All travelers, excluding nationals of E.E.A countries and
Switzerland, require return or onward tickets, documents for next destination and sufficient funds. Passports must be valid for at least the period of intended stay. 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 and
Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple
entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.
Americans: United States citizens require only a valid passport to stay in Finland for up to three months in any six-month period without requiring a visa.
UK nationals: British passport holders must have a valid passport to enter Finland. British Citizens, British National (Overseas), British Subjects and British Overseas Territories Citizens with the right of abode in the
UK do not require a visa for stays of up to three months in any six-month period.
Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport to enter Finland, but no visa is required for a stay of up to three months in any six-month period.
Australians: Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months in any six-month period.
South Africans: South African citizens require a valid passport and Schengen visa to enter Finland.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months in any six-month period.
New Zealanders: New Zealanders must have a valid passport and may stay in Finland for up to three months in any six-month period without requiring a visa.
Health
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 offences 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.
