Before you go to Finland: what to know
Must know
- Finland restricts non-essential travel by Russian citizens; passport and visa exceptions require individual checking.
- Land border crossings with Russia remain closed until further notice.
Entry and visas
Finland follows Schengen short-stay rules: visa-exempt visitors share a 90-day allowance in any 180 days across the area. EES biometric registration takes place at external borders; it is not an online pre-arrival application. ETIAS is not operating; official diplomatic updates expect 2027, with no fixed launch date.
Passport validity: Non-EU short-stay visitors: issued within the previous 10 years and valid at least 3 months after planned Schengen departure.
At the border you may be asked for
- Carry evidence of accommodation, onward travel and funds; allow time for external border checks.
- Russian non-biometric passports face restrictions from June 2026, with a transition through December 2026 for specified earlier visas or permits. Check the exact exemption with Finnish authorities.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, gov.pl ↗, valtioneuvosto.fi ↗, um.fi ↗, mzv.gov.cz ↗, consilium.europa.eu ↗, home-affairs.ec.europa.eu ↗, commission.europa.eu ↗
Money
Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Cards are widely accepted.
Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners
Apple Pay — works in some places · Google Pay — no data
- Cards are widely accepted; ATMs may charge withdrawal fees.
- Apple lists this country for Apple Pay with participating banks/cards; actual payment also depends on the merchant and card issuer.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: um.fi ↗, support.apple.com ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Illegal drugs, including cannabis, are prohibited.
- Unauthorised entry into the Finland-Russia border zone is prohibited.
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Check nature-area permits and do not light fires or drive off-road without the required permission.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, poliisi.fi ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: There is no official state religion; the Evangelical Lutheran Church is the largest religious community.
Clothing: Pack layers suited to your region and activity; conditions in Lapland differ greatly from the southern coast.
Etiquette
- Respect personal space, quiet and the natural environment.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: kamu.uef.fi ↗, luontoon.fi ↗
Climate
Large regional variation: winter lasts much longer in Lapland than on the southwest coast. Summer days are long; northern summer trips need insect protection.
Month by month
- January: Jan: cold; prepare for snow and limited daylight
- February: Feb: cold; prepare for snow and limited daylight
- March: Mar: snowmelt timing varies greatly by region
- April: Apr: snowmelt timing varies greatly by region
- May: May: snowmelt timing varies greatly by region
- June: Jun: long daylight; prepare for mosquitoes
- July: Jul: long daylight; prepare for mosquitoes
- August: Aug: long daylight; prepare for mosquitoes
- September: Sep: cooling; rain and early northern snow possible
- October: Oct: cooling; rain and early northern snow possible
- November: Nov: cooling; rain and early northern snow possible
- December: Dec: cold; prepare for snow and limited daylight
Best season: Choose summer for long days or winter for snow activities; check the specific region and route.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi ↗, luontoon.fi ↗
What to pack
- Warm layers
- Reflective and weatherproof outdoor gear
- Insect repellent for northern summer trips
- Refillable water bottle
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Unprepared winter travel
- Entering the restricted border zone without permission
Practical
Plugs: Type F; 220–240 V, 50 Hz.
Water: Tap water is drinkable unless marked otherwise.
Traffic: drives on the right
Emergency: 112
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: um.fi ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.