Finland

Översikt

Finland remains a low risk country with few factors that necessitate particular security awareness. The country’s effective role within the United Nations and the European Union has resulted in increased political and international stability. An effective, robust and stable economy and political structure has gone a long way in tempering any agitation that would provoke an armed insurrection.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Finland. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip.

Risk of tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested areas forested areas of the country particularly in the regions of Central Ostrobothnia, South Karelia, Southwest Finland, the archipelago south of Turku and the Åland islands.

Tap water is safe to drink in Finland.

Medical facilities and their staff are considered to be of the same quality as other highly developed European countries and are widely available for emergency services. English is commonly spoken by Finnish medical personnel, and Helsinki is a frequent medical evacuation point for emergency cases from former Soviet Union countries.

Finland’s public hospital system honours foreign credit cards, as do many private hospitals. Many pharmacies in Finland are open during normal shopping hours, and most major cities have at least one 24-hour pharmacy.

Pass

Nationals of countries that are full Schengen members do not need a passport for entry into Finland, as ID cards suffice as proof of European citizenship. Citizens of all other countries need a passport. Passports need to be valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay for non-EU nationals. EU nationals require validity for the duration of their stay. 

Visum

Finland, having joined the Schengen Agreement, requires only a European Union (EU) Schengen visa for select non-EU citizens for business or tourist stays of up to 90 days. Travellers from the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, South Africa, and Ireland among others are exempt from the visa requirement in the Schengen area and need only a valid passport to stay in Finland for up to 90 days.

Travellers can find information regarding which nationalities require a Schengen visa for entry into Finland at the European Commission Visa Policy website.