Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Finland?
Official Requirement
Visa required
for South Africa citizens travelling to Finland
Nationals of countries not on the Schengen visa-free list must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling to Finland. Visas are granted by Finnish missions abroad and permit stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Checked 8 September 2026
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
Embassy Application Only
Finland does not offer online visa applications. You'll need to apply in person at the nearest Finland embassy or consulate. Contact the diplomatic mission for the current document checklist and appointment availability.
Official Finland government page →
Lapland
The short answer
South African citizens need a visa arranged in advance to enter Finland for stays of up to 90 days. A visa has to be obtained before travelling to Finland. Conditions: the Finnish Immigration Service states that a stay of a maximum of 90 days needs no residence permit, and that in most cases a visa is required. Visas are granted by Finnish missions, meaning embassies or consulates, rather than by the Immigration Service. This covers tourist and short business visits only, not work, study or residence, and a border officer makes the final decision on entry in every case. Entry rules change without notice, so the requirement is read again from the official source on a schedule and the date above is the last time that happened. This was last checked on 8 September 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Finland
- Requirement
- Visa required
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days
- Conditions
- The Finnish Immigration Service states that a stay of a maximum of 90 days needs no residence permit, and that in most cases a visa is required. Visas are granted by Finnish missions, meaning embassies or consulates, rather than by the Immigration Service.
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Finland
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Book an appointment at a Finland embassy or consulate. There is no online pathway for this route, so the appointment is the application.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 8 September 2026, and rules change without notice.
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Practical Info
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Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Finland
Yes. South African citizens need a visa arranged before travelling to Finland. This was last checked on 8 September 2026.
Up to 90 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
Start from the destination government page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Finland uses EUR. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 8 September 2026.
Full change history for this route →