Practical tips for travellers

As you prepare for your travels to Finland, here are some things to know.

Credits: Tuomas Uusiheimo

Finland – A happy, Nordic nation

You’ll find thousands of reasons to fall in love with Finland – whether it’s the people, the stunning arctic landscape or the eye-catching architecture. And just when you think you’ve seen and experienced all Finland has to offer, its four distinct seasons will beckon you back for more. Read more facts about Finland below.

Facts about Finland

Explore this list of fun facts and useful things to know about Finland – the happiest nation in the world.

Credits: Marjaana Tasala

Useful things to know

How can I get to Finland?
You can fly, cruise or drive. See the arriving and getting around section for more on your options. 
 
What’s the best time of year to visit Finland?  
Finland is a year-round destination. Winters are great for outdoor activities like downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, skating and ice-swimming. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to see the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland. Late summer and autumn are ideal for foraging and enjoying colourful autumn foliage. The spring months (until early May) offer the best skiing in Lapland – in the south, the snow will be gone by then. The summer months across Finland are known for their white nights, and in Lapland, as a time when the sun never sets. Big cities have interesting things to see and do all year, and across Finland, it’s always sauna season. Explore Finland’s top things to by season here.  
 
Do I need a passport or visa to enter the country?  
You need a valid national passport or another equivalent that satisfactorily establishes your identity and nationality. If you aren’t a citizen of Finland or another European Economic Area (EEA) country, you may also need a visa. Please check with your local Finnish Embassy, and they’ll be happy to help you.  
 
The emergency phone number in Finland is 112
Please call 112 if you need urgent medical attention or help from firefighters or police.

For more more questions and answers, please visit the section with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Useful links
Police: poliisi.fi

Language

The two main official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish. There are also several official minority languages: three variants of Sami, Romani, Finnish Sign Language and Karelian. English is spoken widely. Many also speak German.

What’s Finland’s currency?

The Euro is the Finland’s official currency.

Time zone

Eastern European Time (EET) UTC offset UTC+02:00

Credits Marjaana Tasala

What do we mean by sustainable travel?

In order for all of us to continue exploring new countries and cultures, we must ensure tourism is aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and is ecologically, socio-culturally and financially sound. Sustainability matters – not just to the Earth, but for the travel industry as well.

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