Europe

Finland
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 05 October 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Contact Details (consular email address). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Crime levels remain relatively low. The tourist season attracts pickpockets in crowded areas. You should observe sensible precautions such as keeping your personal belongings, including passports and money, secure.

For more general information see Victims of Crime.

Political Situation

Finland Country Profile

Local Travel

The public transport infrastructure is of a very high standard and very punctual. You can buy a variety of bus, train, tram and metro tickets at stations (bus, train, tram and metro), news kiosks and shops all over the country. Helsinki City Transport offers a service that allows you to order a text message ticket to your mobile phone.

Within the Helsinki city area you can rent city bicycles in the summer (available for a token fee). Better quality bicycles are available for hire from other outlets.

Road Travel

In 2007 there were 377 road deaths in Finland (source: Liikenneturva, Central Organisation for Traffic Safety in Finland). This equates to 7.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 population in 2007. (Source: Department for Transport, National Statistics).

Driving in Finland during the winter months can be hazardous. Icy road conditions are common. If driving in Finland, your car must be winterised and winter/snow tyres (either studded or non-studded) are a legal requirement from 1 December to 31 March. The local transport system is good and traffic is light.

Drinking and driving is also a serious offence and you can expect a lengthy prison sentence. The drink drive limit in Finland is 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (lower than the UK).

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

EU Aviation Regulations

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Finland. For more details about this see Airline Security