Finland ETIAS 2026: A Step-by-Step Application Guide for UK Citizens

Starting in late 2026, the ETIAS will become a mandatory requirement for United Kingdom citizens visiting 30 European countries, including Finland and the Schengen Area.

While no action is needed yet, this roadmap details the EUR 20 application fee and unique rules for Cyprus to ensure your next Finnish trip remains seamless.

Do You Need an ETIAS for Finland?

Most British citizens heading to Helsinki or Lapland will need this new authorization for their trip. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System is a mandatory requirement for visa-free travellers entering 30 European countries.

General Rule for UK Citizens

If you hold a British passport, you must have a valid ETIAS for short-term stays in Finland. This rule applies to all UK nationals visiting the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180 days.

• The requirement covers tourists and those attending business meetings or short study programmes.
• You must apply for your authorization before you buy your plane tickets or book your hotel.
• While an approved ETIAS application is essential, border guards still have the final say on your entry at the airport.

Exemptions to the Rule

Some people do not need to follow the standard ETIAS application process when visiting Finland. UK nationals and their family members who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement are exempt as long as they hold the correct residency documents.

• Travellers who already have a valid Schengen visa do not need to apply for an ETIAS.
• If you have a residence permit issued by any of the participating EU countries, you are also exempt.

Finland and the Schengen Area

Finland is part of the zone where border controls between member states are typically absent. Your authorization allows you to move freely between Schengen countries during your 90-day allowance.

Your travel document must be valid for at least three months after you intend to leave the European Union. If you get a new passport because your old one expired, you must start the application process again for a new authorization.

Pre-Application Checklist: What You’ll Need

To get your travel authorization for Finland, you must have several specific documents and personal details ready before starting the online form. Gathering these items now ensures your submission moves through the system without delays or technical hitches.

Valid Travel Document

You must have a valid passport that has not expired and was issued within the last 10 years. Your travel document must remain valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave European countries like Austria, Spain, or the Netherlands.

If you are a citizen of visa-exempt countries like Australia or Canada, you will follow these same passport rules. Keep in mind that Ireland is not part of this specific system, so check their local rules if your trip includes Dublin.

Personal and Family Information

The European Commission requires you to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and place of birth exactly as they appear on your passport. You will also need to list your current home address and the first names of both your parents.

• Current occupation and level of education.
• Nationality and any other citizenships you hold.
• Phone number for urgent contact.

Contact Details

A working email address is mandatory because this is where you will receive your ETIAS approval notice. Avoid using shared or work accounts that might block automated messages from the EU.

Travel Intentions

You must declare which country you will enter first, such as Finland, and provide details about your intended stay. The Entry/Exit System, or EES, will automatically track your movements across borders once you arrive.

Application Fee

You need a valid payment card to cover the EUR 20 fee required for most adult travellers. If you are under 18 or over 70, you do not have to pay this specific charge.

Step-by-Step: The Application Process

The process for getting your ETIAS travel authorisation is entirely digital and should take about ten minutes to complete. You will need to provide personal details, passport info, and answer security questions to meet the entry requirements for a short stay.

Accessing the Official Platforms

You should only use the official ETIAS website or the official ETIAS mobile app to submit your data. Avoid third-party sites that might overcharge you or compromise your biometric information.

Filling Out the Form

The online form requires you to enter your full name, place of birth, and parents’ first names exactly as they appear in your passport. You must also include details about your education, current job, and any travel plans to countries requiring authorisation.

• Provide a valid email address to receive your confirmation and final decision.
• Answer all questions about criminal history or previous travel to conflict zones honestly.
• Double-check every digit of your passport number before hitting submit.

Paying the Fee and Exemptions

Most adults must pay a EUR 20 fee using a debit or credit card at the end of the form. This payment covers your entry to 30 countries, including popular spots like Malta.

• Applicants under 18 or over 70 do not have to pay the fee.
• Family members of EU citizens can also apply without paying the charge.

Reviewing and Submitting

Take a final look at all your entries to ensure there are no typos in your passport data. If you need a break, you can save your progress for up to 48 hours. Once you are happy with the information, submit the form and wait for your confirmation email. 

Always keep your unique application number in a safe place for future reference.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you submit your form, the system begins a rapid automated check against various security databases to verify your eligibility. You will receive electronic notifications at each stage of the assessment until a final decision is reached on your entry status.

Immediate Confirmation

The system sends an automated email as soon as your submission is complete. This message contains your unique application number, which you must save for any future correspondence or status checks.

Processing Times

Most visa-exempt travellers receive their result within minutes of submission. If the system flags your file for manual review, the timeline changes based on the depth of the check required.

• Standard automated decisions usually arrive in your inbox in under an hour.
• Manual reviews by national units in countries like Belgium or Denmark can take up to four days.
• Complex cases requiring extra documents or an interview may last up to 30 days.

Receiving the Decision

You will get a final email stating whether your request is approved or refused. An approval allows you to travel to 30 countries, including France, Italy, and Luxembourg.

In Case of Refusal

If the authorities deny your request, the notification email will list the specific legal reasons for the rejection. This message includes instructions on how to appeal the decision in the country that issued the refusal, such as Croatia or Romania.

• Check the email for the name of the competent authority handling your case.
• Observe the strict time limits mentioned in the text if you decide to appeal.
• Ensure all your personal data is entered correctly to avoid refusals based on simple typos.

Traveling to Finland with ETIAS

Treat your approved ETIAS as a digital key that simplifies your entry into Finland and other participating European countries. Having this authorization linked to your passport allows you to pass through border checks more efficiently during your short-term stay.

At the Border

You must present the same travel document you used during your application when you arrive at the Finnish border. While your authorisation is mandatory, border guards will still perform standard checks to verify you meet all entry conditions

• If you fail to meet the required entry conditions, officials will refuse your entry even with a valid authorization.
• Boarding your flight, ship, or bus depends on having the correct document linked to your ETIAS.

Document Consistency

Your ETIAS travel authorisation is strictly linked to a specific passport number and cannot be transferred to a different document. If you replace your passport for any reason, you must apply for a new authorization before heading to Finland.

Validity Period

An approved authorisation remains valid for three years or until your travel document expires, whichever happens first. This allows you to visit Finland multiple times as long as you respect the 90-day limit within any 180-day window.

You can also use this same authorization to travel to other nearby countries like Switzerland. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least three months after your intended departure date from the area.

Get Ready for Your Finnish Adventure

To ensure a stress-free trip, obtain your ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance, ideally before you buy tickets or book accommodation. 

Always double-check that your passport details exactly match your authorisation to avoid being refused entry at the border, and keep your unique application number secure for future reference. 

As the system is scheduled to start operations in the last quarter of 2026, be sure to bookmark the official EU ETIAS website to stay informed about the specific launch date and any latest updates.