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Finland

Get information, make an appointment, and submit your application

Apply for a visa for France in Finland

Visa applications submitted in Finland are examined by the consular section of the French Embassy in Helsinki, only legal authority to take decisions about visas.

The reception of visa applicants residing in Finland is ensured by appointment only.

Information :

  • Finnish citizens are not subject to a visa to enter France regardless of the duration or reason of their stay.
  • All citizens holding a valid ordinary passport and a valid Finnish resident permit are not subject to an entry visa to France for touristic short stays (not exceeding 90 days per period of 180 days).

What are the application fees?

Fees are seen by the French administration for the processing of your application.

The amount received in credit card is non-refundable by the administration, even in the case of a visa refusal. A receipt is delivered.

Book an appointment

Wait times may vary depending on the number of applicants and the season. Users are therefore required to anticipate in order to obtain their appointment.

Please be aware that the demands tend to increase before summer (may to august) and winter holidays, stretching the wait time (both to get an appointment and to get your visa, if granted).

Embassy of France in Helsinki

Book an appointment

Contact details

Itäinen Puistotie 13
00140 Helsinki
Finlande

Email

consulat.helsinki-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr

Call center

(+358) 9618 780

Website

https://fi.ambafrance.org/

Submitting applications

(appointment only)

Monday 14:00-17:00
Tuesday 14:00-17:00
Wednesday 14:00-17:00
Thursday 14:00-17:00
Friday 14:00-17:00
Saturday Fermé
Sunday Fermé

Collecting passports

NA

Practical information

Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Public holidays in 2026:

  • Thursday, January 1st: New Year's Day
  • Tuesday, January 6th: Epiphany
  • Friday, April 3rd: Good Friday
  • Monday, April 6th: Easter Monday
  • Friday, May 1st: Labor Day
  • Friday, May 8th: Victory in Europe Day
  • Thursday, May 14th: Ascension Day
  • Monday, May 25th: Pentecost Monday
  • Friday, June 19th: Eve of Saint-Jean
  • Thursday, December 24th: Christmas Eve
  • Friday, December 25th: Christmas Day
Practical information

Visa applicants must present themselves in person at their given appointment.

Prepare your visit/appointment

The following must be gathered BEFORE your visit :

  • A passport in good condition, issued no more than 10 years ago, the validity of which extends at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen Area, including at least two blank pages;
  • 2 visa application forms completely filled out
  • 2 recent photographs in accordance with the ISO/IEC standard (pdf).
  • The supporting documents (originals + copy) specific to your situation and purpose of travel;
  • Cash in order to pay the Fees (credit cards are not accepted)

NB: Make sure that you come with all original documents AND a copy.

Providing your Biometric Data

All visas issued by France are biometric visas.

Any visa applicant is required in person.

Minors under 12 years old are exempted from biometry but their presence is mandatory on the day of the application. They should be accompanied by one of their parent or by their legal custodian.

The following biometric data will be required: a photograph ISO/IEC standard (pdf) and 10 fingerprints, taken digitally.

Advantages of biometrics

Biometric technology provides you with protection: the ability to compare your biometric data makes it easier to identify you. Should your travel documents be lost or stolen, biometric technology will protect you from identity theft and fraudulent use of your passport.

Collecting your visa

You should collect your visa in person at the embassy, by making a new appointment from Monday to Friday, starting 2.00pm.

Security Information

For security reasons, luggage, suitcases, backpacks, and any other large bags are not allowed on the premises of the Consulate of France.

Please make the proper arrangements before visiting the Consulate, since there is nowhere to store bags in the building.

When you visit a French Consulate, you must not bring any weapons or dangerous items with you.

Security checks will be performed before you are admitted to the premises.

Visa requirements for official passport holders

Visa applications for official passport holders are received with appointment from Monday to Friday from 2.00pm. Presence of the passport holder is not mandatory for the application.

Visas issued to holders of official passports (i.e. visas for official mission) are free of charge.

For more information, please contact us.

Representation of African countries

The French Embassy in Finland represents these following African countries for short stay visas: Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Djibouti.

In any case, the Embassy does not issue long stay visa for these countries.

Visa to Monaco

The French Embassy delivers long stay visa to Monaco.

For more information, please contact us

If you have any problems with your visa application, please contact the visa section of the consulate for assistance

When writing to us, please include all the following information in the body of your e-mail along with your question(s) :

  • Your full name
  • Your citizenship
  • If you are not a EEA citizen, the scan of your Finnish resident permit
  • Which visa you are applying for (PLEASE BE SPECIFIC on which visa solicited according to the list on our website, do not just mention "long stay visa or short stay visa", since there are many different long stay visas)
  • The approximate length of your stay in France
  • City and country where you currently reside
  • Your phone number

Please note : you will receive a reply if your questions are not already answered on our website.