Central African Republic passport → Finland

Finland visa for citizens of the Central African Republic

Embassy / VFSSchengen Visa · Tourist (up to 90 days)

Citizens of the Central African Republic need a visa for Finland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Schengen Visa · Tourist (up to 90 days)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15–45 days
Government fee	€90
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Sufficient funds for stay (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit card)

How to apply

1
Complete online application
Fill out the Schengen visa application form on enterfinland.fi and print it.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Finnish embassy or VFS Global visa application centre.
3
Prepare documents
Gather all required documents as per the checklist.
4
Attend appointment
Submit documents, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and pay the visa fee.
5
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days; may be longer if additional checks are needed.
6
Collect passport
Once a decision is made, collect your passport from the centre or embassy (or have it couriered).

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years)
Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen area.
Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
Available online at enterfinland.fi.
Recent passport-sized photograph (35x45 mm, white background)
Must meet ICAO standards.

Travel

Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Valid for entire Schengen stay.
Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary
Not a paid ticket, but confirmed booking.
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.)
For entire stay.
Travel itinerary (planned activities in Schengen)
Optional
Optional but recommended.

Financial

Bank statements for last 3-6 months
Showing sufficient funds.
Visa fee payment receipt
Paid at appointment.

Employment

Proof of employment or study (e.g., employment letter, payslips, school enrollment)
Or proof of self-employment.

Supporting

Copy of previous Schengen visas (if any)
Optional
To show travel history.
Marriage certificate or birth certificate (if applicable)
Optional
For family visits.
Invitation letter from host in Finland (if visiting friends/family)
Optional
Must be notarized or registered.
Proof of civil status (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate of children)
Optional
If applicable.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Approximately €50-100 per day of stay

Bank statements
Sponsorship letter
Traveler's cheques
Credit card limit

Funds must be readily available and documented.

Good to know

Apply well in advance (at least 3 months before travel) to allow for processing and potential delays.
Ensure all documents are translated into English or Finnish if not originally in those languages.
Biometrics are required every 5 years for Schengen visas.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields and sign the form.

Insufficient funds or unclear source of income

Provide clear bank statements and proof of stable income.

Lack of travel health insurance

Purchase insurance that meets Schengen requirements.

Invalid passport (expired, damaged, or insufficient validity)

Ensure passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond departure and has blank pages.

Previous visa violations or overstays

Comply with all visa conditions and provide explanation if applicable.

FAQ

Do citizens of the Central African Republic need a visa for Finland?

Citizens of the Central African Republic need a visa for Finland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa · Tourist (up to 90 days).

How long can citizens of the Central African Republic stay in Finland?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Finland visa cost for citizens of the Central African Republic?

Government fee: €90.

How long does Finland visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of the Central African Republic need for Finland?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years); Completed and signed Schengen visa application form; Recent passport-sized photograph (35x45 mm, white background); Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage); Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary; Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.); and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Finland?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://enterfinland.fi. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

enterfinland.fi

Plan your trip to Finland

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Finland.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides