Finland entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Finland in 2026. Apply for a Schengen visa at the Finnish embassy or visa application center before you travel. Processing can take up to 15 days, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Schengen visa application
Apply before travel
Apply for a Schengen visa at the Finnish embassy or consulate in your home country. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — submit your application 3–6 months before departure. Use the official portal to find the application form and appointment booking system.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. Carry a copy of the bio page separately in your luggage.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of exit from Schengen
Immigration officers at Helsinki Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Budget airlines check this at check-in too.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a printed or digital hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a signed invitation letter from your host in Finland. Border officers may ask to see it during passport control.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least €50 per day of your stay. Immigration rarely asks for this, but having it ready avoids delays.Recommended
Apply early — slots fill up
Finnish visa appointments in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can be booked out 3–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (May–September). Don't wait until the last minute.
You must apply in person
Unlike some e-visa countries, Finland requires you to show up at the embassy or visa center to submit your application and give biometrics. No exceptions — plan for a trip to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

What happens at the border

1
Gather your documents
Collect your passport, photos, flight booking, hotel confirmation, travel insurance, bank statements, and any other supporting papers. Make copies of everything.
2
Book a visa appointment
Go to the Finnish embassy in Hanoi or the visa application center in Ho Chi Minh City. Appointments are usually available within 2–4 weeks. Book early — slots fill up fast.
3
Submit your application in person
Show up at your appointment with all documents. You'll submit the form, pay the fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12), and give biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can take longer if your application needs extra checks. Track your application online using the reference number you receive.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, your passport with the visa sticker will be ready for pickup at the same center. Some centers offer courier delivery for an extra fee.
6
Travel and present documents at border
At Helsinki Airport or any Schengen entry point, hand over your passport with the visa. The officer may ask to see your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly and honestly.
Download Finland Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Schengen tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)

Standard tourist visa for short stays.

Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year or more
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)

Allows multiple entries; requires justification for frequent travel.

National visa (D visa) for long stay
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD) plus possible residence permit fee

For work, study, or family reunification; requires separate application.

work visa
Residence permit for employed person
Up to 2 years, renewable
€520 (approx. $565 USD) application fee
For individuals with a job offer in Finland. Requires employer sponsorship and valid work contract. Allows family reunification.
Apply
student visa
Residence permit for studies
Up to 2 years, renewable
€350 (approx. $380 USD) application fee
For students accepted into a Finnish educational institution. Requires proof of sufficient funds and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Apply
family reunification
Residence permit based on family ties
Up to 4 years, renewable
€520 (approx. $565 USD) application fee
For close family members of a Finnish resident or citizen. Requires proof of relationship and adequate income. Leads to permanent residence.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
Schengen visa (single entry)Standard fee for adult applicants; may vary for children.€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Schengen visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple visits within validity.€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application centers.Varies by location (approx. $30-40 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Finland

No transit visa needed

Vietnam passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Finnish airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a Schengen visa is required.
Transit hubsHelsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)

Health & vaccines for Finland

Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk

Risk in rural and forested areas, especially in summer; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.

Lyme diseaseModerate risk

Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.

Seasonal influenzaLow risk

Common during winter months; consider annual flu vaccine.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Helsinki
Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) - Helsinki Office
Käenkuja 3 A, 00500 Helsinki
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00

For residence permit applications and inquiries; appointments recommended.

Tampere
Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) - Tampere Office
Hämeenkatu 10, 33100 Tampere
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00

Handles residence permits and visa-related matters.

Practical information for VN travellers

Country basics
CapitalHelsinki
LanguageFinnish, Swedish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to one year.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
updated May 29
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe and of high quality throughout Finland.
Emergency numbers
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Standard processing is 15 calendar days. In busy periods (summer, Christmas), it can take up to 30 days. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel.
You fill out the application form online, but you must submit it in person at the Finnish embassy in Hanoi or the visa application center in Ho Chi Minh City. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are taken on the spot.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12. Children under 6 are free. Service center fees may add €20–30. Payment is usually in VND at the current exchange rate.
A Schengen visa only allows stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays (study, work, family reunion), you need a national visa or residence permit. Apply at the Finnish embassy before traveling.
Yes, you need a confirmed flight booking showing your departure from the Schengen area. It doesn't have to be a paid ticket — a reservation from a travel agency or airline is usually accepted.
Yes, if you have a valid Schengen visa from any member country, you can enter Finland as long as Finland is your main destination or you enter through Finland first. The visa must still be valid.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete documents. You can appeal within 30 days or reapply with stronger evidence.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.