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Travel guide to Finland

Passports
All visitors to Finland must hold a valid passport. We recommend that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date and has sufficient blank pages for immigration requirements.
Visas
British passport holders can visit Finland for short stays without a visa.
Entry requirements can occasionally change, so we recommend checking the latest travel advice before departure.
Health
No compulsory vaccinations are required for travellers arriving from the UK. Finland has an excellent healthcare system with modern facilities available throughout the country. Travel insurance covering medical expenses, cancellation and personal belongings is essential. If you are taking prescription medication, ensure it remains in its original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription. When travelling in Lapland during winter, extreme cold can occur and suitable winter clothing is essential. In summer, mosquito repellent is strongly recommended when visiting forested and wetland areas
Currency
The currency of Finland is the Euro (EUR).
 
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country, including in hotels, restaurants, shops and public transport services.
 
ATMs are readily available in towns and cities, although Finland is increasingly cashless.
Language
The official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish.
 
English is widely spoken throughout the country and visitors should have no difficulty communicating during their trip.
Time Zone
Finland operates on:
 
GMT +2 (Eastern European Time)
 
Daylight saving time is observed between late March and late October, when Finland operates on GMT +3.
Travel Tips

Flights

 
Domestic flights provide convenient access to destinations across Finland, particularly Lapland and other northern regions. Helsinki serves as the country's main international gateway and transport hub. 
 

Hand Luggage

 
Keep all valuables, travel documents, medications, cameras and electronic devices in your hand luggage. We also recommend packing a change of clothes in case of any unforeseen luggage delays. 
 

Documents to Take

 
Before travelling, ensure you have: 
 
  • Passport
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Flight tickets and itinerary details
  • Hotel confirmations
  • Emergency contact information
  • Copies of important documents stored separately from the originals
 
 
Digital copies stored securely on your phone or cloud storage can also be useful. 
 

Electronic Devices

 
Finland uses Type C and Type F electrical plugs with a standard voltage of 230V. 
 
UK travellers will require a travel adaptor. 
 
Wi-Fi is widely available throughout Finland, including in hotels, airports, railway stations and many public areas. 
 

Mobile Phones

 
International roaming is available throughout Finland, although charges vary by provider. 
 
Mobile coverage is excellent in most regions, including many parts of Lapland and remote wilderness destinations. 
 

Clothing to Take

 
Finland experiences significant seasonal variations. 
 
We recommend: 
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Warm layers
  • Thermal clothing for winter travel
  • Comfortable walking boots or shoes
  • Hat, gloves and scarf for Arctic regions
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimwear for hotel spas and saunas
  • Daypack for excursions
 
 
For wildlife holidays, photography tours and birdwatching trips, neutral-coloured clothing is often preferable. 
 

Medicines

 
Bring an adequate supply of any personal medication for the duration of your trip. 
 
Keep medicines in their original packaging and carry copies of prescriptions where applicable. 
 
A small personal first-aid kit containing pain relief, plasters, antihistamines and insect-bite treatments can also be useful. 
 

Accessories

 
Useful items for travelling in Finland include: 
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing
  • Camera and spare memory cards
  • Travel adaptor
  • Daypack
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Insect repellent
  • Waterproof bag
  • Tripod for wildlife and Northern Lights photography
 
 

Books

 
Finland is one of Europe's finest destinations for wildlife watching and birding. 
 
Field guides covering birds, mammals and Arctic wildlife can greatly enhance your experience, particularly when visiting Lapland, the taiga forests or the country's wetlands. 
 
Many travellers also choose to download guidebooks and maps before they travel. 
 

Water

 
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Finland and is regarded as some of the cleanest in the world. 
 
Carrying a reusable water bottle is recommended, particularly during outdoor activities and wildlife excursions. 
 

Taxis

 
Taxis are available throughout Finland and are generally reliable and safe. 
 
Most accept credit and debit cards, while ride-hailing services are available in larger cities including Helsinki. 
 

Safety

 
Finland is an exceptionally safe destination with very low crime rates. 
 
As with any destination, take sensible precautions with valuables and personal belongings. Visitors travelling into remote wilderness areas should pay close attention to weather conditions and follow local guidance regarding outdoor activities. 
 

Tipping

 
Tipping is not compulsory in Finland. 
 
Service charges are generally included in prices, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for excellent service is always appreciated. Tipping guides and drivers is at your discretion.