Passports and identity cards can be quickly renewed by queuing in Helsinki
The quickest way to get a new passport or identity card is to complete the application online and identify yourself at a police department if required.
The Helsinki police will exceptionally serve passport and identity card customers over the weekend of April 20–21, 2024, from 8:00 am to 3:50 pm. Then, only customers who have made a reservation will be served. The weekend booking opened today in the police’s electronic service.
‘The demand for travel documents is highest before the summer holiday season. We are responding to customer needs with a few weekends. About 1000 customers managed to identify their self at the Helsinki police station in Pasila in March thanks to an extra weekend. New customer service times are also opened on weekdays on a weekly basis, for example, due to cancellations,’ reminds Commissioner Satu Mäkinen."
Before applying for a passport or identity card, identify what travel document you will need at your destination. Does the passport have to remain valid for a certain period after your trip? Do you need a visa?
You only need an identity card when going to the EU member states and a few other European countries. As a rule, travel documents are not checked when crossing the border in Schengen countries, but you need to show it when asked to do so. While no travel documents are needed when travelling in the Nordic countries, you need to prove your identity at request.
“The quickest way to get a new passport or identity card is to complete the application online and identify yourself in the licence services of the Helsinki Police Department if required. The typical waiting time with a queue number is 30–60 minutes. The busiest hours are at 8 am, between 11 am and 1 pm, and at 4 pm. Lunch hours are the most congested,” says Chief Inspector Satu Mäkinen.
If you cannot or do not want to apply for a passport or identity card online, you can also complete an application at a police station. Online applications are quicker and carry a lower charge.
Instructions for applying for travel documents in Helsinki
- Before applying for a passport or identity card, identify what travel document you will need at your destination. You only need an identity card when going to the EU member states and a few other European countries.
- Start to apply for a passport or identity card online.
- Identify yourself at a police station if required. The quickest way to identify yourself is to use the queue number system.
- Remember to cancel your booked appointment if you are unable to show up.
- Passports, identity cards and permits - Police (poliisi.fi)
- Helsinki Police Department, units and services - Police (poliisi.fi)
