ETIAS Finland visa for U.S. citizens
The United States will be one of the countries whose citizens must present an approved ETIAS permit when travelling to Finland. It will be possible to apply for and obtain the ETIAS permit online, by filling out the ETIAS application form online and receiving your ETIAS via e-mail once the application is approved.
What is ETIAS Finland for Americans?
ETIAS permit will come into force in 2023, as part of a European Commission program aimed at strengthening European borders and keeping a digital track on all people travelling to the European Schengen Area. Following some terrorist attacks that affected some European countries, this program was already approved in 2016.
How does the ETIAS Finland visa work for Americans
Starting from November 2023 U.S. citizens must have an ETIAS visa before embarking on a trip to Finland. But if the trip has other purposes than those provided for ETIAS, or it will be longer than 90 days, they will have to obtain a full visitor Schengen visa, at the embassy or consulate of Finland, respecting the requirements and timing for the permit they are applying for.
ETIAS destination countries for Americans
From November 2023 ETIAS visa will come into force for American citizens in order to travel to the following countries:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
At the time being, Americans are not required to have an ETIAS permit to enter Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania, since these are not Schengen countries yet. However, this may change in the future, so please keep updated with the requirements.
ETIAS Finland visa requirements for Americans and how to apply
To apply for the ETIAS permit, you have to be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid electronic passport issued by the United States of America. If you are not entitled to an U.S. passport, you will require a Schengen visa. ETIAS permit application can be completed online, entering all the necessary information by following the required steps, and making sure all the data is entered correctly. Once the application form is completed, you will also have to pay a 7 euros fee, applicable to all citizens aged between 18 and 70 years, using a credit or debit card. Usually, most ETIAS permits are issued within few minutes, or at most in a few hours, and you will receive the approved visa via e-mail as a PDF file.
How much does ETIAS visa cost for Americans
At the end of the application procedure, all U.S. citizens between 18 and 70 years of age have to pay a 7 euros fee, using a credit or debit card. Americans under 18 and over 70 years of age can apply for ETIAS free of charge.
About Finland
Finland is a Nordic country in Northern Europe sharing a maritime border with Estonia. It borders the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland, and shares land borders with Norway, Sweden, and Russia.
Finland is not on the Scandinavian peninsula and is therefore not classed as Scandinavian; it is more correctly known as a Nordic country.
Covering an area of 338,145 sq. km, and with a population of 5.5 million people, Finland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe.
Finnish and Swedish are the national languages with Sámi, Romani and Finnish sign language also recognized in the Finnish constitution.
The major religion is Christianity, and the currency is the euro.
The landscape of Finland is made up of large tracts of forest, bogs, and fens with up to 188,000 lakes. There are many small towns and cities, with Helsinki being the capital city.
Finland extends into the Arctic, the mythical mountain of Korvatunturi where Santa Claus is said to live is in this region, and both the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights can be viewed here.
Halti Mountain, reaching a peak of 1,324 meters is Finland’s Highest Point.
Finland has ranked number one on the World Economic Forum’s Network Readiness Index (NRI), this index ranks a country’s development level in information and communication technologies. All of Finland’s public libraries and schools have computers, and Internet access and most residents have a mobile phone.
Finland at a glance
Capital: Helsinki
Timezone: UTC/GMT +2 hours
Languages: Finnish 94.2%, Swedish 5.5%, Other 0.3%
Area: 337,030 KM2
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Population: 5,244,000
Calling Code: +358
Travel in Finland
Ranked number one on the 2018 World Happiness Report, Finland is ranked as the happiest country in the world out of 155 countries surveyed.
Having previously been ranked as one of the countries with the highest quality of life and also as one of the most peaceful countries in the world, Finland is a popular choice for visitors.
With thousands of lakes, thousands of islands and densely forested, Finland is an outdoor enthusiast’s ideal destination. It is the ideal place to go on bear watching expeditions, wonder at the glow of the Northern Lights, enjoy ice fishing, sample skidoo racing and explore the Arctic Circle’s ecosystem.
For families, a Christmas trip to visit Santa Claus is, for many, a trip of a lifetime. Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi is a huge theme park that sits on the exact line of the Arctic Circle at 66oN. The park has been in operation since 1985 and offers a high gloss take on the Father Christmas legend. More low key alternatives are offered in various other parts of Finland.
Commercial cruises play an important role in the local tourist industry. Travel between Helsinki and Turku, Tallinn, Stockholm, and Travemünde are convenient yet interesting ways to travel further afield.
The US and Finland
Trade between Finland and the U.S.A. total almost $5 billion annually. 7% of Finnish exports go to America, and 7% of Finnish imports come from America.
Relations between the two countries are warm with the U.S. having a large educational exchange programme in Finland.
The U.S and Finland both belong to the following organizations
- The United Nations
- The Arctic Council
- Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
- International Monetary Fund
- World Bank
- World Trade Organization
Finland is also an observer to the Organization of American States
Finland is a growing destination for American travelers. For fans of winter sports, Finland offers predictable weather and exciting opportunities in sports such as skiing, ice hockey, and snowboarding.
Hunting is also popular in Finland with elk and hare being the common game.
The capital city of Helsinki is one of the leading passenger ports with over 360,000 passengers passing through annually.
Finland is just across the water from Estonia, and there are many cruise ship crossings to take advantage of the culture, museums and beautiful architecture.
Travelers can be assured that thanks to the introduction of the ETIAS scheme, European travel controls will soon become a leading force in the fight against terrorism.
FAQ about ETIAS Finland visa
List of US diplomatic offices in Finland
The Embassy of USA in Helsinki, Finland
Address: Itäinen Puistotie 14 B 00140 Helsinki Finland
Phone: +358-9-616-250
Email: HelsinkiACS@state.gov
Facts: Robert Frank Pence – Ambassador
The Embassy of Finland in Washington, USA
Address: 3301 Massachusetts Avenue NW WASHINGTON, D.C., 20008
Phone: +1 202 298 6030
Fax: 202 298 5800
Email: sanomat.was@formin.fi
Facts: Kirsti Kauppi – Ambassador
Consulate of Finland in New York, USA
Address: 605 Third Avenue, 35 Floor NEW YORK, NY 10158
Phone: +1 212 750 4400
Fax: +1 212 750 4418
Email: sanomat.nyc@formin.fi
Consulate of Finland in Los Angeles, USA
Address: 11900 West Olympic Blvd, Suite 580 Los Angeles
Phone: +1 310 203 9903
Fax: +1 310 481 8981
Email: sanomat.los@formin.fi