Finland offers travelers a mix of stylish cities, peaceful natural landscapes and memorable seasonal experiences.
Whether you are planning time in Helsinki, heading north to Lapland for winter adventures and Northern Lights viewing, or visiting in summer for long daylight hours and lake-country scenery, it helps to plan ahead before you go. When you’re ready for your trip, Travel Guard can help you plan.
In many cases, travelers do not need a travel insurance plan to enter Finland. However, travelers who need a Schengen visa are generally required to have a qualifying travel medical insurance plan. Even when it is not required for entry, a travel insurance plan may help with certain covered prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if something unexpected affects your travel plans.
The best travel insurance plan for a trip to Finland depends on your itinerary, trip cost and the type of support you want while traveling. A quick trip to Helsinki may not look the same as a winter itinerary in Lapland or a more expensive trip with flights, hotels and tours booked in advance.
As you compare plans, think about what parts of your trip would be hardest to replace if something unexpected affected your travel plans. That may include prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, emergency travel medical expense coverage or optional add-ons that fit your itinerary more closely. Travelers heading to Finland in winter, planning outdoor activities or visiting more remote areas may want to look closely at our Deluxe Plan for its coverage limits and plan features. If your trip includes a rental car, you may also want to review Rental Vehicle Damage Coverage.
Travel Guard plans also include 24/7 emergency travel assistance services, and some plans offer additional features that may be helpful during your trip. The best plan is the one that fits how you are traveling and what you want to protect most.
The cost of a travel insurance plan for Finland depends on things like the total cost of your trip, the plan you select and your state of residence. In many cases, a travel insurance plan costs around 5% to 7% of total trip expenses. So, whether you’re planning a shorter Helsinki trip or a more expensive winter itinerary with flights, hotels and activities the cost of your plan may vary.
Since travel to Finland can involve meaningful prepaid expenses, a travel insurance plan can be an important part of planning your overall trip cost. Depending on your plan, it may help with certain covered losses if your trip does not go as expected. You can learn more in our article on how travel insurance plan pricing works.
Ready for your trip to Finland? Don’t forget to bring one of Travel Guard’s award-winning travel insurance plans to provide you with excellent coverage options and 24-hour access to emergency travel assistance. Compare our travel insurance plans to find the best option for your trips today.
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To help travelers going to Finland stay as safe and informed as possible, we gathered answers to the most popular questions asked by travelers.
Overall, Finland is a low-risk destination with few concerns. It is a politically stable democracy with a wealthy, educated populace and some of the lowest crime rates in the world.
Despite this, crime is likely to be chief concern facing tourists and other short-term visitors to Finland. Criminals may preferentially target such travelers due to perceived wealth and unfamiliarity with local conditions. However, the country’s police forces are professional and effective at deterring crime.
Infrastructure, although of high quality, can be a concern during winter months. Cold weather, snow and ice can pose a threat to travelers unfamiliar with conditions. Additionally, severe winter storms can prompt infrastructure disruptions.
Visit the U.S. Department of State website for up-to-date information on travel advisory levels and safety information for travelers to Finland.
All U.S. travelers should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service offered to U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the embassy as well as helps the embassy contact you in an emergency.
The official currency of Finland is the euro. Credit cards, debit cards and contactless payment are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas, so many travelers do not need much cash. If you prefer to carry some euros, you can usually withdraw cash from an ATM after arrival or exchange currency before your trip. It is also a good idea to notify your bank before you travel so purchases in Finland are not flagged as suspicious.
The official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish, but English is commonly spoken in many hotels, restaurants and tourist-facing businesses. That said, learning a few simple Finnish phrases can still be helpful and appreciated. If you plan to drive outside major cities, it is also smart to familiarize yourself with common road signs in advance, since they are not posted in English.
All travelers will need a passport with at least six months of validity in order to gain entry to Finland. A visa, however, is only required for entry to Finland if you are traveling for more than 90 days in the Schengen area. For more information on the entry and exit requirements of Finland, visit the official U.S. Department of State website.
The U.S. Embassy in Finland is in Helsinki. For the latest contact information, hours and emergency guidance for U.S. citizens, visit the official embassy website before your trip and keep the details accessible while traveling.
Finland has a distinctly seasonal climate, with long, cold winters and milder summers. In winter, many parts of the country have short daylight hours, snow and below-freezing temperatures, especially farther north. Summer brings longer days, greener landscapes and milder temperatures, especially in southern cities like Helsinki. Conditions can vary quite a bit between southern Finland and Lapland, so it is worth packing for your specific region and season.
The best time to visit Finland depends on what you want from your trip. Summer is popular for milder temperatures, long daylight hours and outdoor exploring, while winter is a great choice for snowy landscapes, Lapland and seasonal activities. If you would rather avoid peak travel periods, spring and fall can offer a quieter experience and sometimes better prices.
The country calling code for Finland is +358. If you plan to call Finland from the U.S. or use your phone while traveling, check with your mobile provider before departure so you understand roaming charges, international calling rates and any available travel plans.
Finland uses different outlet types and voltage than the U.S., so travelers usually need a plug adapter and may also need a voltage converter for some devices. Many phones, laptops and other modern electronics are dual-voltage, but it is still worth checking your device before you pack.
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Getting around Finland is usually straightforward, and the best option depends on where you are going. In Helsinki, travelers can often rely on public transportation, including trams, buses, metro and ferries. For longer distances between cities, trains and long-distance buses are common options. If your trip includes Lapland, national parks or smaller rural areas, a rental car may give you more flexibility.
Northern Lights season in Finland is generally best in the north from late summer through spring, with some of the strongest viewing opportunities between August and April. For the best chances, travelers usually head to Lapland and look for dark skies away from city lights. Weather and solar activity can affect visibility, so it helps to stay flexible.
Finland can feel expensive compared with some other European destinations, especially for hotels, dining and winter travel in popular areas like Helsinki and Lapland. Costs can vary a lot depending on the season and your itinerary, though, and travelers may be able to save by booking early, using public transportation and traveling outside peak holiday periods. Because Finland is highly card-friendly, it can also be easier to track spending as you go.
Travel Guard offers comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plans for travelers heading to Finland. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans and find the best one for you!