Visa Note and Fees

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SCHENGEN STATE

Please read this note for all Schengen Countries ahead. Thank You.

Schengen Territory

Indian Nationals can obtain short stay visa for a period ranging from one to ninety days, valid for all countries of the Schengen Territory i.e. Austria, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden & Switzerland. The Schengen Convention is a great step towards freedom of circulation of people. Foreigners bearing a valid stay permit delivered by one of the Schengen states can leave and later re-enter the Schengen Territory without having to ask for a visa again, on condition that they have a valid passport and relevant travel document and a multiple entry visa. Application for visas have to be submitted with the competent Consular authorities, which are to be determined according to the following criteria
(a) If the applicant intends to stay in one country only, application should be submitted at the Representation of the same country.
(b) If the applicant wishes to travel to several member States application should be submitted at the Representation of the country where the main purpose of travel lies, determined by the duration of stay.
(c) If the main destination cannot be ascertained, the competent Consular office for processing the application will be one of the countries of the first port of entry into the Schengen Territory.
(d) Long term visas are still subject to the Law of the country of destination. They must be applied for at the Consular Authorities of the concerned member states.

Note: All first time travellers are required to appear in person for any category of visa. In case they are living near any of the three metros mentioned with the Consulates of Finland, they may appear for personal interview and have the form stamped as recommendation prior to sending it to Delhi for visa endorsement.

Tourist

Note: As per the new rule of the Embassy personal presence will be required now, even if the Applicant has travelled or is holding valid visa for USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Personal presence will not be required if the Applicant has travelled earlier to Schengen State if NOT then Personal Presence is mandatory now for all the Applicants.

Please make sure that Air Ticket, Invitation, Insurance and Covering Letter must have matching dates.

• The Applicant should have a passport (and one photocopy of the same) which must be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• One visa form, Photocopy of visa form allowed.
• Two recent colour passport size photographs with a light background, not older than six months, size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm from the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• A covering letter from the company explaining the purpose of the visit.
• Confirmed return air tickets with photocopy.
• An application explaining the purpose of visit.
• If visiting friends/relatives, the original sponsorship/invitation letter explaining the history and the relationship of the persons in question must be enclosed. The time of travel and clarification as to who will pay the costs, attached with his/her bank statements for the past six months is also requirement.
• Passport and ID copies from the Sponsor/Inviter in Finland.
• Certificate of employment in original from the current Employer.
• Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. This is mandatory now.
• Hotel booking, matching onward visa.
• Proof of sufficient funds in form of foreign exchange.
• Bank statement for the last six months.
• Income Tax returns for the last three years.
• Visa validity, and stay allowed is at the discretion of the Embassy and according to the air ticket and request of the traveler.
• Processing time is 10 to 12 working days.
• The Visa Fee has to be paid in form of a Demand Draft in favor of Embassy of Finland , payable in New Delhi.

Business

Note: As per the new rule of the Embassy personal presence will be required now, even if the Applicant has travelled or is holding valid visa for USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Personal presence will not be required if the Applicant has travelled earlier to Schengen State if NOT then Personal Presence is mandatory now for all the Applicants.

Please make sure that Air Ticket, Invitation, Insurance and Covering Letter must have matching dates.

• The Applicant should have a passport (and one photocopy of the same) which must be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• One visa form, photocopy of visa form allowed.
• Two recent colour passport size photographs with a light background, not older than six months, size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm from the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• A covering letter from the company explaining the purpose of the visit.
• Confirmed return air tickets with photocopy of the same.
• A letter from the applicant explaining the purpose of the visit.
• A letter of invitation from the Finnish Organization.
• Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. This is mandatory now.
• Hotel booking, matching onward visa.
• Proof of sufficient funds in form of foreign exchange.
• Bank statement for the last six months.
• Income Tax returns for the last three years.
• Visa validity, and stay allowed is at the discretion of the Embassy and according to the air ticket and request of the traveler.
• Processing time is 10 to 12 working days.
• The Visa Fee has to be paid in form of a Demand Draft in favor of Embassy of Finland , payable in New Delhi.

Transit

Note: As per the new rule of the Embassy personal presence will be required now, even if the Applicant has travelled or is holding valid visa for USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Personal presence will not be required if the Applicant has travelled earlier to Schengen State if NOT then Personal Presence is mandatory now for all the Applicants.

Please make sure that Air Ticket, Invitation, Insurance and Covering Letter must have matching dates.

• The Applicant should have a passport (and one photocopy of the same) which must be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• One visa form, Photocopy of visa form allowed.
• Two recent colour passport size photographs with a light background, not older than six months, size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm from the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• A covering letter from the company explaining the purpose of the visit.
• Confirmed onward/ return air tickets with photocopy.
• An application explaining the purpose of visit.
• If visiting friends/relatives, the original sponsorship/invitation letter explaining the history and the relationship of the persons in question must be enclosed. The time of travel and clarification as to who will pay the costs, attached with his/her bank statements for the past six months is also requirement.
• Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. This is mandatory now.
• Hotel booking, matching onward visa.
• Proof of sufficient funds in form of foreign exchange.
• Bank statement for the last six months.
• Income Tax returns for the last three years.
• Visa validity, and stay allowed, is at the discretion of the Embassy and according to the air ticket and request of the traveler.
• Processing time is 10 to 12 working days.
• The Visa Fee has to be paid in form of a Demand Draft in favor of Embassy of Finland , payable in New Delhi.

Seamen

Note: As per the new rule of the Embassy personal presence will be required now, even if the Applicant has travelled or is holding valid visa for USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Personal presence will not be required if the Applicant has travelled earlier to Schengen State if NOT then Personal Presence is mandatory now for all the Applicants.

Please make sure that Air Ticket, Invitation, Insurance and Covering Letter must have matching dates.

• The Applicant should have a passport (and one photocopy of the same) which must be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• One visa form, photocopy of visa form allowed
• Two recent colour passport size photographs with a light background, not older than six months, size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm from the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• An application from the Shipping Company in India, Giving the port of entry and explaining the purpose of visit
• A fax message from the Shipping Company in Finland giving the particulars of the seamen, date and port of joining the ship should be sent to the Embassy directly
• Confirmed onward/ return air tickets with photocopy.
• A covering letter from the company explaining the purpose of the visit.
• Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. This is mandatory now.
• Hotel booking, matching onward visa.
• Proof of sufficient funds in form of foreign exchange;
• Bank statement for the last six months.
• Income Tax returns for the last three years.
• Visa validity, and stay allowed, is at the discretion of the Embassy and according to the air ticket and request of the traveler.
• Processing time is 10 to 12 working days.
• The Visa Fee has to be paid in form of a Demand Draft in favor of Embassy of Finland , payable in New Delhi.

Work Permit

Note: As per the new rule of the Embassy personal presence will be required now, even if the Applicant has travelled or is holding valid visa for USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Personal presence will not be required if the Applicant has travelled earlier to Schengen State if NOT than Personal Presence is mandatory now for all the Applicants.

Please make sure that Air Ticket, Invitation, Insurance and Covering Letter must have matching dates.

• The Applicant should have a passport (and one photocopy of the same) which must be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• One Work Permit visa form ( OLE19 ), photocopy of visa form allowed.
• Two recent colour passport size photographs with a light background, not older than six months, size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm from the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• A Covering letter from the applicant on company's letter head stating his name, designation, purpose of visit.
• An original approval from the Labour Office in Finland.
• Copy of certificate of employment/letter of appointment issued by the Employer in Finland.
• Copy of Educational & Professional qualification and also work Experience Certificate.
• Confirmed return air tickets with photocopy of the same.
• A covering letter from the company explaining the purpose of the visit.
• Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. This is mandatory now.
• A letter from the applicant explaining the purpose of the visit.
• Certain categories of Employment need Medical Clearance and the Applicant needs to undergo a medical examination.
• All the applications are referred to Finland for approval and can take 4 to 6 weeks after the receipt of complete application.
• Personal presence of the applicant might be required. It is at the discretion of the embassy.
• The Visa Fee has to be paid in form of a Demand Draft in favor of Embassy of Finland , payable in New Delhi.

Dependent Visa

Note: As per the new rule of the Embassy personal presence will be required now, even if the Applicant has travelled or is holding valid visa for USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Personal presence will not be required if the Applicant has travelled earlier to Schengen State if NOT then Personal Presence is mandatory now for all the Applicants.

Please make sure that Air Ticket, Invitation, Insurance and Covering Letter must have matching dates.

• The Applicant should have a passport (and one photocopy of the same) which must be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• One Work Permit visa form OLE1 (9) plus OLE 2 1 (5) to be completed by wife, photocopy of visa form allowed; One form OLE 2 1 (5) has to be completed by husband as a supporting visa form;
• One Work Permit visa form OLE1 (9) plus OLE 3 1 (5) to be completed in case of child, photocopy of visa form allowed.
• Two recent colour passport size photographs with a light background, not older than six months, size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm from the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• A Covering letter from the Applicant, and a support letter from the husbands company is necessary.
• Photocopy of passport and visa copy of the husband.
• Financial documents of husband like Income Tax Returns for the last three years, bank statement for last six months etc.
• Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. This is mandatory now.
• Marriage Certificate and Birth Certificate is required. Both these certificates first should be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs and than by the Embassy;
• Please note two sets of photocopies of all documents are required.
• After these attestations, Embassy accepts the complete set of documents for the visa processing.
• Personal presence of the applicant is required. If Applicant has traveled to Schengen Countries in recent years OR has a valid or traveled Visa endorsement to USA, UK and Australia, then the personal presence may be exempted.
• All the applications are referred to Finland for approval and can take upto 45 to 60 days after submission of compelete application.
• Once the visa approval is received, it takes 24 hours for the visa stamping.
• The Visa Fee has to be paid in form of a Demand Draft in favor of Embassy of Finland , payable in New Delhi.

Student

Note: As per the new rule of the Embassy personal presence will be required now, even if the Applicant has travelled or is holding valid visa for USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Personal presence will not be required if the Applicant has travelled earlier to Schengen State if NOT then Personal Presence is mandatory now for all the Applicants.

Please make sure that Air Ticket, Invitation, Insurance and Covering Letter must have matching dates.

• The Applicant should have a passport (and one photocopy of the same) which must be valid for at least six months beyond the visa expiry date. Passports valid for more than 10 years will not be accepted as the main required travel document. It is mandatory to have two blank pages opposite to each other.
• One Work Permit visa form OLE1 (9), photocopy of visa form allowed;
• Two recent colour passport size photographs with a light background, not older than six months, size of the photo 35 x 47 mm, size of the face in the photo 25-35 mm from the top of the head to the tip of the jaw. Photograph should not have any stapler or pin marks disfiguring the face or background and must be pasted on the form.
• A Covering letter from the applicant;
• You need to provide two copies of the Letter of Acceptance from the University/ Institute and attested copies of certificates pertaining to Educational/ professional qualifications.
• The applicants must also demonstrate the ability to cover their living costs and expenses in Finland out of their own funds or through a scholarship.
• Students are required to attach the original of the Letter of Acceptance from the University/ Institute.
• Attested copies of certificates pertaining to educational/professional qualifications.
• Travel Insurance of Euros 30,000 for duration of stay in all Schengen states. Insurance to be covered for another 15 days after the applicant has come back to India. This is mandatory now.
• Bank statement of the sponsor from India with minimum balance of Euro 6000 equivalent in INR.
• Please note two sets of photocopies of all documents are required.
• All the applications are referred to Finland for approval and can take 45 to 60 days after the receipt of complete application.
• Once the visa approval is received it takes 24 hours for the visa stamping.
• The Visa Fee has to be paid in form of a Demand Draft in favor of Embassy of Finland , payable in New Delhi.