---
title: Finland visa for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe
description: "Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Finland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: €90 + €30 service fee. Processing: 15–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/finland/sao-tome-and-principe
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Finland visa for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe

Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe 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.*

Application site: https://um.fi/visiting-finland

## Key facts

- **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Schengen visa (short stay)
- **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 + €30 service fee
- **Passport validity:** At least 3 months
- **Biometrics:** Required
- **Appointment:** Required
- **Interview:** Not required
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required
- **Proof of funds:** Bank statements or payslips showing sufficient funds

## How to apply

1. **Prepare required documents** — Gather all documents listed above, including valid passport and travel insurance.
2. **Complete visa application form** — Fill in the Schengen visa application form online via the Finnish embassy or VFS portal.
3. **Book an appointment** — Schedule an appointment at the Finnish Embassy or VFS Global visa application centre.
4. **Attend appointment and submit biometrics** — Visit the centre in person to submit the application, documents, and provide fingerprints and photo.
5. **Pay visa fee** — Pay the visa fee (€85) plus any service charge (€30) at the centre.
6. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 15 calendar days; may be extended in individual cases.
7. **Collect passport** — Collect your passport with the visa decision from the centre or via courier if arranged.

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport** (Identity): Valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen area.
- **Passport photocopy** (Identity): Copy of the bio-data page.
- **Visa application form** (Identity): Signed by the applicant.
- **Passport-size photographs** (Identity): 2 recent, ICAO-compliant photos.
- **Medical travel insurance** (Supporting): Minimum coverage €30,000, valid throughout the Schengen area.
- **Round-trip flight itinerary** (Travel): Confirmed reservation showing entry and exit dates.
- **Proof of accommodation** (Travel): Hotel bookings or invitation letter from host.
- **Bank statements (last 3 months)** (Financial): Must show sufficient funds for the stay.
- **Employment letter / leave approval** (Employment): Employer letter stating position, salary, and leave dates.
- **Proof of civil status** (Identity, optional): Marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, if applicable.
- **Cover letter** (Supporting): Explaining the purpose and itinerary of the visit.
- **Visa fee payment receipt** (Financial): Proof of payment of the visa fee.

## Proof of funds

- **Minimum balance:** Approximately €50 per day of stay
- Bank statements
- Payslips
- Sponsorship letter

Bank statements must be recent (last 3 months) and show sufficient available funds.

## Good to know

- Submit application at least 15 days before travel; no later than 6 months before.
- Incomplete applications or incorrect documents may result in rejection.
- Biometrics are mandatory for Schengen visas; exemptions only for children under 12.

## Common refusal reasons

- **Insufficient or unclear proof of funds** — Provide recent bank statements showing stable income and sufficient balance.
- **Unclear purpose of visit or weak ties to home country** — Provide a detailed cover letter and evidence of employment/return.
- **Travel insurance not covering the full Schengen area** — Purchase insurance that meets the €30,000 minimum and covers all Schengen states.

## FAQs

### Do citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Finland?

Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need a visa for Finland and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen visa (short stay).

### How long can citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe stay in Finland?

Up to 90 days.

### How much does the Finland visa cost for citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe?

Government fee: €90 + €30 service fee.

### How long does Finland visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

### What documents do citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe need for Finland?

Valid passport; Passport photocopy; Visa application form; Passport-size photographs; Medical travel insurance; Round-trip flight itinerary; and 6 more.

### How long must my passport be valid for Finland?

At least 3 months.

### Where do I apply?

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

## Sources

- [um.fi](https://um.fi/visiting-finland)

## More

- [Finland visa for every passport](/visa/finland)
- [Every destination for São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders](/visa/passport/sao-tome-and-principe)