Travel to Finland has become easier and more popular with the advent of many low cost airlines that fly from many major cities around the world. However, the travel to Finland still remains difficult for many non native speakers of English. Even though English is widely spoken in Finland, many Finns still speak mainly Swedish. As a result, most English tour packages include a few days’ Finland travel and most of these include a stay in Finland accommodation. Therefore, it is important to check what is required before you book your travel to Finland.
The travel restrictions that apply to travellers entering Finland may include entry requirements for some wildlife species. In addition, some other restrictions include not being able to take photography or any film of animal life in Finland without a special permit from the authorities. The hunters or fishermen of Finland are also closely monitored by the Government of Finland. Any violation of the law can lead to heavy penalties or even prison sentences. Foreigners are not allowed to pick wild flowers or plants.
When travelling to Finland, foreigners are strictly required to have a visa before they can enter the country. There are three different types of visa available for tourists in Finland – tourists’ visa, residence visa and work permit. The tourist visa is valid for a specified period of time and has several restrictions on the type of traveller one is. For example, a tourist visa cannot be converted into a residence visa. Work permit is however available for tourists and is useful if you wish to stay in Finland for longer periods.
Before travelling to Finland, arriving travelers are required to submit to a thorough medical examination at the immigration office. This process is carried out under the observation of an international health insurance agency. You will also be required to submit to a medical examination conducted by a doctor who is a resident of Finland. The doctor will carry out a physical examination of your body along with determining your foreign health insurance entitlement and your eligibility for entering Finland.
To facilitate customs clearance of travelers, there are some measures which are taken by the Finnish authorities in regard to immigration and residence requirements. Foreign visitors are required to register with the Finnish Immigration Service upon arrival in Finland. Registration can be done in person, through the mail or online. Permanent resident status is granted to U.S. citizens only upon completion of the registration process.
Emergency number is another important requirement for foreigners wishing to travel to Finland. Emergency number is a phone number that u.s. citizens can call for assistance in case of an emergency, whether natural or non-natural. It is similar to the USA’s 911 emergency number. To travel to Finland, you must carry an emergency number.
Many tourists traveling to Finland are required to obtain a visa before they leave. Visa processing times vary from one country to another. Please note that visa processing times are measured in days. For example, if a tourist in Canada needs to apply for a visa within two weeks, the same procedure would apply to them. Foreign travelers who need a visa for travel to Finland should apply for one as early as possible. Once you have obtained a visa, you may proceed to the Finns Visa Office in Espoo, and hand over the visa card or passport to the visa officer at the port.
Quarantine station is another point of entry for foreign travelers wishing to travel to Finland. Please note that quarantines are not the same as immigration control. Quarantines are designed to provide a safe zone for travelers while they are awaiting to enter the country. You will be checked in with a local clerk upon arrival. You will be expected to adhere to the quarantines for your personal safety, as well as the security of the area where you are staying. Before leaving Finland on your vacation, be sure to check out all of the guidelines regarding currency exchange and other foreign affairs.
