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Weather & climate
Weather in Finland
Finland
18°
Dense drizzle
Wed
14°
18°
Thu
14°
21°
Fri
14°
23°
Sat
16°
27°
Sun
15°
20°
Mon
15°
20°
Tue
18°
26°
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, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings.
Your passport must have a date of issue less than 10 years before your arrival date and an expiry date at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
At border control, you may need to show proof of accommodation, a return or onward ticket, and proof you have enough money for your stay.
Your first entry into the Schengen area may require you to register biometric details like fingerprints and a photo at a special booth under the new Entry/Exit System (EES).
For stays longer than 90 days in a 180-day period, you must meet Finnish government entry requirements and check which visa or permit you need.
Good to know:
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.
You must declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more upon entry to Finland.
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 during the tourist season, so keep your personal belongings, passports and money safe.
Possessing, using, buying or smuggling illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties including long jail sentences and heavy fines.
You need a UK driving licence to drive in Finland, and hire car companies often have additional requirements like a minimum age and an international driving permit.
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Finland with a significantly lower alcohol limit than in England, and you could get a prison sentence if found guilty.
Arctic areas of Finland are very remote with limited emergency medical assistance and search and rescue services.
Bonus tips:
You may be able to use your Blue Badge for parking in Finland, but you should check the local parking rules.
Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
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
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.