Airport transit visas are based on the common visa practice of the European Union. These visas are granted for a maximum transit of 24 hours. Finland begins to apply Schengen Agreements on 25 March 2001. This means changes in visa practices and boarder control practices. However, residence permits are also needed for short stays of less than three months if the purpose of the stay is to work in Finland.
Residence permits require either a valid passport or a travel document.
However, all foreigners entering Finland do not need a residence permit. Citizens of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland - may enter Finland freely and reside there without a residence permit. If the period of study lasts longer, a residence permit issued by the local police is needed. Persons holding residence permits may live, reside and travel in Finland while the permit is valid. They may also change their place of residence, or leave the country and enter it again.