Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Finland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries on the world. Despite this, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs, particularly in urban centres.

• Ensure that personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents are secure at all times, especially on public transportation such as the metro and trams as well as in transportation hubs such as Helsinki’s railway station
• Be vigilant when visiting major tourist sites such as the Esplanade

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites      frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

The Government of Finland maintains a public alert system on terrorism. It communicates changes online and through local and social media.

Current terrorist threat in Finland - Finnish Security intelligence Service

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Roads are safe and well maintained in Finland.

Driving may be hazardous during winter. Drivers should be comfortable driving in darkness, as daylight hours are very short. Icy road conditions are common and may cause road closures, particularly in northern areas.

Wildlife road accidents are common.

Be particularly vigilant if driving at nighttime.

Traffic conditions in Finland – Finnish Transport Agency

Adventure and Arctic tourism

If you undertake adventure tourism or trekking, especially in the Arctic provinces and remote areas of Finland:

• never do so alone
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• don’t venture off marked trails
• ensure that you’re properly equipped
• ensure that you’re well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• obtain detailed information on each activity before setting out

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Finnish authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Schengen area

Finland is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Useful links

• Schengen area
• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Border crossings with Russia

Finnish authorities have closed all land border crossings with Russia. Since April 15, 2024, maritime border crossing points at Haapasaari, the port of Nuijamaa, and Santio are closed to personal watercraft.

Useful links

• New measures at the eastern border – Finnish Ministry of the Interior
• Contact information and hours of operation – Finnish Border Guard

Vehicles with Russian license plates

Since September 2023, Finland has enforced an entry ban on vehicles registered in Russia. This restriction is currently in place at the border and reflects existing European Union sanctions against the Russian Federation.

Vehicles registered in Russia carrying Russian license plates will be refused entry into Finland.

Restrictions on import of vehicles registered in Russia - Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days

Guide to temporary entry into Finland under CETA

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return ticket or proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country.

Medications

Finnish customs prohibit shipments of medications from abroad. Local physicians may be reluctant to prescribe equivalent quantities or dosages.

• Make sure you have a sufficient supply of your prescription medication for the duration of your stay
• Be aware of the types and quantities of medication you are allowed to bring with you   

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Useful links

• Health and safety outside Canada
• Travelling with medicines - Finnish customs authority

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Finland are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Finland to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Finland authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences and a heavy fine.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Prescription medication

You can bring a 90-day supply of most personal prescription drugs with a formal doctor’s note.

For prescribed narcotics, you may only bring a 14-day supply, accompanied by a medical certificate explaining their necessity.

• Keep prescription medications in their original container
• Carry your original prescription readily available for inspection by customs officials

Travelling with medicines - Finnish customs authority

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Finland.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Finland, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Finland.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Finland, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Finnish court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Finland to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

You must be at least 18 years of age to drive a car in Finland.

Low-beam headlights are required. Winter tires are mandatory between November 1 and March 31.

You should carry an international driving permit.

• More information about driving in Finland - European Commission
• Learn about the international driving permit

Money

The currency of Finland is the euro (EUR).

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Natural disasters and climate

Winter climate 

Finland is prone to severe winter weather. Floods and windstorms could occur.

Avalanches

In mountainous regions, avalanches and landslides present a risk.

• Monitor local media and weather forecasts
• Follow the advice of local authorities

Avalanche forecast - Finnish meteorological institute