Travel Consideration: Finland

Finland is a highly developed democracy with a modern economy. It is a member of the European Union. Tourist facilities are widely available.

A passport is required. A visa is not required for tourist or business stays up to 90 days. For additional information concerning entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Finland at 3301 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 298-5800, or the Finnish Consulate General in Los Angeles or New York. Additional information is available via the Internet at http://www.finland.org.

Although the crime rate in Finland is low compared to the U.S. and most European countries, it has increased approximately 15 percent since 1998. However, Finland remains relatively safe. Americans visiting Finland are seldom victims of crime, but visitors should not be complacent regarding personal safety or the protection of valuables. The same precautions employed in the U.S. should be followed in Finland. Finnish police services are excellent; however, some police officers speak little English. The telephone number for police and other emergency services throughout Finland is 112. All forms of public transportation are considered safe. Street crimes such as muggings and pickpocketing remain relatively uncommon, but they do occur. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police (112) and the U.S. Embassy (171-931 ext. 271). U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Medical facilities are widely available for emergency services. The public hospital system and many private hospitals honor foreign credit cards. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more.

U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, which is available via its home page.

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Finland is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Excellent
Urban Road Condition/Maintenance: Excellent
Rural Road Condition/Maintenance: Excellent
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Excellent

Finland has an extensive network of highways throughout the country, as well as excellent public transportation services. Travelers should be aware that drunk driving laws are strict, and acceptable blood alcohol levels are much lower in Finland than in the United States. Police strictly enforce all traffic laws and institute random roadside breathalyzer tests. Those drivers who register a .05 or above alcohol content are subject to immediate arrest. Driving regulations and traffic signs differ significantly from those in the United States. Visitors should be familiar with both prior to operating a vehicle in Finland. Driving in Finland during the winter months can be hazardous. Icy road conditions are common. Vehicles are required to be winterized and have studded snow tires, and engine heaters are strongly recommended. When driving at night, drivers must be alert to moose wandering onto major roadways. There have been incidents of moose being struck by vehicles, causing severe damage to the vehicle and even death to the occupants. For specific information concerning Finnish driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Finland National Tourist Organization offices in New York via the Internet at http://www.mek.fi. The e-mail address is med@mek.fi.


While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Finland’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Finland are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Finland’s customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information, please call 212-354-4480, send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to register and obtain updated information on travel and security in Finland at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki. It is located at Itainen Puistotie 14B; tel: 358-9-171931 or after hours: 358-9-605414; fax: 358-9-652057; e-mail address: consular@usembassy.fi; home page: http://www.usembassy.fi.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Finland’s Civil Aviation Authority as Category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Finland’s air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet home page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.