Changes to Visa Services in Helsinki

From 2 February 2009 visa applicants can continue to submit their applications, biometric information and pay the fees for visas in Helsinki but their applications will be assessed and a decision made by the UK Border Agency at the British Embassy in STOCKHOLM.

Applicants must be able to leave their passports while their application is being considered.  They will not be able to take their passports out during the process.  

The application process for straightforward applications will be between 5 –15 days. Applicants are advised to apply in good time for their visas to avoid disappointment or cancellation of their journey.

Note: The UK Border Agency does not provide a copy service. Applicants must bring original documents to the UK Border Agency for the assessment of their application. If documents are being submitted in Finnish, Swedish or another foreign language they should be accompanied by an official translation in English. Applicants who require supporting documents to be returned must provide photocopies in addition to the originals.

Further guidance can be found at: www.visainfoservices.com, or by calling our visa information service provider, WorldBridge on + 358 9 4259 8614 (calls cost US$14 per call) or +358 600 413 415 (calls cost €2.17/min).

To ensure the speedy return of your passport by REGISTERED MAIL, applicants are requested to provide sufficient stamps or €5.00 in cash when submitting their application form.

Visa applications cannot be processed without a valid passport, an application form, a photograph, and the correct fee. If applicants arrive at the UK Border Agency for a visa appointment and they do not have these documents with them, they will not be admitted to the Visa Section and will have to go online to the visa4uk.fco.gov.uk website to make a further appointment.

If an applicant wishes to be accompanied by someone they must make a separate appointment for that person, once they have made their online appointment. This may be done by emailing us at: helsinki.consularenquiries@fco.gov.uk. You must be able to give the full name (as it appears on their passport) and the date of birth of the person accompanying you to the Visa Section.

Where can I get information? 

The UK Border Agency and the British Embassy Helsinki work in partnership with a commercial organisation: Worldbridge. You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through WorldBridge’s website www.visainfoservices.com.

WorldBridge also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry services, the number is
+358 (0)9 4259 8614 and costs US$14
or
a pay-by-the-minute number 0600-413 415 (EUR 2.17 per minute)

All the information provided is supplied and approved by UK Border Agency. 

Please note that the British Embassy in Helsinki is unable to provide visa information to personal callers. Please contact Worldbridge as described above.

Do I have to pay? 

Website and email information is free of charge but there is a charge for using the telephone service.

Where can I get advice?

WorldBridge and its staff cannot give you advice on how to complete your application, or what type of visa you should apply for.  If you need help with your application or advice about the UK's immigration rules and requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner OISC or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies.  Their websites are:

Law Society of England and Wales

Law Society of Scotland

Law Society of Northern Ireland

How do I submit my application?

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

Service standards  - complaints and compliments