Travel to Finland from Canada with ETIAS

Canadians travelling to Finland and other countries in the Schengen area will soon need to register for a new electronic visa waiver program, called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation Service). This new measure is set to take effect starting in 2026.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation Service (ETIAS) will be introduced in 2026 for visa-exempt foreign citizens, including Canadians.

The new system will enhance safety in Finland by pre-screening individuals before they arrive in the EU. It is also going to help streamline Schengen border crossings.

Can Canadians travel to Finland?

Canadians can travel to Finland provided they have the required entry documents. Canadian citizens need a valid passport to travel to the country.

From 2026, Canadians will also need an approved ETIAS to visit Finland for up to 90 days for tourism or business, or to transit.

Foreigners can travel to Finland from Canada for longer than 3 months, or for other purposes, by applying for a visa.

Travellers should also check up to date Finland travel restrictions for Canadians before planning a trip.

How can Canadians apply for an ETIAS to visit Finland?

Canadians can apply for an ETIAS visa waiver for Finland in just 3 steps:

  • Fill out the ETIAS application form from Canada
  • Pay the ETIAS visa waiver fees
  • Submit the application for review

Etias-Finland-for-canadians

On approval, the Finland ETIAS is electronically linked to the Canadian passport used to apply. The same passport must be used to travel from Canada to Finland.

Documents to apply for a Finland visa waiver from Canada

To travel from Canada to Finland with a visa waiver, applicants must meet all the ETIAS requirements. Travellers need:

  • Canadian passport with validity of 3 months past the intended departure from Finland
  • Debit or credit card
  • Current email address

With these 3 items, Canadians can get started with the ETIAS application for visiting Finland.

ETIAS application form for Canadians travelling to Finland

Canadian applicants must provide the following information:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Country of citizenship
  • Passport information
  • Security information

Canadians are advised to check the information provided before submitting the information. Any errors could lead to processing delays and disrupted travel plans.

To finalise the request, the Finland ETIAS visa waiver fees are paid using a debit or credit card.

How long does it take Canadian citizens to get an ETIAS visa waiver for Finland?

The ETIAS Finland application process for Canadians is fast and efficient. The application form can be filled out in just a few minutes.

Applications are automatically cross-checked against international security databases. Most will be approved at this stage, usually within 1 business day.

In the rare case that there is a hit in one of the systems, the request will be reviewed manually. It may take up to 2 weeks to reach a decision.

It is recommended that visitors apply well in advance of travelling from Canada to Finland in case of any delays.

Travelling to Finland from Canada with ETIAS

With the approved Finland ETIAS visa waiver, Canadians can visit Finland or any of the other countries in the Schengen Area. As there are no internal borders in the travel zone, the permit can be used throughout the region.

Citizens of Canada can spend up to 90 days per 180-day period in Finland or elsewhere in the Schengen Area.

Canadians can make the most of their trip to visit other European destinations such as Sweden and Norway.

How can I renew the ETIAS for Finland?

The permit is valid for 3 years, or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first. At the end of the validity period, Canadians need to apply for a new ETIAS visa waiver for Finland.

This is done following the same online application process. The new ETIAS for Finland will be valid for 3 more years.

Basic information about Finland

Finland is a country in Northern Europe which borders Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Nearly two-thirds of the country is covered in dense forests. Its capital is Helsinki and the two official languages in the country are Finnish and Swedish.

Finland is the eighth-largest country in Europe. It was first inhabited by the Sami (Lapp) people before other inhabitants who spoke Finnish moved in. The Lapp then moved north into the region now known as Lapland.

Tourist information for Finland

A quarter of Finland is in the Arctic Circle, making it the perfect place to visit in order to experience Aurora Borealis; also known as the Northern Lights. Northern areas of Finland, including Lapland, are known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun” as the sun does not set there for 73 consecutive days during the summer and it also does not rise for 51 consecutive days during winter.

The Finns believe that Lapland is the home of Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas who lives in the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.

There are 179,584 islands around Finland, more than any other country in the world. Similarly, there are 187,888 lakes in Finland, the largest of which is called Saimaa. It is also Europe’s fourth-largest lake.

Health information for travellers to Finland

Finland has a great health care system in place for Finnish citizens, permanent residents, and international students living and studying in the country.

However, this coverage may not extend to travellers and short-term visitors to the country. Therefore, Canadian visitors to Finland should consider investing in a travel healthcare insurance plan that can provide relief in case of potential illnesses or accidents during their trip.

When does a Canadian need a visa for Finland?

As explained above, Canadian citizens do not need a visa to travel to Finland for up to 90 days.

Canadians can enter Finland visa-free for tourism, business, or transit but will need to apply for ETIAS from 2026.

A visa is required to visit Finland from Canada if the Canadian passport holder:

  • Will stay in the Schengen Area for longer than 90 days per 180-day period
  • Is visiting Finland for reasons not permitted with ETIAS
  • Does not meet all the ETIAS eligibility requirements

Canadians who need a visa for Finland should apply through a diplomatic mission. Finland is represented by Switzerland with Consulate Generals in Vancouver and Montreal.

Canadian Embassies and Consulates in Finland

The Embassy of Canada – Helsinki

  • Address: Pohjoisesplanadi 25B, 00100 Helsinki, Finland. P.O. Box 779, Helsinki, 00101
  • Telephone: 358 (9) 228-530
  • Fax: 358 (9) 601-060
  • Email: hsnki@international.gc.ca