Finland passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of Finland

Embassy / VFSB1/B2 Visitor Visa

Citizens of Finland need a visa for the United States 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 · B1/B2 Visitor Visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Visa validity	3650 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	3–21 days
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Onward or return ticket	Not required
Proof of funds	Bank statements or pay stubs showing sufficient funds for the trip

How to apply

1
Complete DS-160 form online
Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov and print the confirmation page.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee via the designated payment system (e.g., bank transfer or online).
3
Schedule an appointment
Log in to the US Visa Appointment System (ais.usvisa-info.com) to book a biometrics and interview appointment at the US Embassy in Helsinki.
4
Attend biometrics appointment
Visit the Application Support Center (ASC) to provide fingerprints and photo.
5
Attend visa interview
Go to the US Embassy in Helsinki on the scheduled date with all required documents.
6
Wait for visa processing
After interview, the visa is processed; you may be asked for additional documents.
7
Collect passport with visa
Passport will be returned via courier or pickup; check status online.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
Must have at least two blank visa pages.
DS-160 confirmation page
Online nonimmigrant visa application form.
Passport-style photo (5x5 cm, white background)
Uploaded during DS-160, bring one printed copy.
Previous US visas (if any)
Optional
Include copies of previous visas.

Travel

Travel itinerary (if applicable)
Optional
Flight and hotel reservations.
Proof of accommodation in the US
Optional
Hotel booking or invitation letter from host.

Financial

Fee payment receipt
Proof of payment of the MRV fee.
Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Optional
Show sufficient funds for the trip.

Employment

Employment letter or proof of ties to Finland
Optional
To demonstrate strong ties and intent to return.

Supporting

Appointment confirmation letter
Printed from the visa appointment system.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Sufficient to cover trip expenses (no fixed amount)

Bank statements
Pay stubs
Tax returns

Self-funded travelers should show liquid funds; sponsored travelers need sponsor's documents.

Good to know

ESTA is for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program; if you apply for a visa, ESTA is not used.
Visa issuance is not guaranteed; the officer decides based on interview and documents.
Processing times may vary; apply well in advance of travel.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to Finland (e.g., no job, family, or property)

Provide strong evidence of employment, family, or assets in Finland.

Incomplete or incorrect application

Double-check DS-160 entries and bring all required documents.

Previous visa violations or overstays

Be honest about travel history; provide explanation if needed.

FAQ

Do citizens of Finland need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of Finland need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B1/B2 Visitor Visa.

How long can citizens of Finland stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of Finland?

Government fee: $185.

How long does United States visa processing take?

Typically 3–21 days.

What documents do citizens of Finland need for the United States?

Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay); DS-160 confirmation page; Passport-style photo (5x5 cm, white background); Appointment confirmation letter; Fee payment receipt; Travel itinerary (if applicable); and 4 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-fi/niv

Sources

ais.usvisa-info.com

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