Saily eSIM for Finland
Skip roaming fees with Saily, our partner eSIM provider. Use code ATOBEACH for 10% off.
Plans start at $3.59 for 1GB, valid for 7 days.
Activates when you land 200+ destinations Code ATOBEACH at checkout
1,132 mi away
£1 €1.16
Today
1:26 pm
+3h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Finland
Finland
13°
Overcast
Sat
7°
13°
Sun
7°
11°
Mon
7°
13°
Tue
8°
11°
Wed
8°
12°
Thu
5°
12°
Fri
8°
14°
SPF level in Finland
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Finland
What British travellers need to know
You can stay in Finland without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism.
Your passport must have a date of issue less than 10 years before you arrive and be valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen area.
You may need to show proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and proof you have enough money for your stay at border control.
Be prepared to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, at the border when entering or exiting the Schengen area.
When returning to the UK, you must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.
Good to know:
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more when you enter or leave.
To enter Finland with an adult who is not a parent or legal guardian, minor children must carry a letter of consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Safety in Finland
Tips when travelling
Finland is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Pickpockets may target tourists in crowded areas, so keep your personal belongings, passports and money safe.
Illegal drugs, including cannabis, are prohibited and can result in long jail sentences and heavy fines.
The drink-drive limit in Finland is significantly lower than in England, and drink-driving is a serious offence that could lead to prison.
You need a UK driving licence to drive in Finland, and hire car companies often require extra conditions like a minimum age or an international driving permit.
You may be able to use your UK Blue Badge in some circumstances, but you should check local parking rules.
Bonus tips:
Be aware of your surroundings at all times as terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out and could occur in places visited by foreign nationals.
Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue are limited in very remote Arctic areas of Finland.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Finland
A valid UK driving license is required. An International Driving Permit is not legally required for stays shorter than one year.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Finland drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Finland
If you're visiting Finland, it's advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses. UK residents can use their UK-issued Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Finland. However, these cards may not cover all costs, so travel insurance is still recommended.
No vaccinations required
Generally, Finland has high standards of public health. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it's always wise to ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Finland.
Cards & payments
Cards are widely accepted in Finland, especially in larger establishments and cities. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Finland
Tipping is not as common in Finland as it is in some other countries. Service charges are usually included in the bill, so tipping is not expected but is always appreciated for exceptional service.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service
Bar/Café
Rounding up or a small tip for good service
Taxi
Rounding up the fare
Hotel Porter
1-2 EUR per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 EUR per night for exceptional service
Tour Guide
5-10 EUR for a good tour
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU-wide free roaming for UK mobile customers no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Finland. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming packages.
Local SIM
10 GB for 20 EUR (~£17)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Finland
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas, especially in cities.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Finland has a well-developed internet infrastructure with good WiFi coverage in most urban areas and decent mobile data speeds. Many public places offer free WiFi.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Finland
Country code
+358
To call the British Embassy in Helsinki dial 00 358 9 2286 5100
To call Finland from the UK, you need to dial the exit code (00), then the country code for Finland (358), and finally the local number. Remove the first zero from the local area code.
Languages in Finland
Finnish(primary)
Swedish
UK Embassy
British Embassy Helsinki
Itäinen Puistotie 13, 00140 Helsinki, Finland
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
18 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Clarification that you do not need to take any action before arriving at the border on entry to the Schengen area.
- Advice to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area.
Entry requirements
22 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- The instruction to get your passport stamped on entry and exit until EES is rolled out has been removed from the 'Visa requirements' section.
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- A new point has been added: long-term residents in a Schengen country are now exempt from EES registration in all Schengen countries.
Entry requirements
28 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
- The text 'with full operation expected from 10 April 2026' has been removed.
Passport validity
- Clarification added that a passport issued before 1 October 2018 may have a date of issue more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area.
Airports in Finland
Beaches in Finland
Frequently asked questions
No, British citizens do not need a visa for tourist travel to Finland for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
Yes, the tap water in Finland is of very high quality and is perfectly safe to drink. You do not need to buy bottled water.
The best time to visit Finland depends on your interests. Summer (June-August) offers long daylight hours and pleasant temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities. Winter (December-March) is perfect for seeing the Northern Lights and enjoying winter sports.
Pack according to the season. In summer, bring light clothing, swimwear, and insect repellent. For winter, pack warm layers, including thermal underwear, a heavy coat, gloves, a hat, and waterproof boots. Don't forget swimwear for saunas, which are a significant part of Finnish culture.
Popular activities include visiting Helsinki, exploring Lapland (for Northern Lights viewing and winter activities), enjoying Finnish saunas, hiking and camping in national parks, and visiting the Turku archipelago. Consider experiencing a traditional Finnish smoke sauna for a unique cultural experience.
Finland is generally a very safe country with low crime rates. However, be aware of petty theft in tourist areas, especially in Helsinki. Also, be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, and always use licensed taxis.
Finns value personal space and privacy. Avoid loud conversations in public and queue politely. Punctuality is important. When invited to someone's home, it's customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers or chocolates. When using a sauna, it is common to go nude.
Finland has a well-developed transportation system. Public transport in cities is efficient, and trains and buses connect major towns and cities. Renting a car is a good option for exploring the countryside, especially Lapland. Domestic flights are available for long distances.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.