- Finland grants visa-free access to citizens of about 60 countries and territories, but only two African nations are on the list
- Travellers from visa-exempt countries can enter Finland for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without obtaining a visa
- Finland ranks comfortably above the European Union (EU) average for wages, with entry-level workers earning the equivalent of millions of naira monthly
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 5 years of experience covering migration.
Helsinki, Finland – The European nation of Finland is widely regarded as one of the continent’s best places to live, work, and visit. With pay levels considered high by global standards and visa-free entry for citizens of dozens of countries, it remains an attractive destination.
Legit.ng reports that Finland is also among Europe’s highest-paying nations, with research showing that entry-level workers in many sectors earn the equivalent of millions of naira each month.
As reported on Sunday, August 2, 2026, by Vanguard, for travellers, Finland grants visa-free access to citizens of around 60 countries and territories. However, only two African countries currently enjoy that privilege.
Source: Twitter
Which countries enjoy Finland’s visa-free policy?
As a member of the Schengen Area, Finland allows citizens of visa-exempt countries to enter without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
Although these travellers do not require a visa, they must still meet border entry requirements by presenting a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, accommodation details where applicable, and evidence of onward or return travel.
Which African countries can travel visa-free?
Only the following African countries have visa-free access to Finland for holders of ordinary passports:
1. Seychelles
Seychellois passport holders also enjoy visa-free access to Finland and the rest of the Schengen Area for short visits.
Like Mauritius, Seychelles has a reciprocal visa-free agreement with the European Union, making travel significantly easier for its citizens.
2. Mauritius
Citizens of Mauritius can travel to Finland without first obtaining a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The Indian Ocean island nation benefits from a visa-waiver agreement with the European Union, allowing its passport holders to visit Finland and other Schengen countries for short stays.
Source: Getty Images
Who can travel to Finland without a visa?
Citizens of the following countries can generally travel to Finland without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
North America
Europe
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
- Albania (biometric passports)
- Andorra
- Serbia (biometric passports)
- Ukraine (biometric passports)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (biometric passports)
- Georgia (biometric passports)
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia (biometric passports)
- San Marino
- Kosovo (biometric passports)
- Moldova (biometric passports)
Asia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Brunei
- Macao SAR
- Malaysia
- Hong Kong SAR
- Israel
- Japan
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan (eligible passport holders)
South America
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Paraguay
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Peru
- Chile
- Honduras
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Nicaragua
- Panama
Caribbean
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Grenada
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Oceania
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Fiji
- Solomon Islands
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Palau
- Samoa
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Read more on Finland
Finland’s minimum wage reaches N3.8m
Earlier, Legit.ng reported on Finland’s minimum wage.
Research into these generally applicable collective agreements shows that entry-level monthly wages typically fall between €1,900 and €2,500, depending on which sector a worker is employed in. At current exchange rates, that translates to between roughly N2.9 million and N3.8 million per month.
Source: Legit.ng