Finland Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Finland
General travel safety in Finland on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Finland
Updates
Updated: 10 Oct 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions
Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travelling conditions, safety and security concerns. Laws and social customs could differ significantly. You could face terrorist attacks, civil unrest, violent crime, or unique health threats - but overall, the risks are not great.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
Driving can be hazardous in winter. Icy road conditions are common and may cause road closures, particularly in northern areas. Be wary of moose wandering on major highways. For updates on road conditions, visit the Finnish Transport Agency's website Liikennevirasto or the traffic information website Liikennetilanne (available in Finnish and Swedish only).
Public transportation
The public transportation system (bus, train, tram & subway) is extensive and very efficient.
Women's safety
Finlad is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise common precautions throughout your travel.
Crime
The crime rate in Finland is low, however, petty crime (such as pickpocketing and bag snatching) occurs, particularly during the tourist season, from April to September. Be especially vigilant at automated teller machines, at Helsinki's railway station, metro and Esplanade, and on trams.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police112
- Fire112
- Ambulance112
Embassy of us
American Embassy in Helsinki
AddressItäinen Puistotie 14A
Local Law and Culture
LGBT
Finland is often referred to as one of the world's most LGBT-friendly countries and public acceptance of LGBT people and same-sex relationships is high. Several Finnish cities have LGBT big gay scene notably Helsinki. Many organizations offer help, guidance and counselling concerning coming out, health, sex and relationships.
Illegal drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect a jail sentence and a heavy fine. Some substances that may be legal in other European countries, such as khat, are prohibited in Finland.
Driving
You must be at least 18 years of age to drive a car in Finland. An International Driving Permit is recommended. Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05 percent. Drivers who register this level of blood alcohol or above may be arrested immediately. The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless fitted with a hands-free device. Low-beam headlights are obligatory at all times. Winter tires are mandatory between December 1 and February 28. For more information, consult the European Commission's Road Safety website.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Finland.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.
The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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