Discover How to Apply for a Finland Tourist Visa from Nigeria
Embark on an enlightening journey through the steps of obtaining a Finland tourist visa from Nigeria in this comprehensive guide. Unearth the intricate details of the Finland visa application process for short trips, including leisure vacations, visits to friends and family, conference participation, and much more. Whether you’re seeking to apply for a Finland visa in Lagos or Abuja, this meticulously documented guide will navigate you through the visa application centers within Nigeria.
Understanding the Finland Tourist Visa from Nigeria: A Prelude
Before delving into the Finland tourist visa application process, let’s shed light on what the Finland tourist visa entails. Should your sojourn in Finland encompass a period of fewer than 90 days, securing a tourist visa is imperative. This visa type is colloquially known as the Finland short-stay visa.
Should your plans involve vacationing, visiting friends or family, engaging in a brief study program, attending a conference, or undergoing a medical examination, the Finland tourist visa from Nigeria is essential.
It is noteworthy that holding a valid Finland tourist visa grants you access to Finland and 26 other Schengen countries for a cumulative duration of 90 days. This extended scope includes prominent destinations such as France, Germany, and Sweden.
Notably, the roster of Schengen countries also encompasses Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
For pursuits such as extended studies, work engagements, and permanent residency, alternative visa categories are mandated, necessitating distinct application processes. Refer to our comprehensive blog posts to glean insights into securing these varied Finland visa types from Nigeria.
Decoding the Finland Visa Application Process from Nigeria: Step by Step
Embarking on the journey of acquiring a Finland tourist visa from Nigeria entails a systematic progression. We’ve dissected this progression below:
- Define the Purpose of Travel Align your purpose of visit with the stipulated criteria for the Finnish tourist visa. Eligible motives encompass tourism, vacationing, brief visits to acquaintances, medical evaluations, and business meetings. However, this visa category does not accommodate extended courses, work engagements, or permanent residency.
- Gather Essential Supporting Documents Compliance with Finnish immigration laws necessitates a collection of documents ranging from your international passport and proof of funds to valid reservations. Delve deeper into these requisites shortly.
- Complete the Visa Application Form Execute the visa application form and meticulously organize your application documents as outlined in the accompanying checklist provided with the online form. Alternatively, download the form, furnish it, print the final version, and carry it to the Visa Application Centre for submission.
- Schedule an Appointment with the Visa Application Centre The custodian of the Visa Application Centre, VFS Global, oversees this phase. Centres are established in both Lagos and Abuja:
Lagos: The Manor, Plot 110 Admiral Ayinla Way, Opposite Treasure Garden Estate, Third Roundabout, Lekki Phase I, Lagos 105102.
Abuja: 3rd Floor, Sterling Bank Plaza, Plot 1083, Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja 900211.
Additional contact: +2348150188800 (available 08:00 am – 03:00 pm) info.finland.ng@vfshelpline.com
The collection of your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) is obligatory and is carried out at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment. Scheduling an appointment is a prerequisite for this phase.
Following appointment booking, an email confirmation and an appointment letter will be dispatched. Families or groups must secure distinct appointments for each individual.
- Submit Your Application at the Visa Application Centre This phase represents one of the final steps of applying for a Finland tourist visa from Nigeria. Subsequently, you can track the progress of your application and eventually retrieve your passport. The Visa Application Centre serves as the venue for submitting your completed visa application form along with essential supporting documents.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your appointment. Note that access to the Visa Application Centre is restricted to applicants and one parent/legal guardian accompanying a minor. Adult applicants must be present at their visa application appointments.
Visiting the application center necessitates carrying both original and photocopies of your supporting documents. Rescheduling within 24 hours is imperative should you miss your appointment.
- Monitor Your Application Online Stay apprised of your visa application’s progress by utilizing the online tracking service available here. This service mandates inputting your Reference Number and birth date, both of which are furnished on the invoice or receipt received from the Visa Application Centre. Once your passport is ready, it can be retrieved from the VFS visa application centre.
Elucidating Visa Requirements at the Finland Embassy in Nigeria (Tourist Visa)
For an in-depth comprehension of the prerequisites associated with a Finland tourist visa application, explore the following aspects:
- Online Visa Application Form Complete, sign, and date the Schengen visa application form.
- International Passport Provide a valid international passport, accompanied by a colored copy of the bio-data page. The passport should remain valid for a minimum of 3 months post-intended travel, must have been issued within the past 10 years, and possess at least 2 blank pages.
- Schengen Travel Medical Insurance Secure travel medical insurance encompassing the entirety of the Schengen area. For multiple-entry visa applicants, insurance evidence is required for the first trip. The insurance coverage should amount to at least 30,000 euros, catering to sudden illness or accidents, including medical repatriation or death repatriation to the insured’s permanent residence.
- Cover Letter/Travel Plan Draft an itinerary detailing the locations you intend to visit.
- Flight Booking While it’s unadvised to purchase tickets prior to visa determination, securing a reservation is permissible. The reservation should indicate entry and exit from Finland.
- Hotel Booking Furnish proof of lodging arrangements for the entire duration of your stay.
- Proof of Employment For employment-based applications, include an employment letter on official corporate letterhead. This document should encompass the countersigning officer’s details, including their name, position, and signature. Additionally, it should feature your name, job title, pay, years of service, and permission for absence/return. Students can provide a school or university letter, and similar criteria apply to scholars (professors/scholars/lecturers/instructors).
- Bank Statement (Financial Proof) Supply your bank statement covering the last three months. Salary payment slips should be included, if applicable.
- Confirmation of VFS Appointment Furnish evidence of your appointment confirmation via email.
- Additional Documentation Specific cases warrant additional documents:
- For students: School or university letter along with original certificates.
- For married applicants: Marriage certificate, along with children’s birth certificates.
- Legal proof of property ownership, if applicable.
- For children: A letter of permission from both parents/legal guardians (when applicable), along with an original and a copy of the minor’s birth certificate.
- If attending a conference, business meeting, or visiting friends/family, an invitation letter from the host is required.
Assisting Hands: Finland Visa Agent in Nigeria
While numerous Finland visa agents in Nigeria can be located via a straightforward online search, platforms like Jiji are also viable options for finding visa agents. For personalized guidance and comprehensive support throughout the Finland visa application process in Nigeria, consider seeking assistance from reputable sources like Travukwik.
With their expertise, you can streamline the compilation of supporting documents and navigate the application procedures efficiently, ensuring you save both time and money.
Exploring the Financial Aspect: Cost of Traveling to Finland from Nigeria
Embarking on a journey to Finland from Nigeria involves financial considerations. Typically, the expenditure for a trip covering a duration of 10 to 14 days, including travel and accommodation, amounts to at least 1.5 million Naira.
Unveiling the Finland Visa Fee in Nigeria
At present, the Finland visa fee stands at EUR 80. This fee is to be paid on the day of your appointment at the Finland Visa Application Centre when applying for the Finland tourist visa from Nigeria. Cash payments are accepted at the Bank Implant within the VFS Centre. It’s essential to include a photocopy of your passport when making both the service and visa fee payments.
Below is a breakdown of the detailed fee structure for the Finland visa application:
- Schengen visa (age 12 years and above): EUR 80 (equivalent to Naira 37,800)
- Children, ages 6–11: EUR 40 (equivalent to Naira 18,900)
- Children, 0 to 5 years old: No fee
Additionally, it’s worth noting that an extra fee of EUR 30 (equivalent to Naira 14,175) is payable at the VFS Centre. This fee covers the VFS Centre’s service charge for processing your application.
Embark on Your Finnish Adventure: A Voyage Awaits
Equipped with this comprehensive and meticulously documented guide, you’re now prepared to embark on the exciting journey of applying for a Finland tourist visa from Nigeria. Whether you’re yearning for a leisurely escapade, reuniting with loved ones, or attending important conferences, this step-by-step guide ensures that no detail is overlooked. From understanding the purpose of your visit and assembling essential documents to scheduling appointments and monitoring your application’s progress, this guide serves as your compass on this remarkable voyage.
Remember, the opportunity to explore the captivating landscapes of Finland and the enchanting embrace of the Schengen area awaits. Secure your Finland tourist visa with confidence, armed with the knowledge and insights provided by this comprehensive guide. Bon voyage!
