Have you ever dreamed of effortlessly gliding through international borders with a Finnish passport that opens doors far and wide?

Then let's journey through the world of Finnish passports—the unsung hero of globetrotters, the epitome of Nordic cool!

Our trusted experts have done all the research for you so that you can have the necessary knowledge at your fingertips. 

*Disclaimer: All amounts quoted in this article were correct and accurate at the time of publication and may have shifted since.

Finland Passports: The Basics

​​Finnish passports are issued to nationals of Finland for international travel. 

As a member of the European Union, a Finnish passport also confers certain rights and privileges within the EU.

This is what you should know:

Design

The powerful passport sports a deep blue cover embossed with the national coat of arms and the words "SUOMI FINLAND" at the bottom.

The standard biometric symbol is also displayed, indicating the passport's advanced features.

Benefits

As with any passport worldwide, each has its benefits and advantages.

Finland’s passports benefit you in these ways:

• Mobility: Finnish passport holders can travel visa-free or with a visa on arrival to numerous countries worldwide.
• EU privileges: As an EU passport, it allows the holder to live, work, and study in any EU country without additional documentation.
• Safety: Finnish embassies and consulates can assist passport holders in distress abroad.

Biometric Features & Security Enhancements

Modern Finnish passports aren’t just stylish, beautiful, and beneficial; they also come with nifty security features.

These include:

• RFID chip: Contains biometric data, such as the passport photo and fingerprints.
• Watermark: Unique to Finnish passports, adding an extra layer of security.
• Holograms and UV features: Invisible under normal light, these are visible under UV light.
• Complex printing techniques: This technique is used to prevent replication or forgery.

Eligibility for Non-Residents

Non-residents with Finnish nationality can apply for a passport.

Finnish citizens living abroad should approach the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate. 

They’d follow a similar application process, though processing times might vary.

Dual Citizenship

Finland recognizes and permits dual citizenship.

This means a Finnish citizen can simultaneously hold a passport from another country and vice versa.

However, dual citizens should be aware of the obligations and rights of both nationalities.

Cost & Fees

Each Finnish passport type has its own costs.

Costs look like this:

• Ordinary passports: €140
• Fast-track passports: €160.
• Temporary and emergency passports:  €160 to €175
• Special passports: €140
• Veterans of Finnish wars passports: €60

The fee for a Finnish passport can vary based on several factors:

• Age of applicant: Adults typically pay more than minors.
• Type of service: Express services come with additional costs.
• Location: Applying from outside Finland might have different fees.

Important Passport Regulations

Ensure your Finnish passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date from international travel.

If lost, report immediately to prevent misuse and apply for a replacement or emergency travel document.

Renewals can usually be done before the expiration of the current passport, especially if pages are filling up.

5 Types of Finnish Passports

Finland offers various passport types tailored to the specific needs and situations of its citizens.

Understanding each type can help one determine which is most suitable for their unique circumstances.

Take a look:

Ordinary Passport

The most common type of passport issued to Finnish citizens, the ordinary passport, is used for general international travel.

Its features include:

• Validity of 5 years for adults and 2 years for children under 12.
• Biometric information, including fingerprints and a digital photo

Fast-Track Passport

For those who need a passport urgently but don't qualify for an 'express' or 'temporary' passport, the fast-track option is available.

It has the same validity and features as an ordinary passport, but it’s processed faster than the regular application, usually ready in a few business days.

This may come with additional fees.

Temporary & Emergency Passports

Temporary and emergency passports are designed for Finnish citizens who have an immediate need to travel and don't have sufficient time to process a regular passport.¹

It typically has a short validity period, often just for the duration of the intended travel.

However

It’s not accepted in all countries, so it's essential to verify acceptance with the destination country.

Emergency travel documents are for situations where a Finnish citizen is abroad and loses their passport or has it stolen, and there's no time or means to get a replacement or temporary passport.

These allow the individual to return to Finland or continue to a planned destination and are typically valid just for the specific journey and its short duration.

Special Passports

These are issued to Finnish government employees or officials who travel internationally on state business.

There’s a difference between official state travel and personal or leisure travel.

This passport may grant certain privileges or exemptions in the host country, but this varies.

Veterans of Finnish Wars Passports

As a token of gratitude and recognition, Finland offers special passports to those who have served in Finnish wars.

This passport has lifetime validity for war veterans and is a symbolic gesture of appreciation for their service.²

Power of Finland Passports

The strength of a passport is primarily determined by its ability to grant holders access to other countries either without a visa or with on-arrival visa procedures.

Finnish passports are incredibly powerful, providing a high degree of international mobility. 

As a member of the European Union, Finland also offers its passport holders the right to live, work, and travel freely within other EU countries.

Here's our take on the power of the Finnish passport:  

Visa-Free & Visa-On-Arrival Countries

Finnish passport holders can currently travel to 159 countries without a visa, including Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, and Italy.³

In addition to these visa-free countries, Finnish citizens have the option to obtain 39 e-visas or 10 visas on arrival, further expanding their travel possibilities.

Visa-on-arrival countries include Burundi, Cambodia, Comoros, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, and Indonesia.

Global Ranking

The Finnish passport is highly regarded.

It ranks 3rd worldwide according to the Global Passport Index.⁴ 

It shares this place with the likes of Switzerland, Sweden, and Austria.  

This ranking reflects the strong "power" and global mobility provided to Finnish passport holders.

Finland Passport Renewal Process

The renewal process for Finnish passports follows 6 steps.

These steps look like this:

• Eligibility: Ensure you're eligible for renewal. Generally, this means your passport is expired or is set to expire soon.
• Documentation: Prepare the necessary documents, which typically include your current passport, a recent photo adhering to Finnish passport photo requirements, and possibly other identification or supporting documentation.
• Application: The renewal form can be collected from the local police station in Finland, where passport services are handled. If you're abroad, the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate will be your point of contact.
• Fees: A renewal fee can vary based on age and the selected passport type.
• Submission: Submit your application and the relevant documents in person. Since Finnish passports are biometric, fingerprints will be taken during the application process.
• Processing: The typical processing time is around 5-7 business days within Finland, but this might vary if you apply abroad due to additional shipping times.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

So, next time you spot that deep blue cover in a travel queue, know there's a story of Finnish passport design, unbeatable benefits, and top-tier global access tucked within those pages.

After all, it's not just any passport; it's a Finnish passport—your ticket to a world of possibilities.

Hyvää matkaa (safe travels)!

If you want to learn about other passports in the world, read our other articles.

Learn More: Powerful Passports in the World