Finland – The Gem of Northern Europe. With a rich history and a unique position at the crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures, Finland is a land of natural beauty and modern innovation. From the vibrant cities of Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere to the serene wilderness of Lapland, Finland offers a diverse array of experiences. The stunning Northern Lights and the midnight sun provide unforgettable natural phenomena, while the country's forests and lakes host a variety of flora and fauna. Finnish culture blends ancient traditions with contemporary influences, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
**Requirements due to COVID-19 are constantly changing. Please check your own country's international travel advice as well as the airline requirements before travel.**
UK guests, please see the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website for the latest entry and exit advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/finland
US guests, please see the Travel State website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Finland.html
Visas:
British, U.S., and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Finland, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Passports:
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date and should have at least one blank page. Ensure you fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport.
N.B. Visa and entry requirements can change. Check current requirements well before travel.
HEALTH, INSURANCE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Travel Insurance
It is company policy that all passengers must have valid travel insurance prior to travelling, including health and cancellation insurance. Ensure all members of the travelling party are fully insured for the dates of travel. Declare any pre-existing medical conditions to the insurer and ensure appropriate cover.
Provide your insurance details to The Big Journey Company at least six weeks before departure. Carry important insurance information, such as the 24-hour emergency number and your policy number, with you on tour.
General Health
Consult your doctor or travel health clinic at least eight weeks before travel for personalized health advice. Use sunscreen, stay hydrated, wash hands before eating, and avoid insect bites to stay healthy on tour.
Carry a basic first-aid kit for minor ailments. If you need medical assistance during the tour, contact your Big Journey Company tour escort. Stay hydrated, use sun protection, and wear hats and sunscreen in sunny conditions.
Passengers with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility
The Finland Tour requires moderate physical activity and various forms of transport. Check our Activity Levels description page to see if this level is suitable for you. Inform us of any medical problems or disabilities before booking or as soon as they arise, so we can advise on the suitability of the tour. We may require a doctor's certificate certifying fitness for the tour.
Medical Conditions and Personal Medication
Inform us of any medical conditions requiring special attention before travel. Carry sufficient medication, prescriptions, and your doctor's contact information. Some countries require prescription drugs to be in their original container with a visible label.
Vaccinations
Consult your doctor for the latest immunization information and advice based on your medical needs.
Travelling with CPAP or Other Medical Machines
Inform The Big Journey Company early if you are traveling with medical devices, especially where power supply might be an issue. Ensure you have the correct electrical adapters, check airline policies, carry a letter from your doctor, and have details for repairs or replacements.
Special Dietary Requirements
Inform us in good time if you have special dietary requirements (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free). We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
LUGGAGE
What to Pack and Wear
Pack comfortable clothes and shoes. Include a smart-casual outfit for dinner if desired. Prepare for variable weather with a light jacket, insect repellent, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sun cream. Don’t forget your camera, charger, spare batteries, and memory cards. Bring swimwear for sauna experiences.
Laundry
Laundry services are available in some hotels on the tour.
LANGUAGE
The main languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish.
TIME ZONE
Finland is 2 hours ahead of London (GMT+2).
WEATHER
Finland has a varied climate, with cold winters and mild to warm summers. Prepare for potential snow and ice in winter and pleasant, often warm weather in summer.
ELECTRICITY
Finland operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. You will need power plug adapters for sockets type C and F.
MONEY
Currency
The currency of Finland is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is advisable to carry some cash. ATMs are available in cities and towns.
Tipping
After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour. Look out for more information in your pre-tour emails.
FOOD
Finnish cuisine features hearty dishes like reindeer, salmon, and various berries, often incorporating rye bread, potatoes, and dairy products.
WATER
Tap water in Finland is safe to drink and of high quality.
OPENING HOURS
Retail shops in Finland typically open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays. Some shops may have reduced hours on Sundays or be closed entirely.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Finland is considered very safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a high level of public safety. As always, stay informed, follow local advice, and take standard safety precautions.
SMOKING
Smoking is banned in most indoor public places, but there are designated outdoor areas for smoking.
RELIGION
Finland is predominantly Lutheran, with a small Orthodox Christian minority and other religious communities. Religious tolerance is generally observed.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Finland offers numerous photo opportunities. Remember to bring your camera, charger, spare batteries, and memory cards.
ARRIVAL IN FINLAND
Please note, standard hotel check-in is around 3pm, so should you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. For those arriving early morning, we will do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.
TOUR HOTEL INFORMATION
Check your tour paperwork for hotel information related to your tour departure.
FLYING & TRAVEL HINTS
- Photocopy the personal information pages of your passport; leave one copy at home and take one with you, packed separately from your passport.
- Carry all travel documents, valuables, and essential items in your hand luggage.
- Check current Duty-Free limits before shopping.
- Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes for longer flights, walk in the aisles regularly, eat sensibly, and drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol).
- Try to adjust to local time upon arrival to reduce jet lag.
If you have any other questions, please email us at: info@thebigjourneycompany.com
Please note, the above information is provided as a guideline only. Although every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate information, The Big Journey Company makes no warranties, express or implied, or representations as to the accuracy of content on this website. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions in the information contained in the website.
Updated June 2024