Finland Schengen Visa for Ethiopian citizens: Requirements and application process

Are you an Ethiopian citizen planning to explore Finland’s picturesque cities and beautiful landscapes? There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful country! Learning about the Schengen Visa application and requirements for Ethiopian citizens is the first step for this journey.

We’re here to teach you everything you need to know to visit this Schengen country. In this guide you will learn about the entire application process. You can rely on our guided services to have full support from start to finish and increase your chances of visa approval. Let’s dive into the details of applying for a Finland Schengen Visa for Ethiopian citizens.

What is the Finland Schengen Visa?

The Finland Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows Ethiopian citizens to enter and stay in Finland, a Schengen Area country, for up to 90 days Per Entry. The good news is that this visa also allows you to enter any of the other 26 Schengen nations without requiring any other individual visas. It’s time for a European trip!

Do Ethiopian citizens need a visa for Finland?

Yes, Ethiopian citizens must apply for a Finland Schengen Visa before traveling to this country. As Finland is a member of the Schengen Area, Ethiopian travelers need this visa to enter this territory.

On the other hand, passport holders from other countries may have visa-free access. If you’re from a country other than Ethiopia, explore your options using the Visa Checker Tool.

Am I eligible to get a Finland Schengen Visa in Ethiopia?

Apart from being a citizen of Ethiopia and meeting every visa requirement, you must fulfill a few additional criteria to be eligible for the Finland Schengen Visa. You need to meet at least one of the following conditions:

• You plan to enter the Schengen Zone through Finland.

• Your visit to the Schengen Zone will be limited to Finland only.

• If you're planning to visit multiple countries, Finland will be your main destination, where you intend to stay the longest.

What other European countries can I visit with this visa?

That's the best part of the Finland Schengen Visa: It’s a single document that lets you visit not only Finland but also the rest of the Schengen countries.

You can enter the 27 Schengen nations with this visa: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

How long is the Finland Schengen Visa valid for Ethiopian citizens?

Usually, the Finland Schengen Visa grants a maximum stay of 90 days Per Entry within a 180-day period, and it’s valid for 5 years after issued. You can get a single, double, or multiple-entry visa. The consular officers will be the ones to ultimately decide the visa validity, stay duration, and number of entries. This is done considering several factors, including your trip’s purpose.

Benefits of getting the Finland Schengen Visa with iVisa

Visa applications can be complicated and time-consuming, but not with our guided services! We offer all the assistance you need for a smooth and stress-free application process. Check some of the benefits of applying for your Finland Schengen Visa with us:

• Application 100% government-compliant: Our team will carefully review all the answers you provide on the form and tweak them to ensure 100% compliance with the government requirements.

• Unlimited access to our team of iVisa Experts: When you apply with us, our iVisa Experts will be with you at every step. They'll be there for your questions or concerns during the application process.

• Simplified form: Embassy websites can be a real headache with confusing and never-ending questions. But fear not! With us, you'll breeze through a simplified and shorter form with clearer and more concise questions.

• Take your time: Fill out the form at your own pace. You can make changes and save your progress, so you don't have to start all over again when you're ready to continue.

• Manual Guide: We’ll provide you with a comprehensive manual guide packed with tips and insights. It'll help you tackle those tricky form sections and walk you through the step-by-step process of getting your shiny new visa without a hitch. We've got your back!

Finland Schengen Visa conditions

Learning the Finland Schengen Visa conditions is essential to ensure you follow the immigration laws during your visit. The conditions may vary according to your travel purpose, which you must inform in your application form.

Possible travel purposes when applying for a Finnish Schengen Visa

• Enjoying tourist activities.

• Conducting business activities.

• Visiting friends and family members.

• Attending cultural events.

• Participating in sports events.

• Traveling to Finland for health reasons (ensure you can afford the medical expenses).

• Doing educational training and internships.

• Official visits. What can I not do with the Finnish Schengen Visa?

• Do remunerated business (paid work).

• Have a permanent residence.

Finland Schengen Visa requirements in Ethiopia

To obtain a Finland Schengen Visa in Ethiopia, you must meet specific requirements set by the Finnish embassy or consulate. The exact list of requirements may vary slightly depending on your purpose of travel, but no worries! Applying with us, you’ll receive a complete documents list according to your situation. In the meantime, here are the essential criteria to keep in mind.

Finland Schengen Visa: Required visa application documents for Ethiopian citizens

• Valid passport.

• Completed application form.

• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host.

• Travel itinerary, including your planned activities and destinations during your stay in Finland.

• Proof of financial means - Bank statements and pay slips to prove you have enough funds to cover your trip.

• Travel health insurance - Travel insurance must have a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.

• Police certificate stating no criminal record.

• 2 passport-size photos – Use our digital passport service if you need one easily and quickly!

• Marriage certificate (if applicable).

Finland Schengen Visa requirements for children in Ethiopia

Children must also apply for a visa to enter Finland. When applying for a Finland Schengen Visa for children in Ethiopia, certain requirements must be fulfilled. Ensure you provide the following items for the minor’s visa application:

• Original birth certificate.

• Copy of both parents' ID cards and passports (with all pages containing any type of information).

• Written parental consent letter from the parent who is not accompanying the child, or from both parents if the minor is traveling alone.

• If either one of the parents is absent or deceased, a court decision or death certificate must be provided.

• If the legal guardian is someone other than the parent listed on the birth certificate, a custody order must be submitted to prove legal guardianship.

• A letter from the school containing the minor's name, parents' names, grade, number of years at school, school holidays, contact details, date, and name of the school representative.

• If the minor is traveling with a group, a complete list of names of all group members traveling and the name of the person in charge of the group.

Make sure children have their own passports and that their legal guardians' names are included on their visa application forms.

Finland Schengen Visa passport requirements

When applying for the Finland Schengen Visa, make sure your Ethiopian passport meets the following criteria:

• It’s valid for at least six months after the arrival date.

• It has at least two blank pages.

• It’s in good condition.

Finland Schengen Visa photo requirements

The photos for your Finland Schengen Visa application must meet some specific criteria. Here are the requirements you must keep in mind:

• The photo should be recent, taken within the last six months.

• It must be in color and printed on high-quality photo paper.

• The dimensions of the photo should be 35mm x 45mm.

• The background should be plain and light-colored, preferably white.

• The face should be centered and occupy around 70-80% of the photo.

• Headgear is only allowed for religious or medical reasons. In such cases, the face must be completely visible from the forehead to the chin.

• Glasses are permitted as long as they do not obstruct the eyes and there is no glare on the lenses.

• Photos with any reflection or red-eye effect will not be accepted.

• The photo should be clear and focused, without blur or pixelation.

Check all the details on Schengen visa photo requirements in this blog. And remember, you can use our convenient digital passport photo service to get one easily and quickly!

When should I apply for the Finland Schengen Visa?

It's recommended to start the process at least two months before your planned trip to ensure your Finland Schengen Visa application goes smoothly. Applying in advance gives you ample time to complete the form, double-check for errors, and prepare all the necessary documents. Reduce stress and increase the chances of receiving your visa on time!

How to apply for a Finland Schengen Visa in Ethiopia

Applying for a Schengen visa with us is a straightforward and hassle-free experience. Just follow these simple steps to kickstart your visa application:

• Step 1: Provide your basic and travel information on our website or iVisa app. Pay the iVisa service fee using PayPal, Venmo, Amazon Pay, or a credit/debit card. Remember, you must pay the government visa fee separately at VFS Global (Visa Facilitation Services).

• Step 2: Complete our simplified visa application form and upload the required documents. Double-check all the information and submit the form.

• Step 3: We’ll schedule your visa appointment and provide a detailed list of documents. Prepare for your visa interview appointment by gathering all the required information.

• Step 4: Submit the visa application and undergo the interview at the indicated VFS.

Once you've completed these simple steps, you only have to wait for your Finland Schengen Visa! To assist you throughout the process, we'll send you a comprehensive PDF guide and provide you with one of our dedicated iVisa Experts to help you with any questions.

Where to apply for the Finland Schengen Visa

Schengen Visa applications entail an appointment at the nearest Finnish mission, Embassy, Visa Application Center, or VFS Global. For Ethiopian citizens, specifically, it’s scheduled at the VFS in Addis Ababa.

At the visa appointment, you’ll provide your biometric identifiers, submit your documents and undergo a visa interview. You must pay the VFS service and government fees to process the visa.

Once you complete all the steps, wait for the visa approval. You’ll receive a notification with the visa outcome.

How to prepare for the Finland Schengen Visa interview in Ethiopia

There’s no need to be nervous about the personal interview anymore! We’ll schedule the visa appointment for you and provide a guide that will help you prepare for the Finland Schengen Visa interview, increasing your chances of a successful application. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you are well-prepared:

• Organize and bring all the required supporting documents, such as financial statements, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and other relevant information. Carry both original copies and photocopies.

• Prepare for potential questions regarding your travel plans, trip purpose, financial stability, and ties to your home country. Practice your answers to ensure clarity and confidence during the interview.

• Dress professionally and presentably for the interview. Choose attire that reflects your seriousness and respect for the process.

• Plan your journey to the interview location, allowing for potential delays or traffic. Arriving in advance demonstrates punctuality and preparedness.

• During the interview, remain calm and composed. Answer questions honestly and confidently.

• Show genuine enthusiasm for your planned trip to Finland. Highlight your intentions to comply with the visa regulations and return to Ethiopia within the authorized period.

Finland Schengen Visa fees: Visa cost for Ethiopian citizens

When applying for the Schengen Visa with our services, you must consider the following visa fees:

iVisa application fee:

• Standard service fee: USD $336.99 (excluding government fees). This fee grants you access to our comprehensive concierge service benefits. You must pay using one of our online options.

VFS and government visa fees:

• Since the Finland Schengen Visa appointment is at the VFS in Addis Ababa, there’s also a VFS service fee of €30.

• The government fee for the Finland Schengen Visa is €80. Please note that minors between the ages of 6 and 12 are eligible for a reduced fee (€40), while children under 6 are exempt from paying the government fee.

• You must pay the VFS service and government fees to the cashier counter at the VFS.

What is the Finland Schengen Visa processing time in 2023?

Regarding the processing time for getting a Finland Schengen Visa, two stages are involved. Let's break it down for you:

• iVisa processing time: 30 days. During this period, we ensure your application form complies with the government requirements and schedule your visa appointment.

• Finland’s government processing time: After you have submitted your application at the VFS, the government takes over and begins processing your visa request. On average, it takes 15-45 days for Finnish authorities to process your Schengen visa application.

My Finland Schengen Visa in Ethiopia was denied. What should I do?

Was your Schengen visa denied? Unfortunately, that can happen; but you still have options!

• Appeal the decision: The appeal document must be in writing, signed by you, and delivered to the Finland embassy within three weeks from the date you received the decision.

• Reapply with our guidance: If you tried to apply on your own the first time, the advice is to now rely on professional guidance to improve your chances. Having the help of our iVisa Experts will make all the difference, and you’ll have many benefits that will ensure you submit a flawless application.

Can I extend my Finland Schengen Visa?

Extending a Finland Schengen Visa is possible, but only under exceptional circumstances. Here are some valid reasons that may warrant an extension:

• If you have a single-entry visa and experience a delayed entry into Finland due to unforeseen circumstances, you may be eligible for an extension.

• Local authorities may consider visa extensions for humanitarian purposes, such as requiring additional medical treatment, attending a funeral, or supporting a family member facing hardship.

• An extension may be granted if you face unforeseeable circumstances beyond your control, including natural disasters, violent protests, or extreme weather conditions.

• The government may grant a visa extension due to significant personal events that weren’t planned, such as a family member’s unplanned wedding.

Each extension request is evaluated individually, and you must present sufficient evidence supporting your exceptional circumstances.

Learn more about Finland

Here are some sources that can help you to be well-prepared for your Finland trip!

• Finland Travel Guide: What is the best time to visit Finland? What traditional dishes should I try? How much does a week in Finland cost? Our travel guide’s got you covered! Find all the answers and many travel tips on it!

• Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland’s website.

• Finland abroad’s website.