ETIAS for Finland

Finland, a Scandinavian jewel, is the northern link between Russia, Norway, Sweden and different bodies of water. The total population of Finland only reached 5.5 million people in 2017 and as the most prosperous region, the southern area of the country is home to the majority of those people.

Officially speaking both Finnish and Swedish despite the large differences between the two languages, due to the colonization of numerous areas of Finland by Sweden during the reign of the Swedish Empire. The nation now known as Finland, gaining independence from Russia after a civil war and becoming a presidential republic in 1919, has been witness to a multitude of varying civilizations as far back as 9000 BCE. Although there is evidence that proves that humans inhabited the region approximately 120,000-130,000 years ago.

Largely a nation of agriculture, Finland was forced into the industrial era post-WW2 when war reparations needed to be paid to Russia and international trade began to grow.

Finland joined the European Union on the 1st of January 1995, becoming a Euro area member 4 years later.

Finland has formed part of the Schengen Area since 25th March 2001 and for this reason, there are no border checkpoints between Finland and neighbouring Schengen countries Sweden and Norway.

Along with the other member states, Finnish authorities have in recent years been involved in the development of ETIAS a new travel authorisation system for non-EU visitors. ETIAS will be launched in 2026 and, by prescreening all non-European arrivals, will help make Finland an even safer destination for tourists.

Finland is an increasingly popular tourist destination receiving close to 7 million visitors each year. Many holidaymakers are attracted to Finland because of its beautiful areas of nature. Being so sparsely populated means that the nation boasts plenty of open spaces and a total of 39 national parks.

The capital, Helsinki, is the most important city for business travellers and also has lots to offer sightseers. Outside of the capital, there are several cities with rich, interesting histories.

Finland ranks seventh in the world on the EF English Proficiency Index, with a rating of ‘very high’, reducing the language barrier for many tourists.

The Nordic country is also considered to be safe and consistently ranks highly on worldwide indexes.

One reason why many non-European citizens visit Finland is the EU’s visa liberalisation policy. Foreigners from outside the European Union can stay in Finland for up to 90 days visa-free. Such travellers will also need to apply for ETIAS. The travel authorisation system will be implemented in 2026 and become an entry requirement.

IS MEDICAL INSURANCE NEEDED FOR FINLAND?

Citizens of other EU countries can get access to healthcare in Finland using their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Depending on the type of permit they are applying for, non-Europeans may or may not be required to take out health cover before going to Finland.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ETIAS FOR FINLAND

Visitors from visa-exempt nations will soon need to register with ETIAS to gain access to Finland.

Although it is not one of the ETIAS requirements for Finland, travellers are advised to take out health insurance in order to enjoy the trip with greater peace of mind.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA FOR FINLAND

Foreigners who are not eligible for an ETIAS visa waiver should instead get a Schengen visa for Finland.

To obtain a Schengen visa, applicants must present several supporting documents including proof of medical insurance valid for the entire Schengen Area. The minimum coverage is €30,000.

BORDER CONTROL CHECKPOINTS IN FINLAND

Tourists from other EU countries should simply carry their ID document with them when crossing the border into Finland. Citizens of neighbouring ETIAS countries, Sweden and Norway, can drive over the land border into Finland without being stopped at a checkpoint. Many also take a ferry between the nations.

Thanks to the visa liberalisation policy of the EU, many non-Europeans can also enter Finland without a visa. Currently, such travellers can cross the border using just a valid passport; however, once fully implemented, they will also need an ETIAS visa waiver for Finland.

To go to Finland from a non-EU country not eligible for ETIAS, visitors will be asked to present the following documents when crossing the border into Finland:

On arrival in Finland, foreigners may be asked some questions regarding the purpose and length of their stay.

ARRIVING IN FINLAND BY PLANE, CAR, AND FERRY

A large proportion of tourists arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (IATA: HEL, ICAO: EFHK). Helsinki airport handled 18.9 million international passengers in 2019.

Helsinki airport is 17km north of the city centre and can be reached by car in around 30 minutes.

There are direct flights to Helsinki from major European cities whilst domestic flights are a convenient way to get from one area of Finland to another.

Most of the border between Finland and Sweden runs through water. For this reason, it is common to take the ferry across from Sweden. There are different routes and several ferry crossings each day, the journey takes 1 hour 45 minutes on average.

To the north, there are land and river borders which can be driven across. In either case, the border can be crossed easily as both countries are in the Schengen Area.

Between Finland and Norway, there is a land and river border which can be crossed at any point with no checks. All visitors should carry their Schengen Area travel documents with them throughout the journey.

Finland is famous for being one of the best places on earth to see the Aurora Borealis. Winter is the best time to go. The colder months and shorter periods of light allow for a spectacular view of this natural phenomenon.

But the Northern Lights are far from the only reason to travel to Finland. With beautiful scenery including emerald forests covering 75% of the country, Finland is a popular choice for eco-tourism too. In addition, Finland is known as “the land of a thousand lakes”, with close to 188,000 it has more lakes in relation to its size than any other nation.

Finnish cities are also well worth visiting. Helsinki, the capital, is a hub for design and architecture. Helsinki is known for its distinctive clean and minimalistic architectural style, the city has Europe’s largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings: Helsinki Central station, the National Museum, and Jugend Hall to name just a few.

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is popular amongst tourists, especially around Christmas time. The Midnight Sun phenomena can be seen in Lapland whilst a visit to Santa Claus Village is bound to be a hit with the children.

Levi in Finnish Lapland is the country’s leading ski resort with slopes to suit everyone from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Pyhä, Vuokatti, and Ruka ski resorts are also popular.