Skip to content
3 ways to enter

Finland visas

Finland transit visa

Many passengers can change flights in Finland without a visa if they stay inside the international transit area. Some nationalities need an airport transit visa even for this kind of transfer.

Ways to get a Finland transit visa

  1. Airside transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers outside the common airport transit visa list can generally transfer without a visa if they meet the airside transfer conditions.

    Stay
    Less than one day.

Who needs it

Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka need an airport transit visa unless an exemption applies.

Who doesn't

Other nationalities generally do not need a visa for a qualifying airside transfer. Listed visa-required nationalities may also qualify for an exemption based on their documents or status.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
If you must leave the international transit area, you must meet the normal entry rules for Finland. Your flights and the airport layout must allow an airside transfer to use the transit exemption.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
Transit through a single Schengen airport, remain in its international transit area and stay for less than one day. If your nationality normally needs an airport transit visa, you must also meet a specific exemption.

How to apply

  1. Check whether your nationality needs an airport transit visa and whether an exemption applies.
  2. If you need a visa for your transfer in Finland, apply through Finland's embassy or consulate.

Good to know

  • Remain inside the international transit area to use the airside transit exemption.
  • The transfer must involve only one Schengen airport.
  • The visa-free transfer must last less than 24 hours, not a full 24 hours.
  • Finland has no additional airport transit visa nationalities beyond the common list of 12.
  • Permission to transit airside does not itself give permission to enter Finland.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Finland?

Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka need an airport transit visa unless an exemption applies. Other nationalities generally do not need a visa for a qualifying airside transfer. Listed visa-required nationalities may also qualify for an exemption based on their documents or status.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Finland?

There are 3 options: Airside transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy); Airport transit visa exemption (transit without a visa).

How long can I stay on a Finland transit visa?

The general visa-free airside transfer rule requires a stay of less than one day.

How do I apply for a Finland transit visa?

1. 1. Check whether your nationality needs an airport transit visa and whether an exemption applies. 2. 2. If you need a visa for your transfer in Finland, apply through Finland's embassy or consulate.

How long can I stay in transit in Finland?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Transit through a single Schengen airport, remain in its international transit area and stay for less than one day. If your nationality normally needs an airport transit visa, you must also meet a specific exemption.

Can I stay inside the airport in Finland without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: If you must leave the international transit area, you must meet the normal entry rules for Finland. Your flights and the airport layout must allow an airside transfer to use the transit exemption.

What rules do I have to follow on a Finland transit visa?

Remain inside the international transit area to use the airside transit exemption. The transfer must involve only one Schengen airport. The visa-free transfer must last less than 24 hours, not a full 24 hours.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Finland?

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

Can a transit visa for Finland 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 Finland transit visa rules?

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

Reviewed by