The Finnish authorities have announced that the country will open a new visa application centre in Izmir, Türkiye.
The new application centre for a Finland Schengen visa will open on February 20, making it more convenient for residents of the region to apply for the document.
As the Embassy of Finland in Ankara has revealed, the new visa application centre in Izmir will be maintained by VFS Global. The latter will be responsible for accepting applications, while the decision on the issuance of visas will be taken by the Finnish authorities.
Finland Visa Application Centre maintained by VFS Global will be opened on February 20, 2024. The new Visa Application Centre will make it easier to apply for a Schengen visa to Finland.
Once the new centre is opened, those wanting to apply for a Finland Schengen visa will be able to book their appointment in advance. Moreover, similar to the other application centres, the application form can be filled out online.
Applicants can also request the new application centre to return their passports to their desired address within the country by courier once the application is processed.
In addition to the above-mentioned, the embassy stressed that all applications for visas must be submitted in person. Moreover, everyone submitting an application must give their biometrics when submitting the required documents at the application centre.
The applicant must always submit the application in person and must give his or her biometrics. Applications can be submitted from Monday to Friday, 8.30 – 15.00. The Visa Application Centre charges a service fee for each application.
The same authority highlighted that the new centre would only accept visa applications. Applications for a residence permit or passport can not be submitted to the new centre.
As part of the move to make the visa application process for Turkish nationals in this part of the country more convenient, the Finnish embassy will also soon launch a website. Through the website, applicants will be able to book an appointment. Appointments can also be booked by calling the call centre. The call centre will operate in three languages – Turkish, Arabic, and English.
Turkish nationals applying for a Finland Schengen visa are required to submit several documents. In addition to the completed application form, they need to provide two passport photos, proof of having purchased travel health insurance, proof of having booked a place to stay, and proof of sufficient financial means, among others.
