Finland Schengen Visa for Saudi Arabian citizens: Requirements and application process

The Finland Schengen Visa presents an opportunity for Saudi Arabians to explore the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Finland. Because Finland is a member of the Schengen Area, this visa also offers seamless access to 26 other Schengen countries.

This article delves into the key aspects of the Finland Schengen Visa application, highlighting the requirements, visa fees, and how to apply for Saudi Arabian citizens.

Finland National Park

What is the Finland Schengen Visa for Saudi Arabian citizens?

The Finland Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows Saudi Arabian citizens to enter Finland and other countries within the Schengen Area for a temporary stay. As a member of the Schengen Agreement, Finland and 26 other countries have established a common visa policy, enabling travelers to move freely between them without additional border checks.

With this visa, you can visit the area for tourism, business, participating in cultural events, and visiting family and friends.

To be eligible for this visa, Finland should be either the first country of arrival or the country where you plan to spend the majority of your time.

Do Saudi Arabian citizens need a visa for Finland?

Yes, Saudi Arabian citizens require a visa to visit Finland. Saudi Arabian passport holders aren't eligible for visa-free travel to Finland or the Schengen Area. They need to apply for a Finland Schengen Visa before their trip.

The visa allows them to enter Finland for a temporary stay, whether it's for tourism, business, or other purposes. As visa applications may take time, it's recommended to begin the process well before the planned travel dates.

Am I eligible to get the Finland Schengen Visa in Saudi Arabia?

To qualify for a Finland Schengen Visa as a Saudi Arabian citizen, you generally need to fulfill the following criteria:

Have a valid reason for visiting Finland or any other Schengen country, such as tourism, business, family visit, or studies.
Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen area. It should have been issued within the last 10 years.
Submit all the necessary documents as explained below.
Demonstrate your intention to return to your home country within the validity period of the visa.
Have health or travel insurance that provides coverage of at least €30,000 within the Schengen Zone.
Have sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses and be able to provide proof of this.

How long is the Finland Schengen Visa valid for Saudi Arabians?

Saudi Arabian citizens visiting Finland can generally get a Schengen Visa that allows them to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.

The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs determines the specific type and validity of the visa based on each individual's situation. The visa may be granted as a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa, with validity periods ranging from 180 days to 5 years.

However, regardless of the visa type, the maximum duration of each stay is limited to 90 days per entry.

Can I extend the Finland Schengen Visa in Saudi Arabia?

No, it isn't possible to extend the Finland Schengen Visa unless in exceptional cases, such as medical emergencies. To extend your stay in the country, you must leave the Schengen Area and apply for a new visa.

You can reapply for a Finland Visa with us. If you need a long-stay visa, work visa, or residence permit, please check the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs website for more info.

Finland Schengen Visa Fee: Cost of the visa for Saudi Arabians

The costs are divided into two parts.

1. The iVisa processing fee is USD $404.99, excluding government fees.

This service fee includes support throughout the visa application process. Our dedicated agents will assist you every step of the way and provide a detailed handbook to help you fill out the application form and prepare for your Schengen Visa interview.

The government visa fee of about US$85.00 is paid separately during your visa appointment. Children between 6 and 12 are eligible for a discounted visa fee, while children under 6 are exempt from paying the government fee.

What is the Finland Schengen Visa processing time in 2023?

Here's an overview of what to expect:

iVisa processing: Takes up to 30 days. During this time, we'll carefully check your application for completeness and ensure it meets all government requirements. You'll also receive a guide to prepare for your visa interview, which we'll schedule for you.
Government processing: The Finland Embassy aims to decide on your application within 15 business days. However, this depends on your individual case and the Embassy's workload.

To ensure a smooth process, we highly recommend applying for the visa at least two months before your trip. You can start your application up to six months before your planned arrival date.

Finland Schengen Visa application: How to apply in Saudi Arabia

To make your Finland Visa application process smooth and effortless, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Start the application process through our website or conveniently download our user-friendly iVisa app on your mobile device. Fill out the application form by providing your personal information and travel details.
Step 2: Double-check all the entered details for accuracy, then securely pay the iVisa processing fee on our platform using a debit, credit, credit card, or PayPal.

Please note that the government fee will be paid directly at the Finnish Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Center (VAC) during your visa appointment.

Step 3: Complete our simplified application form. We'll guide you step-by-step on correctly filling out the form and inform you of the required documents before the mandatory visa interview.

When applying online with us, you only need to upload scanned copies of your passport and a passport photo.

We'll schedule your visa appointment and keep you informed about the remaining steps through email. With our assistance, applying for a Schengen Visa for Finland becomes hassle-free!

Required documents for the Finland Schengen Visa for Saudi citizens

By applying for the Finnish Schengen Visa with us, you'll get a complete list of required documents to bring with you. Here's an overview of what's generally required:

Valid Saudi passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned arrival date in the Schengen Zone.
Travel itinerary: Include the return ticket to your home country, hotel reservations, tour bookings, or an invitation letter from your host.
Proof of enough funds: Provide bank statements for the last three months to demonstrate that you can cover all expenses during your trip.
Travel/medical insurance: With coverage of medical expenses up to €30,000 in the Schengen Zone, including emergency repatriation.
Two passport-size photos: If you don't have one, use our affordable digital photo service from the comfort of your home!
Application form: You'll receive this during the application process; it must be printed and signed.

If you're traveling with dependents, such as your spouse or children, also provide the same required documentation for them.

Please note that all documents should be in English, Finnish, Swedish, or Greek. If your documents are in a different language, you must have them translated.

Finland Schengen Visa requirements for children/minors

When applying for a Finnish Schengen Visa, children from Saudi Arabia are generally expected to meet the same requirements as adults. However, some additional documents need to be included:

Parental consent: A notarized letter of authorization from the non-accompanying parent is usually required if the child travels with only one parent or guardian.
Proof of relationship: It's necessary to submit documents such as the child's birth certificate and/or other legal papers to establish the relationship between the child and the accompanying parent(s) or guardian(s).
Passport: Children must possess their own valid passports.

Apply as a family by clicking 'Add another person' during the application process.

Finland Schengen Visa passport requirements

There are specific valid passport requirements that must be met before applying for this visa:

Validity: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from after arriving in Finland.
Issuance date: The passport must have been issued within the last 10 years.
Blank pages: Your passport must have at least two adjacent blank pages for stamps.
Condition: Your passport should be in good condition, with no significant damage.

It's important to note that these passport requirements apply not only to Finland but to each Schengen country.

Finland Schengen Visa photo requirements

When applying for a Finland Schengen Visa, you must meet specific photo requirements:

Size: Standard passport size, typically 35×45 mm or 2×2 inches (ca. 5 cm).
Recent photo: Must be taken within the last 6 months.
Background: Should be plain and light-colored.
Facial expression: A neutral facial expression with both eyes open and looking directly at the camera. Mouth closed and don't smile or frown.
Headwear: Avoid wearing headgear that obscures your face unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
Glasses: If you usually wear eyeglasses, you can keep them on for the photo. However, ensure there's no glare or reflection on the lenses.
Attire: Avoid uniforms unless religiously required.

If you want to get suitable photos for the application, use our digital photo service!

Finland Helsinki Harbor

How to prepare for the Finland Schengen Visa interview in Saudi Arabia

Preparation for the Finland Schengen Visa interview in Saudi Arabia is important for a successful outcome. Here are some valuable tips to help you prepare:

Gather all the necessary supporting documents that validate the purpose of your trip, your financial ability to fund your trip, ties to your home country, and your intention to return.

This may include flight reservations, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, employment letters, and other pertinent documents.

Practice answering the potential questions the visa officer may ask. Be ready to explain your travel itinerary, the purpose of your visit to Finland, and how you plan to fund your trip.

Moreover, be prepared to discuss your connections to your home country and your intention to return after your visit.

Remember that each visa application is unique, and the interview experience with the Finnish immigration service may vary.

By thoroughly preparing for the interview and confidently presenting your case, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful result on your Finland Schengen Visa application from Saudi Arabia!

Read more expert tips to prepare for your Schengen Visa interview in this [blog]/schengen/blog/schengen-visa-interview).

My Finland Schengen Visa application in Saudi Arabia was denied. What should I do?

If your Schengen Visa application for Finland is declined in Saudi Arabia, there are several steps you can take to address the situation, as outlined below.

Firstly, carefully review the rejection letter provided by the embassy or consulate. This letter should clearly specify the reason for the denial. Understanding these reasons is crucial to determining the appropriate course of action.

If you believe the rejection was unjustly decided or there may have been an error during the decision process, it's advisable to seek advice from an immigration lawyer or visa agent. They can provide guidance, assess your application, and suggest the best way to proceed.

Additionally, once you've addressed the issues raised that led to the rejection, you always have the option to reapply for the Schengen Visa through our services. We can assist you throughout the process and ensure your application is prepared effectively.

Benefits of getting your Finland Schengen Visa with us

100% government-compliant application: Our team of iVisa Experts will review all information and ensure it's 100% compliant with government requirements.
Unlimited access to our iVisa Experts: Our iVisa Experts will guide you through the entire application process and answer any questions you may have.
Simplified form: Visa applications can be confusing and tedious. At iVisa, we'll make sure to include only relevant questions, making the application hassle-free.
Fill out the form at your own pace: Save your progress, make changes, and return later when you need a break.
Step-by-step guide: Apply with us and receive a comprehensive manual with all the tips you need to complete difficult sections.

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