When do I need a passport?

A passport is an identification document for example for traveling!

How fast can I get a passport photo?

Photographing usually takes only a few minutes. Afterward, you can have printed photos during your visit or the retrieval code via text message in a minute!

What is an electronic passport photo?

An electronic passport photo is sent straight to the police. You will receive a retrieval code that can be used to apply for a passport. You can also use the retrieval code at a police station – just remember to take the code with you!

Do I need a printed passport photo?

For applying for a passport, you can use an electronic passport photo! Printed photo is not needed!

Can I choose the most pleasing photo?

Yes! It is important to us that you are pleased with your photo!

What is a retrieval code?

When you have your passport photo taken in a studio, your photo will be sent straight to the police. You will receive a retrieval code and when you paste the retrieval code on the correct field, your photo will be linked to your application.

Does the retrieval code work at the police station?

Yes! Just remember to take the retrieval code with you!

For what can I use the electronic passport photo?

An electronic passport photo can be used to apply for a passport, ID-card (excluding temporary ID-card), residence permits, security steward licence, security guard licence, security officer licence and firearms handling permit.

What is an online application and where can I fill it?

You can finish the whole application online. To be able to fill in the application online, you will need an electronic passport photo and a retrieval code which you will receive when you have your passport photo taken in a studio. You can fill the application form: https://www.poliisi.fi/online_services

How much does it cost to apply for a passport?

You can check the current price list from: https://www.poliisi.fi/licences/service_prices_and_payment

How fast is the new passport delivered?

Standard delivery for a passport is 5-8 working days.

With a rapid delivery your passport will be delivered within 3 working days and with express delivery in 0-1 working days.

What is an express passport?

Express passport is a regular passport that is delivered rapidly. With a rapid delivery your passport will be delivered within 3 working days and with express delivery in 0-1 working days.

For how long is a passport photo valid?

Passport photo, both electronic and printed one, are valid for 6 months.

For how long is a new passport valid?

Regular passport is valid for 5 years.

Does a child need a passport?

Yes!

Does a baby need a passport?

Yes!

What passport applications can I fill online?

You can apply for a passport, Åland Islands passport and seaman’s passport (requires a visit to a police station) online.

What do I need for a passport application?

For a passport application you will need a passport photo, either electronic or printed one. Keep the retrieval code safe!

Do I need to visit a police station when I am applying for a passport?

Usually, you can finish the whole application online if your fingerprints have been registered in the last 6 years and your name remains the same as in the previous passport. If these requirements are not met, you can make the application online and it will be finished after you have been at a police station and you have been identified. The system will inform you if you will have to go to the police station when you are making the online application.

Retrieving the new passport?

Regular passport is delivered to Matkahuolto service point or to its partner. You will receive a notice of arrival when you can retrieve your passport. The notice will include a shipment ID, which is required when retrieving your passport. When you are retrieving your passport you must also be identified. This can be done via ID-card or passport. An expired passport is valid if it is recently expired. 

I lost my passport, what to do?

If you have lost your passport it is important to contact the police immediately to prevent any abuse. You can report online or at a police station. If you’re abroad you can contact the embassy. After making the report you can apply for a new passport normally.

My personal data has changed, what to do?

Passport/ID-card is not a valid identification document or a travel document if it has your outdated data on it. Apply for a new passport/ID-card as soon as your new data has been recorded in the Population Information System.

Does one need a passport to Estonia?

Not necessarily! When travelling to Estonia, an ID-card can be used as a travel document.

Does one need a passport to Sweden?

No. In nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland) you don’t need a travel document. However, you must be able to prove your identity and citizenship of any Nordic country when required. NB! Driving license doesn’t include the required detail of citizenship – it only informs the place of birth. 

Does one need a passport to Russia?

Yes! You also need to apply for a visa.

Does one need a passport to Europe?

Usually yes. You can check from the site of The Finnish Police where ID-car is accepted as a traveling document. Always remember to check the regulations for traveling for each country you plan to travel to. For example, what kind of passport you need to travel to each country.

 

What kind of picture do I need for an ID-card?

For an ID-card, you will need one passport photo, either electronic or printed.

How fast can I get a passport photo?

Photographing usually takes only a few minutes. Afterward, you can have printed photos during your visit or the retrieval code via text message in a minute!

For how long is a passport photo valid?

Passport photo, both electronic and printed one, are valid for 6 months.

For how long is a new ID-card valid?

Regular ID-card is valid for 5 years.

What is a retrieval code?

When you have your passport photo taken in a studio, your photo will be sent straight to the police. You will receive a retrieval code and when you paste the retrieval code on the correct field, your photo will be linked to your application.

How to apply for an ID-card?

You can fill in the application form online. You can find it from the police’s websites. To be able to fill in the application online, you will need an electronic passport photo and a retrieval code which you will receive when you have your passport photo taken in a studio.

How much does it cost to apply for an ID-card?

You can check the current price list from: https://www.poliisi.fi/licences/service_prices_and_payment

Do I need to visit a police station when I am applying for an ID-card?

Usually, you can finish the whole application online if your fingerprints have been registered in the last 6 years and your name remains the same as in the previous passport. If these requirements are not met, you can make the application online and it will be finished after you have been at a police station and you have been identified. The system will inform you if you will have to go to the police station when you are making the online application.

Retrieving the new ID-card?

Regular ID-card is delivered to Matkahuolto service point or to its partner. You will receive a notice of arrival when you can retrieve your ID-card. The notice will include a shipment ID, which is required when retrieving your ID-card. When you are retrieving your ID-card you must also be identified. This can be done via ID-card or passport. An expired passport is valid if it is recently expired. 

My personal data has changed, what to do?

Passport/ID-card is not a valid identification document or a travel document if it has your outdated data on it. Apply for a new passport/ID-card as soon as your new data has been recorded in the Population Information System.

Are eyeglasses allowed in a passport photo?

Eyeglasses are recommended to be taken off. This prevents glares, shadows and distortions that glasses might cause.

Is headwear allowed in a passport photo?

Hat or other headwear can be used only for religious or medical reasons. 

How to act on a passport photo?

Generally the rule for passports is that the whole face must be seen, hair or clothes must not cover the face, eyes should be visible and you should have a neutral facial expression.

Are jewellery or makeup allowed in a passport photo?

Yes! As long as they do not interrupt the identificational properties of the picture. For example, face powder can be used to prevent glares on the face.

 

 

Do I need an appointment?

No! You can come when it fits with your schedule – no booking!

How fast can I get a passport photo?

Photographing usually takes only a few minutes. Afterward you will receive printed photos during your visit or the retrieval code via text message in a minute.

Can I have both an electronic and printed photo from you?

Yes! At our store we will send the picture straight to the police or you can have printed photos during your visit!

Do you take visa photos?

Yes! We also take visa photos. As printed photos or electronic version to your email in a minute!

Do you offer printing service?

Unfortunately we do not have a printing service.

How much does a CV photo cost?

We have two different CV photos. Fast CV, 1 photo with light edit 24,99€ and premium CV, 1 photo with high quality edit 34,99€

What are your opening hours?

You can find our opening hours at our stores’ sites!

Where are your studios located?

Our studios are located in Hämeenkatu and Puistokatu, Turku, in Shopping center Kamppi, Helsinki, in Rotuaari, Oulu and in Hämeenkatu, Tampere. More specific information you can find at our stores’ sites!

Can I choose the most pleasing photo?

Yes! It is important to us that you are pleased with your photo!

I’m leaving for a trip tomorrow, what to do?

Make sure your passport is valid! It is important to check the regulations for traveling for each country you plan to travel to. For example what kind of passport you need to travel to each country, is there a requirement that your passport will not expire in the next 6 months.

Can I enter your store in a wheelchair?

There is unobstructed access to our stores in Kamppi and Tampere!