Finland Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, travelers to Finland must hold sufficient funds for their duration of stay in the country, a return or onward ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Also note that joint passports must include a photograph of the spouse and, if issued after May 1, 2004, a photograph of each child over seven years of age and up to and including 15 years of age. Otherwise, a photo identification card showing the child's name, date of birth and nationality must be presented, together with the passport. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Finland. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period.

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for period of intended stay in Finland. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen; nor for holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a six-month period for holders of passports endorsed British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Finland. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period.

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Finland. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a Document of Identity issued to nationals of Australia. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period.

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the intended period of stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Finland.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Finland. No visa is required.

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Finland. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a six-month period.

Healthcare

There are no health risks associated with travel to Finland. Visitors to the Aland Islands in the summer months should be cautious of tick-borne encephalitis. Medical care is of a good standard. British, and other EU nationals, should ensure they take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which entitles citizens to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Finnish citizens. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised.

Safety

Crime levels are low in Finland and visitors can be assured of a trouble-free vacation. Drug offenses and drinking and driving are dealt with very harshly. The main danger in the country is driving during the winter months, when icy roads are a hazard and cars must be fitted with snow tires.