Do I Need ETIAS for Finland?: Your Go-To Guide

Finland, one of the northernmost countries in Europe, is visited by millions of travelers each year – and it’s no wonder. From its vast forests and arctic landscapes to its modern capital, there’s something for everyone in this charming country.

European travel requirements continue to evolve and change – and while this is good news because it means safety and security are a top priority for the Schengen zone, it also means there can be a lot of updates to keep track of, such as pre-travel authorization.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ETIAS and how it applies to your upcoming visit to Helsinki, Espoo, or wherever you’re off to during your trip to Finland!

Do I need ETIAS to visit Finland?

Yes, from 2025 on, if you aren’t visiting Finland with a Schengen visa, you will need to apply for ETIAS before you travel there.

For context, the Schengen area (which includes Finland) has what’s called “visa-waiver agreements” with several different countries (such as the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia). This agreement allows passport holders of these countries to travel to Finland, and anywhere else in the Schengen area, without needing to obtain a visa to do so.

While these travelers aren’t required to go through the process of getting a visa, they do still need to get approval to enter the Schengen area. This may sound complex, but it’s a quick online application process.

Keep in mind: ETIAS is only for short-term trips (under 90 days) and does not replace a Finnish visa. If you’re planning to spend more than 90 days in Finland (or the Schengen area in general), you will need to apply for the appropriate visa instead of ETIAS.

If you hold a passport from a Schengen member country or are traveling on a Schengen visa, you do not need ETIAS.

Do I need ETIAS if I have a Finland visa?

No. If you hold a valid visa for Finland (or Schengen visa), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. ETIAS is an “either/or” situation. Travelers need to either have a valid Schengen visa or ETIAS approval.

How to apply for ETIAS for Finland

Applying for an ETIAS for your trip to Finland is quick, easy, and entirely online!

The process takes only a few steps. Make sure you have internet access, your passport, and a debit or credit card ready.

• Fill out the form on ETIAS with your name, travel details, nationality, and passport number.
• Answer questions about your personal history. According to the official European Union website, you’ll be asked to share your parents’ first names, current occupation, and level of education. You’ll also be asked about any past criminal convictions.
• Pay a small fee: There is an application fee (expect to pay 7 euros) that you’ll need to pay online with debit or credit.
• Wait for approval: ETIAS approval is immediate in the majority of cases. With that being said, while uncommon, approval can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.
• Travel to Finland!: Once your ETIAS is approved, it will be automatically linked to your passport for authorities to see. However, it never hurts to print out your approval, just in case.

Congratulations! Your ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. When it’s time to reapply, simply follow the steps above again.

If I get an ETIAS for Finland, can I travel to other Schengen countries with it?

According to the EU website, a valid ETIAS allows you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus. With that being said, it does not guarantee entry. Guards at the border are still able to deny entry.

ETIAS for Finland: What to Know

• From 2025 on, travelers who don’t have a Finnish or Schengen visa or passport will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Finland.
• ETIAS approval is usually immediate but can take up to 30 days.
• Finnish/Schengen country citizens do not need ETIAS.
• Current Finnish visa holders do not need ETIAS.
• Your approved ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
• The ETIAS application is done entirely online. There is a small fee.
• ETIAS costs 7 euros.
• ETIAS is valid for travel by air, land, or sea.
• You can appeal a denied ETIAS application.
• ETIAS is not a visa or visa substitute.
• US citizens will need ETIAS to travel to Finland from 2025 on.
• UK citizens will need ETIAS to travel to Finland from 2025 on.