Check the validity of your passport and identity card for travel in the winter and spring period
“It is recommended to check the validity of your passport and identity card before the winter and spring holidays, especially if you are going to travel abroad. If necessary, the travel document can be renewed smoothly, as there are plenty of appointments available throughout Finland,” says Hanna Piipponen, Chief of Licence Administration at the National Police Board.
It is always best to use the online service for the renewal. When submitting an online application, the system will tell you whether you need an identification appointment at a police station. At the same time, it is easy to book an appointment at the police station of your choice. If you make an application for a passport or identity card online, it is also slightly cheaper than a travel document obtained from a police station. If the renewal of your passport or identity card has been delayed until the last minute, it is also possible to visit the police station without an appointment, but in this case you should be prepared to wait for an official to become available.
A ten-year passport is not yet available
Some clients are waiting for the maximum validity of the passport to extend to ten years. However, you should not wait to renew your passport, because it will take time for the validity period to change. The legislative amendments required by the changed validity period have not yet been taken to Parliament.
How to renew your passport or identification card
- Have a passport photograph taken of you. The photograph attached to the passport or identity card application must be no more than six months old.
- Start making an application for a new travel document at poliisi.fi
- The system will direct you to book an appointment at a police station, if this is necessary. Make sure to cancel your appointment if you cannot make it.
- Retrieve your completed document when you receive the pick-up notification.
