Security travel advice for Finland

How safe is Finland?

Threat level: Low

COVID-19 Situation in Finland

Amid the new strain of coronavirus in the UK, entry in Finland is restricted to UK travellers until further notice.

Due to the a surge in COVID-19 cases in parts of the world, new restrictions and recommendations have been introduced that differ from one region to another, depending on the number of local cases. Travel restrictions are in place to limit the spread of the virus from overseas and entry is banned to visitors to Finland unless they travel for work or studies, to visit a relative who lives in Finland or if they have a place of residence. Voluntary quarantine recommendations are made depending on the risk of coronavirus infection related to the country of origin.

Further to this, capacity in public venues has been reduced by 50%, public venues' operational hours are restricted to a limited time-frame at night, capacity in public spaces must be arranged so as to limit close contact between visitors and remote work is recommended when possible. In areas where the infection rate is high, eateries have been ordered to close. Wearing a facemask is recommended in public transport and in cases where social distancing rules can't be applied.

To contain the spread of the virus and avoid a second wave, people must comply with good health and safety practices including avoiding physical contact, maintaining social distancing and washing hands regularly.

For more advice on preventive measures to follow, refer to our healthcare section.

Security in Finland

The current situation in Europe is considered to be subject to a heightened threat of terrorist attacks. Although the threat level in Finland is relatively low, the current travel advice for Finland it is still advised to take precautions when visiting said places in Europe, as attacks could take place in popular touristic destinations.

In general, the travel advice for Finland is to be aware of weather conditions, the current immigration climate and the possibility of ongoing demonstrations.

The current migrant situation in and around Finland and the repercussions of the strong far-right-extremists-affiliated groups in Finland are a cause for concern.

There are no new recent security events to report at this time.

On the 18th of August 2017, a lone knifeman carried out a lone attack, injuring 8 people and killing two victims. The attack took place in the city of Turku, in the southwest of Finland. Police shot and injured the attacker, an 18-year-old Moroccan, before arresting him. This was treated by authorities as a terrorist attack

On 14th June 2017, Supo made a statement advising the threat level was to be raised from low to elevated. It is felt the elevated threat is posed by foreign fighters leaving Finland to fight alongside Islamic state.

Finland is a relatively safe and secure country with a strong police force and a stable political and economic environment.

The crime rate in Finland is reasonably low and sensible precautions should be taken when visiting tourist attractions and busy areas. Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching are still prevalent, especially during the tourist season, from April to September. Care should be taken when withdrawing cash from ATM’s as financial fraud has grown considerably over the past year. Avoid busy places such as tram and train stations when drawing out money at ATMs.

There is an elevated risk currently due to the increased migration throughout Europe. This has heightened tensions with political and extremist parties known for the opposition to non-white immigration to the Nordic area.

Groups such as the Suomen vastarintaliike (Finnish Resistance Movement and Nordiska Motståndsrörelsen (Nordic Resistance Moment), with far right roots have had a history of violence and caution is advised when travelling to Finland. Please avoid immigration centres and surrounding areas, as previous attacks have been noted.

Demonstrations have taken place in Finland, these have been known to turn violent.

Finland's International Relations

Finland is a member of the UN and the EU, among other political affiliations, such as NATO. It demonstrates good ties and links globally and has a strong relationship with bordering neighbours, such as Russia and Sweden. It is part of the Eurozone as well as the Schengen treaty, allowing free movement.

Travelling around Finland

When travelling by car in an EU country, British nationals do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) but a motor insurance green card issued by their car insurer is required to drive a UK-registered car in the EU.

Road travel in Finland is relatively good with extensive highways, as well as adequate public transportation services. It is worth noting that in the early hours of the morning, it is common in Finland that traffic lights at some intersections are switched off, especially in large cities.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency services in Estonia

Emergency services: 112

Estonia Overview

Capital: Tallinn
Official languages: Estonian
Religion: Christianity
Currency: Euro (EUR)

Consular information for Estonia

U.S. Embassy Tallinn
Kentmanni 20,
15099 Tallinn,
Estonia
Telephone: +372 668 8100
Email: USASaatkond@state.gov

British Embassy
Wismari 6,
10136 Tallinn,
Estonia
Telephone: +372 667 4700
Email: Tallinn@fco.gov.uk

Visa requirements for Estonia

Members of the European Union or a Schengen State do not need a visa to enter Estonia for up to 90 days. Check with your nearest Embassy before travel, as some nationalities require a tourist visa to enter the country.

As the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals can travel without a visa to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer than 90 days in Estonia whether for work, study, business travel or any other reasons, a visa will be required. Please note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days will be cumulative and will count towards the 90-day limit.

Healthcare and Immunisations

If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in Estonia. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.

COVID-19 cases have been reported in Estonia. There is no vaccination against the disease, to avoid contracting the disease, self-isolate, wash your hands regularly, maintain social distancing, avoid gatherings and unnecessary travel.

It is advised that visitors to Estonia are up-to-date with primary boosters, such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers get Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccinations. You may also want to consider vaccinations for Hepatitis B and Tick-borne Encephalitis. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Medical care in Tallinn and Tartu is of a good standard, when compared to other Western countries, although other areas of Estonia are poor.

Mosquito insects are of a high number in Estonia. You should take extra precaution to reduce your risks by shutting windows at night and using mosquito nets whilst sleeping to prevent bites. A number of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. As with all overseas travel, when travelling to Estonia, ensure you have adequate Travel and Medical Insurance.