[Full Guide] How To Travel From Nigeria To Finland In 2023

If there are any Schengen countries you should visit as a Nigerian, then one of them should be Finland. Finland is quite an interesting destination to visit or even migrate to as there are lots of interesting places to stay or visit with maximum security and comfort.

If you as a Nigerian wants to travel to Finland, how do you go about it?, well I know that is why you are here, so stay tuned as I bring you detailed information on how to travel from Nigeria to Finland.

How To Travel From Nigeria To Finland

Traveling from Nigeria to Finland requires quite a handful of process which includes;

• Getting A Valid International Passport
• Getting An Approved Schengen Finland Visa
• Getting A Flight Ticket For Your Journey

This process right above is the required process for you to migrate from Nigeria to Finland for any purpose, now that you know the process, how do you go about getting it done? Stay tuned as we take you through the process of acquiring an approved Finland Schengen visa.

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Nigerian Schengen Visa Application for Finland

There is a visa application process for Nigerian citizens who wish to travel to Finland.

In order to apply for a visa, you must go through VFS Global in Abuja. Upon receipt, your application will be forwarded to the Finnish Embassy in Abuja for review.

Before you leave, you can apply for a visa at least 15 days in advance. If the embassy requires additional information or additional documents, the process may take longer than 15 days.

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VFS Global in Nigeria offers a variety of Schengen visas.

• Depending on the type of visa you’re applying for:
• Length of time spent away from home
• The purpose of your journey

It is only possible to apply for a 90-day visa through VFS Global. In order to learn more about staying in Finland for an extended period of time, you should get in touch with the embassy.

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It is up to you to make sure you’re applying for the correct one, so be sure to read through everything carefully before you submit your application. For more information, please visit the VFS Global website.

Types Of Visa

• Tourist Visa: In order to go on vacation, you will need a tourist visa.
• Business Visa: For business purposes, such as meetings, conferences, training, and trade fairs. For those who plan to work in Finland, you will need a residence permit, which can be obtained through the embassy.
• Visiting Friends and family – for visiting Friends or family members in Finland who are legally residing there.
• Transit Visa: This allows a traveler to travel through the international terminal of an airport on their way to or from another destination.  Transit visas are required for nationals of the following countries:
• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Iraq
• Iran
• The Congolese Democratic Republic
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Somalia
• Ivory Coast

Visas are typically issued in the following form:

• Single-Entry: If you have this type of visa, you can enter Finland only one time in any 180-day period, and you can stay for up to 90 days in total.
• Double-entry: For up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen area, you can enter Finland twice with a Schengen dual-entry visa.
• Multiple entries – is granted for multiple visits to the Schengen zone. In a 180-day period, no more than 90 days can be spent in a single stay. At the end of the five years, a multiple-entry visa is no longer valid.

Finnish Schengen Visa Requirements

In order to submit your visa application, you’ll need to gather a number of documents. Check out VFS Global’s website for checklists before submitting an application. Your application may be rejected if you do not provide all of the required information. Don’t forget to provide photocopies of the documents in addition to the originals.

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To name just a few:

• An application for a Schengen visa must be submitted with all required fields filled out and signed by the applicant, as well as the date and signature of the applicant on the application itself.
• Passport photo in color, taken no more than six months ago, 35 mm or 40 mm in size, with a light-colored plain background and a neutral expression on the face. Editing of the image is strictly prohibited. See the full specifications of this image.
• One photocopy of the original passport/travel document (ID page and all pages containing markings). It must be valid for at least three months after the planned journey and have at least two blank pages within the last 10 years.
• Any previous passports, if any
• A valid form of photo identification, such as a passport or a green card, is required for international travel. Valid for at least three months following departure from the Schengen area, the permit must be
• Medical insurance for the entire duration of a Schengen-area trip by a single traveler. Coverage for emergency medical expenses, hospital treatment, and repatriation due to illness or death is included in the minimum 30 000 euro non-deductible coverage. All of the Schengen area or the world must accept it
• Booking a round-trip airline ticket and making travel arrangements to all of the planned stops along the way.
• Reservation confirmations, hotel reservations, or other evidence of lodging for the entire duration of your intended stay
• The countersigning officer’s name, position, and signature are included in the letter of employment, which is on official company letterhead and stamped and dated. The letter must include the applicant’s name and position, as well as their salary, length of service, and whether or not their absence has been approved.
• Incorporation Certificate, Tax Clearance Certificate, and Certificate of Incorporation
• If you are a scholar, you will need a letter from your school or university stating that you are eligible to apply.
• Evidence that you are connected to Nigeria by way of official documents such as marriage certificates and childbirth certificates.
• Proof of financial resources – 3 months of bank statements, salary slips, regular incomes from the property, etc. – is required.
• Proof of legal guardianship (if applicable) and a letter of consent from both parents/guardians are required for minors.
• A copy of the minor’s birth certificate, naming both parents, as well as their ID cards/passports.
• Name, address, relationship to host, and stay duration are all stated in this letter of invitation (if applicable)
• Schengen Medical Protection During Your Trip

How To Apply For Finnish Schengen Visa in Nigeria

While trying to apply for a Finnish Visa in Nigeria online, the recommended way is to apply via the VFS global website via https://visa.vfsglobal.com/nga/en/fin/apply-visa

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When applying for a visa, you’ll see on this page that there are several steps you must take.

Step 1 – Identify Visa Type

You’ll need to verify that the visa you’re applying for is the correct one before anything else. Select “visa type”:

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On the following page, you’ll find tabs for each step of the visa application process.

Step 2 – Begin Your Application

Obtain your visa application form and fill it out when you’re ready.

Next, click the button to begin your online application form on the following page:

Creating an account is required before submitting your application.

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Visa application forms can also be downloaded, completed and printed and submitted to VFS Global for submission.

Step 3 – Book An Appointment

The process of scheduling appointments with the embassy, consulate, or visa application center is generally free and can be completed by the applicant themselves.

Please follow these instructions to schedule an appointment.

• Go to VFS Global’s website and select “step 3 – book an appointment” from the drop-down menu.
• The link is at the bottom of the page.
• “Book Now” is at the bottom of the page.
• Create an account if you’re a new user.
• Log on to your account and schedule an appointment for a time and date that work for you.
• Receive a confirmation email

Step 4 – Visit A Visa Application Center

You must go to VFS Global in person to submit your visa application.

There are a few things you must do:

• If you have an appointment, try to arrive 15 minutes early.
• You must show up in person for your visa appointment.
• A valid passport or travel document with at least two blank pages and a printout of your visa application
• Gather all verifiable data (originals and copies)
• Send in your fingerprints and a photo of yourself. The process of gathering biometric data is referred to as this. Your application will not be processed if you don’t have this.

It’s also possible that you’ll be asked about your trip. Answer honestly if this occurs.

• What is your purpose for visiting Finland?
• Are you going to be traveling by yourself?
• Do you have any acquaintances in Finland?
• How much money do you make?

Step 5  – Pay Your Fees

Visa fees can be paid in cash or with a credit or debit card at VFS Global. VFS Center’s Bank Implant accepts visa fees and service charges. While you’re at the bank paying the service fee and visa fee, make a photocopy of the first page of your passport. There is no refund for the fees.

Category                                                     VISA FEES (EURO)

Schengen visa for age 12 upwards                        EUR 80

Schengen visa for ages 6–11                                EUR 40

Schengen visa for ages 0 to 5                               Free

There is also a service fee payable to VFS Global, which is about 30 Euro

Step 6 – Track Your Application

Go to “step 6 – track your application” and click on the link to see the current status of your application:

Please enter your unique reference number and birthdate to track your application.

Step 7 – Collect Your Passport

You’ll get your passport back from VFS Global once a decision has been made. If you want to, you can do the following:

Visit VFS Global to get your passport back – take a copy of the receipt issued and ID Pay for the courier service – see additional services on VFS Global’s website for details.

Either of these options will be chosen:

Approved: You’ll find your new visa attached to a page in your passport after your application has been approved.

Rejected: A specific reason has been given for the rejection of your application. You can file an appeal.

The Following Are Examples Of Visa Applications That Have Been Turned Down

Invalid Passport: A valid passport or travel document is required for entry (see requirements below)

Unclear Trip Purpose: It’s not clear what your trip’s purpose is, so you must explain it in detail and back it up with documents like a travel itinerary or confirmation of a meeting, for example.

You are not allowed to return to your country of origin; you must be a citizen or have proof that you are a legal resident of the country from which you are applying.

Assuming you do not intend to leave the Schengen area before your visa expires, you must show the embassy that you do. You are allowed to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days (or longer if you have the correct visa), but the embassy believes you will not do so before your visa expires.

Covid Regulations

Entry Requirements For Vaccinated Travelers

In order to enter Finland, you must be completely vaccinated and have had at least seven days since your most recent dose of vaccine. Visit THL’s website to learn more about acceptable vaccines.

No coronavirus tests are required upon arrival in Finland for those who have a current vaccination certificate showing the last dose was given at least seven days ago or a diagnosis of coronavirus disease that has been confirmed in a laboratory within the previous six months.

Entry Requirements For Unvaccinated Travelers

In order to enter Finland, you must have one of these reasons: You have not been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Returning To Finland: Finnish/EU citizens returning to the country with their families, third-country nationals residing in Finland under the auspices of a valid residency permit, and UK citizens returning with their families to the country

Workers whose jobs are critical to society’s well-being or supply security, as well as rescue workers and elderly caregivers with a Finnish residence permit are all good reasons to visit Finland.

Additional requirements include submitting COVID-19 certificates and participating in a mandatory health check-up or coronavirus test.

A coronavirus test is required within three to five days of your arrival in Finland if you have a certificate proving that you had a negative result from an earlier test conducted no more than 72 hours before your arrival in Finland OR that a previous vaccination course had been completed at least 14 days before your arrival.

If you arrive in Finland without any of the aforementioned documents, you will be required to take a coronavirus test at the port of entry and within three to five days of your arrival.

Within 3 to 5 days of arriving in Finland, you must undergo another coronavirus test.

You can use the FINENTRY service before or during your trip to Finland to get information on how to get there, book an appointment for a coronavirus test there, receive SMS instructions, and get the results of the test on your mobile.

How Do I contact VFS Global in Abuja, Nigeria

You can contact VFS global via the following address;

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

Email Address: info.finland.ng@vfshelpline.com

Telephone: +2348150188800

How Much Does it Cost to Migrate From Nigeria to Finland?

Visas, residence permits, and citizenship applications cost about 6500 euros each, so it’s not cheap to move to Finland.

Do They Speak English in Finland?

The vast majority of Finns are able to speak English. At least 70 percent of Finns, according to official statistics, can communicate in English.

How do I Become a Permanent Resident of Finland?

Permanent residency visas are available to long-term residents of Finland. A permanent residency permit can only be applied for in Finland.

For a permanent residency permit, you must have lived in Finland for at least four years with an A permit, and you must have spent no more than two years outside of Finland during that time.

Prior licenses were granted for legitimate reasons.

Does Finland Give Citizenship?

Yes, you can become a citizen of Finland through the process of “naturalization.” There are a few requirements that need to be met in order to become a citizen:

A firmly established sense of self

Good command of the English language

Staying for a long enough period of time (4-7years)

Integrity-based methods for aiding others.

Complied with the terms of the contract

Is It Easy To Migrate To Finland?

In most cases, you will need a residence permit if you plan to relocate to Finland. A residence permit is not required if you plan to stay in Finland for less than 90 days. However, in the majority of cases, you’ll have to apply for a visa first.

How Much Will It Cost To Travel To Finland From Nigeria?

Flying from Nigeria to Finland costs $400 – $1,400 and takes 13 hours and 56 minutes.

Does Finland Have Embassy In Nigeria?

Yes, the embassy of Finland is located in Abuja

Address: Plot 1547, No 9 Iro Dan Musa Street, Asokoro in Wuse Zone 3

Telephone: +2348037851150, +2347064189000

Email: sanomat.aba@formin.fi.

Is Finland Visa Easy To Get?

Yes, in Finland, It’s still relatively simple to obtain a Schengen visa for Finland, in spite of the large number of visa applications it receives each year. You have a good chance of getting a Schengen visa to Finland because the country’s consulates abroad only reject 1.7% of the applications they receive.

How Long Does It Take To Get Finland Visa?

15 days

Obtaining a Visa for Finland: How Long Is the Process? The processing time for a visa to Finland is 15 days. It’s possible to apply six months in advance, but it’s always best to do so 15 days before you leave.

Can I Work And Study In Finland?

For EU/EEA citizens, working in Finland without a permit or restrictions on hours is completely free and without any work permit. In order to work part-time as a student from outside of the EU/EEA, you must have a student residence permit and work an average of 25 hours per week.

Can I Bring My Family To Finland While Studying?

Family ties can be used to grant residence permits to spouses and minor children in the event of a residence permit for studies being granted. It is possible to obtain a residency permit for your family members while they are enrolled in a degree program at a higher education institution.

Conclusion

As a Nigerian, if you wish to travel to Finland without hassle, your best bet is to get an approved Finnish Schengen Visa and to do so, you are required to follow the steps laid out right above.