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3 ways to enter

Åland Islands visas

Åland Islands family visa

Some family members of European single-market citizens can visit without a visa using a qualifying residence card. Other family visits follow the normal entry rules, and longer stays may need residence permission.

Ways to get a Åland Islands family visa

  1. Visa-free entry with a family-member residence card

    No visa needed

    Family members of any nationality who hold a qualifying residence card can enter when accompanying or joining their European single-market family member. A qualifying card issued by a Schengen state also permits independent travel.

    Stay
    Up to three months.
  2. Family-member visa at the border

    Visa on arrival

    In theory, a family member of a European single-market citizen who does not meet the residence-card exemption can obtain a visa at the border by proving the family relationship.

  3. Long-stay visa or residence permit

    Other permit

    Family visitors from outside the European single market generally need long-stay permission for stays exceeding 90 days unless another right or exemption applies.

    Stay
    A long-stay visa generally covers less than one year. A residence permit is used for longer periods.

Who needs it

Family visitors who do not meet a visa exemption need the appropriate visa. Detailed Finnish family residence requirements are not specified.

Who doesn't

Family members of European single-market citizens can qualify with a valid travel document and a residence card showing their family status.

What to bring

  • Valid travel document.
  • Residence card showing family-member status when using that exemption.

Good to know

  • Normally, travel with the European single-market family member or join them.
  • A qualifying family-member residence card issued by a Schengen state also allows independent travel to another Schengen state.
  • Family relationship alone does not describe a complete long-term residence route.
  • A possible visa at the border for qualifying family members is described as available in theory.

Questions

Do I need a family visa for Åland Islands?

Family visitors who do not meet a visa exemption need the appropriate visa. Detailed Finnish family residence requirements are not specified. Family members of European single-market citizens can qualify with a valid travel document and a residence card showing their family status.

What are the ways to get a family visa for Åland Islands?

There are 3 options: Visa-free entry with a family-member residence card (no visa at all); Family-member visa at the border (a visa at the border); Long-stay visa or residence permit (a special permit).

Who can go to Åland Islands without a family visa?

Family members of any nationality who hold a qualifying residence card can enter when accompanying or joining their European single-market family member. A qualifying card issued by a Schengen state also permits independent travel.

How long can I stay on a Åland Islands family visa?

Up to three months under the qualifying family-member residence-card exemption.

What documents do I need for a Åland Islands family visa?

Valid travel document.; Residence card showing family-member status when using that exemption..

What rules do I have to follow on a Åland Islands family visa?

Normally, travel with the European single-market family member or join them. A qualifying family-member residence card issued by a Schengen state also allows independent travel to another Schengen state.

Does my passport change whether I need a family visa for Åland Islands?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Åland Islands visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a family visa for Åland Islands be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Åland Islands family visa rules?

On Åland Islands's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my family visa once I am in Åland Islands?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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