Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Finland. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required.
US Embassy/Consulate
[358] (9) 616250; US Embassy in Finland, Itäinen Puistotie 14 B, 00140 Helsinki, Finland; https://fi.usembassy.gov/; HelsinkiACS@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
358
Local Emergency Phone
112
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Cold temperate; potentially subarctic but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes
Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
Finnish, Swedish, Russian
Major Religions
Lutheran 67.8%, Greek Orthodox 1.1%, other 1.7%, unspecified 29.4%
Time Difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Turku Castle; Porvoo; Lake Saimaa region (includes Savonlinna and Castle Olavinlinna); Orthodox Church in Tampere; Lemmenjoki National Park; Helsinki churches (Uspensky and Lutheran Cathedrals, Temppeliaukio Church); Suomenlinna Fortress
Major Sports
Soccer, ice hockey, ski jumping, cross-country skiing
Cultural Practices
Finns believe there is a proper way to act in any circumstance and always expect courteous behavior. Talk in moderate tones and do not do anything to call attention to yourself.
Tipping Guidelines
Tips are not expected as a service charge is always included at restaurants, but you may leave a small tip of 5-10% for excellent service. Tipping at hotels is fairly rare, but a few euros for good service is appreciated. Round up for taxis.
Souvenirs
Knitted traditional Lappish clothing, reindeer and elk decorative and food items, glass bird statues, stone necklaces
Traditional Cuisine
Rye Bread and Karelian stew — pork and beef with carrots, onions, and spices
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, September 06, 2023
