🇵🇭PHILIPPINES

🇫🇮FINLANDPH-FI

Do Philippines passport holders need a visa to visit Finland?

Q: Can I use ETIAS instead of a Schengen visa?

No. ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities. Philippine passport holders are not eligible and must apply for a full Schengen visa even after ETIAS launches.

Q: How long can I stay on a Schengen tourist visa?

Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined, subject to what your visa grants.

Q: Where do I apply in the Philippines?

Applications are submitted through VFS Global in Manila, which forwards them to the Embassy of Finland. Biometrics are collected at the centre.

Q: How much does it cost?

The visa fee is EUR 90 for adults (EUR 45 for children 6-11), paid in PHP, plus a non-refundable VFS service fee. Budget around EUR 110-170 including insurance.

Q: How early should I apply?

You may apply up to 6 months before travel and no later than 15 working days before departure. Applying 4-6 weeks ahead is recommended due to processing and appointment demand.

Yes - Philippine ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Finland for tourism. There is no visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa option, and Filipinos are NOT eligible for ETIAS. Finland is part of the Schengen Area, and Philippine ordinary passport holders are on the list of nationalities that must obtain a Schengen visa before travel. For tourism you apply for a uniform Schengen short-stay visa (Type C), which permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen zone. Applications in the Philippines are lodged through VFS Global in Manila, which forwards them to the Embassy of Finland; biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are collected at the visa application centre. The visa fee is EUR 90 for adults (EUR 45 for children aged 6-11), payable in PHP at the prevailing rate, plus a non-refundable VFS service fee. Mandatory travel medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 coverage is required. Standard processing is about 15 calendar days but can take longer in peak season, so apply early (up to 6 months ahead, no later than 15 working days before departure). Note: ETIAS does NOT apply to Filipinos - it is only for visa-exempt nationalities, so even after ETIAS launches (expected late 2026) Philippine passport holders will still need a full Schengen visa.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Type C, uniform)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double, or multiple entry (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 adult / EUR 45 child (6-11) + VFS service fee

consular fee only

Processing time

About 15 calendar days (can extend to 45)

standard track

Validity

Per visa sticker; up to 90 days stay, may be valid for travel up to 6 months or longer for multiple-entry

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm visa type and gather documents

You need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) tourist visa. Collect passport, photos, insurance, itinerary, and financial proof before booking an appointment.

· Tourism· Type C

/02

Book an appointment with VFS Global Manila

Finland outsources visa intake to VFS Global. Create an account on the VFS/finlandvisa.fi portal and reserve a biometric appointment at the Manila centre.

· VFS Global· Manila

/03

Complete the application form and pay fees

Fill in the Schengen application form, then pay the EUR 90 visa fee plus the VFS service fee in PHP at the centre.

· EUR 90· Service fee

/04

Attend the appointment and give biometrics

Submit your documents in person and provide fingerprints and a photograph (biometrics valid for 59 months / about 5 years).

· Biometrics· In person

/05

Wait for processing and decision

Standard processing is about 15 calendar days; allow more during peak periods. Track status online via VFS.

· ~15 days· Track online

/06

Collect passport and verify the visa

Retrieve your passport from VFS and check the visa sticker for validity dates, number of entries, and authorised days of stay before you travel.

· Collect· Verify sticker

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Passport valid 3+ months beyond intended stay, issued within last 10 years, 2 blank pages

required

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form

required

One recent ICAO-compliant colour passport photo

required

Travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage for the Schengen area

required

Round-trip flight reservation / itinerary

required

Confirmed hotel bookings or invitation letter from a host

required

Proof of financial means (bank statements; min ~EUR 50/day)

required

Proof of employment / business / school and approved leave

recommended

Visa fee EUR 90 (adult) plus VFS service fee in PHP

required

Cover letter explaining purpose and dates of travel

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard adult rate since June 2024; paid in PHP at prevailing rate

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt from the visa fee

VFS Global service fee~EUR 30 (approx PHP 1,800)Non-refundable handling fee charged by the visa application centre

Travel medical insuranceFrom ~EUR 20-50Mandatory; minimum EUR 30,000 Schengen-wide coverage

Total estimateEUR 110 — EUR 170incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

~15 calendar days

Normal turnaround once a complete application and biometrics are submitted via VFS.

Extended review

Up to 30-45 days

Applies when additional documents or checks are needed, common in peak travel season.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Philippines is not visa-exempt for Schengen

Philippine ordinary passport holders are on the EU list of nationalities requiring a Schengen visa for any short stay.

High

/02

Finland is a full Schengen member

Entry follows the common Schengen short-stay rules, including the 90/180-day limit.

High

/03

No visa-on-arrival or eVisa

Finland does not offer visa-on-arrival or an online eVisa for tourists; the sticker visa must be obtained beforehand.

Medium

/04

ETIAS does not cover Filipinos

ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationals, so it will not replace the Schengen visa requirement for Philippine passport holders.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

Philippines to Finland route verified

Confirmed via Finland MFA, VFS Global and EU sources that Filipino ordinary passport holders still require a Schengen Type C visa (EUR 90), are not ETIAS-eligible, and that ETIAS launch (expected late 2026) does not change this.

/09 — The questions