Introduction:

If you’re a Nigerian citizen planning to travel to Finland, you’ll need to apply for a Finland Schengen visa. The process can seem daunting, but with the right information and preparation, it becomes much more manageable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of applying for a Finland Schengen visa from Nigeria, helping you understand the visa types, application procedures, and necessary documents.

Types of Schengen Visas Offered

Before you begin the application process, it’s important to determine the type of visa that matches the purpose and duration of your trip.

The visa you apply for will depend on:

The duration of your trip
The purpose of your trip

VFS Global, the visa application center, accepts applications for short-stay visas, which are valid for trips up to 90 days. If you wish to go to Finland for longer than 90 days, you should contact the embassy for more information.

Types of Finland Schengen Visa

Tourist visa: For leisure, recreation, or sightseeing purposes.
Business visa: For meetings, conferences, training, and trade fairs. Note that work purposes require a residence permit, which you can apply for through the embassy.
Visiting family and friends: For visiting family members or friends legally residing in Finland.
Conference, fair, seminar, congress: For cultural events in Finland.
Official purposes: For official visits to Finland.
Research or training: For research or training purposes in Finland.

Airport Transit visa: Specifically for citizens of certain countries transiting through the international zone of the airport during a stopover or flight change. It only allows the visa holder to transit via the international zone of the airport during a stopover or change between two flights. You are not permitted to leave this zone. Citizens of the following countries need a transit visa:

Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Ghana
Iraq
Iran
Democratic Republic of Congo
Nigeria
Pakistan
Somalia
Sri Lanka

Note that Visa applications must be submitted to VFS Global in Abuja. Once handed in, your application will be sent to the Embassy of Finland in Abuja for processing.

You may apply for your visa at least 15 days and up to 6 months before you travel. Applications are processed within 15 days, but the time could be longer if the embassy needs more information or further documents are requested.

Application Process

To apply for a Finland Schengen visa, follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the visa type: Visit the VFS Global website and familiarize yourself with the different visa types to determine the one that matches your travel purpose.

Step 2: Begin your application: Download the visa application form from the VFS Global website and complete it accurately. You can either fill out the form online or download and print a hard copy.

Step 3: Book an appointment: Schedule an appointment through the VFS Global website or by visiting their visa application center in person.

Step 4: Visit the visa application center: Attend your appointment at the VFS Global visa application center. Bring all required documents, including the completed application form, passport, and supporting documents.

Step 5: Pay the fees: Pay the applicable visa fees and service charges at the bank counter within the VFS Global center. Ensure you keep a photocopy of your passport’s first page and the payment receipts.

Step 6: Track your application: Monitor the status of your application online using the tracking system provided on the VFS Global website.

Step 7: Collect your passport: Once a decision has been made, you can collect your passport from the VFS Global center. If approved, your visa will be affixed inside your passport.

Finland Visa Validity

Visas are usually issued as:

Single-entry – allows the holder to enter Finland once and stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Double-entry – allows entry into Finland twice and are valid within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Multiple-entry – is granted for several consecutive visits to the Schengen area. The total duration of the stays may not exceed 90 days in a 180-day period.  A multiple-entry visa is valid for a maximum of five (5) years

Required Documents for Finland Schengen Visa Application

Schengen visa application form
Recent passport photograph
Original valid passport/travel document and photocopy
Previous passports (if applicable)
Valid National ID card or residence permit
Individual travel medical insurance
Round trip airline ticket reservation and travel plan/itinerary
Proof of accommodation
Employment letter on official company letterhead
Original Tax Clearance Certificate and certificate of Business Incorporation (for businessmen)
Letter from school or university (for scholars and students)
Proof of ties to Nigeria
Proof of financial means (bank statements, salary slips, etc.)
Documents for minors (letter of consent, birth certificate, ID cards/passports of parents/legal guardians)
Invitation letter (if applicable)

How Can I Apply for a Finland Schengen Visa from VFS Global in Nigeria

Go to VFS Global’s website and click on “Apply for a visa”: On the next page, you will see that there are several steps you need to follow when you apply for a visa.

Step 1: Identify the Visa Type

Visit the VFS Global website and familiarize yourself with the different visa types. Make sure you select the correct visa type based on the purpose and duration of your trip. Carefully review the information provided on the website to ensure you understand the specific requirements for each visa type.

 

Step 2: Begin Your Application

Download the visa application form from the VFS Global website. You have the option to complete the form online or download and print a hard copy. Ensure that you provide accurate and up-to-date information in your application.

When you are ready to apply, download your visa application form. See below example. Click on the link

On the next page, click on the link to start your online application form:

Then, you will need to create an account before completing your application form

 

Step 3: Book an Appointment

It’s recommended to book your appointment well in advance to secure your preferred date and time. Making appointments with the embassy, consulate or visa application centre is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure which consulate to apply to or have no idea on how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee! Send us an inquiry at Inquiries@haventravelandtour.com

Step 4: Visit the Visa Application Center

Arrive at the visa application center at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Make sure to bring the following documents:

Completed visa application form
Valid passport with at least two empty pages
Copies of your passport’s bio page
Supporting documents based on your visa type (e.g., travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance)
Payment receipts for visa fees and service charges
Be prepared to provide your fingerprints and have your photograph taken as part of the biometric information collection process.

During your visit, you may be asked questions about your trip. Answer truthfully and provide any additional documentation that supports the purpose and duration of your visit to Finland.

Step 5: Pay the Fees

Pay the required visa fees and service charges at the designated bank counter within the VFS Global center. Keep a photocopy of the first page of your passport and the payment receipts for your records. Note that visa fees and service charges are non-refundable.

. The fees are non-refundable.

Category
VISA FEES (EURO)
VISA FEES (NAIRA)

Schengen visa (age 12 years and above)
EUR 80
Naira 40,050

Children, ages 6–11 (unless otherwise stated in the Visa Facilitation Agreement)
EUR 40
Naira 20,050

Children, 0 to 5 years old
EUR 0
Naira 0.00

There is also a service fee payable to VFS Global:

TYPE
EURO
NAIRA

VFS Service fee
30
15,000

Step 6: Track Your Application

Use the tracking system on the VFS Global website to monitor the status of your visa application.  To track the status of your application, go to “step 6 – track your application” and click on the link:

Enter your reference number and date of birth to access the latest information on your application’s progress.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

Once a decision has been made, you will receive an email notification. You have two options to collect your passport:

Collect in Person: Visit the VFS Global center with the receipt issued during your application submission and a valid ID to collect your passport.
Courier Service: Pay an additional fee to have your passport delivered to your home address through a courier service. Details on additional services can be found on the VFS Global website.

Upon receiving your passport, check for the visa attachment inside the pages. If approved, you’re ready to embark on your journey to Finland. In case of rejection, you have the option to appeal the decision as per the provided guidelines. Firstly you need to understand the reason for the visa denial.

 Common Reasons for Rejected Finland Schengen Visa Applications

Reasons for a rejected visa application can vary, and it’s important to address them to increase your chances of a successful application. Here are some common reasons for visa rejections:

Passport validity: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area. An expired passport or insufficient validity can lead to a visa rejection.
Unclear purpose of the trip: You did not clearly state the reason for your visit to Finland and provide supporting documentation. This could include a detailed travel itinerary, hotel reservations, flight bookings, invitation letters, or confirmation of business meetings or events. Providing clear and comprehensive information helps the embassy understand the purpose and duration of your trip.
Lack of entitlement to return: The embassy may reject your application because they suspect that you do not have sufficient ties to your home country and may not return after your visit to Finland. To address this concern, provide evidence of your strong ties to Nigeria, such as employment letters, property ownership, bank statements, or proof of family commitments.
Insufficient proof of intention to leave: You did not demonstrate that you have a genuine intention to leave the Schengen Area before your visa expires. This can be shown through return flight tickets, proof of employment or studies in Nigeria, or any other commitments that require your presence after your trip to Finland.

How to contact VFS Global in Abuja, Nigeria

Address: Visa Application Centre, Sterling Bank Plaza, 3rd Floor, Plot 1083, Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria

Hours:

Business Hours
Monday to Thursday
08:00 – 15:00

Submission Hours
Monday to Thursday
08:00 – 15:00

Passport Collection Hours
Monday to Thursday
08:00 – 15:00

Email: info.finland.ng@vfshelpline.com

Tel: +2348150188800 (08:00 – 15:00)

This Visa Application Centre has an additional fee requirement – Service Fees: Euro 30; Naira 15,000.

Important Considerations

When applying for a Finland Schengen visa, keep the following in mind:

Apply in advance: Submit your application at least 15 days prior to your intended travel date. Applications are usually processed within 15 days, but it’s recommended to allow additional time for unforeseen circumstances.
Documentation: Ensure you gather all the necessary documents, including a valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, financial statements, and any additional documents specific to your visa type.
Honesty during the interview: If called for an interview, answer questions honestly and provide supporting evidence to substantiate the purpose and duration of your trip.

Conclusion

Applying for a Finland Schengen visa from Nigeria may require careful planning and attention to detail. For a hassle-free application process, trust Havens Travel and Tour. Let our competent and experienced immigration professionals to handle your application processing and increase your chances of success. With persistence and determination, you can make your Finland dream a reality. To get started contact us on +1-520-379-1037 or Email at inquiries@haventravelandtour.com.

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