Finland Visa RequirementsFor China passport holders
Chinese passport holders require a Schengen visa to visit Finland. The visa costs EUR 87, valid for up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. Finland is a top destination for Chinese tourists seeking the Northern Lights, Arctic experiences in Lapland, Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, and Helsinki's vibrant design scene.
China passport holders require a visa to enter Finland.
Apply through VFS Global or the Finnish Embassy. Required documents: Schengen application form, passport (valid 3 months past intended stay), passport photo, travel insurance (EUR 30,000 minimum), hotel bookings and flights, bank statements (3 months), and the EUR 87 fee. Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance for peak winter season (December to February). For Lapland trips, book accommodation very early as Arctic lodges and glass igloos sell out months ahead.
Finland is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
China to Finland: What You Need to Know
Finland processes Schengen visa applications for Chinese citizens through the Finnish Embassy in Beijing, Consulate-General in Shanghai, and VFS Global centers across China. Finland is uniquely popular with Chinese tourists for winter Arctic tourism (November to March), Northern Lights hunting, husky safaris, and reindeer sleigh rides in Lapland. Helsinki is also a short ferry ride from Tallinn, Estonia, making combined Baltic-Nordic itineraries popular.
Practical Tips
Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland is heavily marketed to Chinese visitors and has extensive Mandarin-language services during winter. Santa Claus Village accepts UnionPay and Alipay. Helsinki city center restaurants and shops accept UnionPay. Finland uses the euro. The Finnish sauna is a must-do cultural experience. Northern Lights sightings require clear skies and a location away from city lights; guided aurora tours are recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Chinese citizens apply for a Finnish Schengen visa?
Apply at VFS Global centers for Finnish visa applications in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu, or at the Finnish Embassy in Beijing. Required: Schengen application form, passport, photo, travel insurance (EUR 30,000), hotel bookings, return flights, 3 months bank statements, and EUR 87 fee. Apply 4 to 6 weeks before travel; winter Lapland bookings should be secured months in advance.
Is Finnish Lapland popular with Chinese tourists?
Very much so. Finnish Lapland (especially Rovaniemi, Saariselka, and Levi) is heavily marketed to Chinese tourists and has extensive Mandarin-language services. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, and Northern Lights aurora tours are top experiences. Glass igloo accommodations offering views of the aurora sell out many months in advance.
What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland?
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are best viewed from late September to late March in Lapland, with peak activity from December to February. Clear, dark skies away from city lights are essential. Guided aurora chasing tours depart nightly from Rovaniemi and other Lapland towns and greatly increase your chances of a sighting.
Does Finland use the euro?
Yes. Finland uses the euro (EUR). Cards are accepted everywhere including small cafes and market stalls. UnionPay is accepted at major hotels and tourist attractions. Helsinki Airport has currency exchange desks. Finland is an expensive country; budget at least EUR 100 to 150 per person per day excluding accommodation.