days. In some special case, it may take quite much longer.