Situated in the northern Europe, Finland is definitely one of the best European countries to visit in a lifetime. This amazing corner of continent comes with magnificent natural landscapes, thousands of lakes and rivers, with the northern lights as one of the most impressive events the sky has to offer. With such amazing things to see and do, how could you not place Finland as a top destination on your list? This is the thought of almost 5 million foreigners who choose Finland as a destination for their holiday every year - and for the right reasons!
If you’re one of them this year, you might want to know more about what this country has to offer, but mostly, you will for sure want to find out more about safety. Planning a trip abroad cannot be made without getting informed about the risks a country poses and tips to avoid them. This is why we provide you the ultimate Finland Safety Travel Tips to help you enjoy a trouble free journey in this impressive country.
Highest Risks You Expose Yourself to When Visiting Finland
If you’re planning a trip to Finland, find out that you’ve made the right choice in terms of safe destinations. This is because Finland is among the safest countries in Europe and in the world in terms of crime, violence, road travel and natural disasters. Nevertheless, as in any other country on Earth, some minimum risks should be taken into account in order for your stay in Finland not to be altered by anything. Check out our Finland Safety Travel Guide and you’ll be all set to enjoy every amazing thing this country has to offer to its tourists.
Overall Risks in Finland
From crime risks to terrorism risks in Finland, everything seems to be quite low here. You’ve chose to travel to what was called the safest country in the world according to a report made in 2017 and this is reflected in the risks that it poses as well. Apart from the minimum risks that might happen everywhere you go, Finland is not notorious for terrorist attacks, natural hazards or dangerous diseases, but we will provide you the right Finland safety travel tips in order for you to be prepared for anything!
Pickpocketing and Theft Risks in Finland: LOW
As already mentioned above, no major safety issues threat your stay in Finland. As long as you are aware pickpocketing does happen in any crowded area, especially when valuable goods such as expensive gadgets are left unattended, you will know how to prevent it from happening. Pickpocketing and theft are matters that only happen if you are not sensible enough to keep them away from the public eye.
- How to Avoid pickpocketing and theft in Finland?
You can avoid encountering such petty crimes on the streets of Finland if you choose to keep your valuable goods at the accommodation, not carry large sums of money or important documents with you at all times and take a normal degree of caution when travelling on the streets of Finland.
Scam Risk in Finland: LOW
A common threat you might encounter could be credit card skimming, which seems to be on the rise. During the busy summer travel season, thieves might take advantage of vulnerable visitors and offer to provide help, but in fact seize an opportunity to steal money or valuable goods.
- How to avoid getting scammed in Finland?
In order to avoid getting scammed and have an enjoyable stay in Finland, try not to trust anyone you meet. Being skeptical about the people you’ve just met might not make you seem the friendliest person, but it could keep you away from trouble. Watch your wallet and be careful when using ATM machines. In this way, you will stay safe in Finland and nothing will alter your good mood.
Kidnapping Risk in Finland: LOW
As a country with friendly people who are happy to welcome almost 5 million visitors each year, Finland does not pose high risks regarding kidnapping. In 2015, the rate of kidnapping was of 0.0 cases per 100,000 population, so you should not worry about experiencing such traumatizing events during your stay.
- How to avoid getting kidnapped in Finland?
In order to stay away from trouble in Finland, you should always avoid remote areas, especially at night, as well as bars, pubs and nightclubs which might get dangerous due to excessive drinking.
Terrorism Risk in Finland: LOW
Even if no recent attacks have been registered in Finland, attacks cannot be ruled out. The global threat is serious and must be considered carefully. Even if they cannot be necessarily foreseen, such attacks usually take place in public places, visited mostly by foreign people, so vigilance is needed to notice and avoid such events as fast as possible.
- How to avoid terrorism in Finland?
Such events cannot be foreseen, so no fixed rules can be applied in this case. This does not mean they cannot be noticed and avoided easily, by calling the authorities, getting away from that place and find shelter. Get informed, stay up to date with the news and leave the public place you find yourself in as soon as possible if you notice something strange. With common sense and good knowledge, you can avoid any risk and keep safe in Finland.
Risks for Women Traveling Alone in Finland: LOW to MEDIUM
Finland might be indeed one of the safest countries in the world, but you can still become a target victim for thieves or even violent people if you do not follow some simple tips. Even if such unpleasant events have not been common in the last years, this does not mean that you should now keep a normal degree of caution when travelling around Finland, especially if you choose to do it alone. From petty theft to violence risk, you can experience unpleasant events that could ruin your holiday if you do not pay attention to details.
- How to avoid crime as a solo woman traveler in Finland?
First of all, you should not forget about common sense, respect and good knowledge of the places you intend to visit. Secondly, try not to venture on streets at night, especially in remote areas, as you might seem vulnerable and people could take advantage of your poor knowledge of the place. You can stay safe as a woman travelling solo in Finland if you keep these tips at hand at all times.
Rape Risk in Finland: LOW
Violence is almost inexistent in this country and the good news is that the rape risk is even lower. No such unpleasant events tend to happen very often on the streets of Finland, especially because the authorities are vigilant and respond quickly to any warning. Nevertheless, a short list of Finland safety travel tips regarding this risk should be considered and applied.
- How to avoid getting raped in Finland?
With so many visitors each year, it is definitely difficult to trust anyone you meet there. Local people might seem welcoming and friendly, but this does not mean that you should trust anyone you meet. In order to stay safe in Finland, you should know that it is advisable to avoid bars, nightclubs and pubs at night, as drunkenness can lead to unwanted behaviors.
Risks for People Traveling with Children in Finland: LOW
You’re taking your children in a visit to the safest country in the world, but leaving them unattended could still lead to trouble. Mind the cold weather, road conditions, heavy traffic and crowded areas. Also, keep a normal degree of caution during your stay in Finland- the same you would do in every place on Earth when you’re accompanied by your child.
- How to avoid unwanted scenarios?
Any unwanted scenarios can be prevented easily if you do not leave your child unattended, take care of your belongings at all times and choose the right places to visit. Get well informed in advance, plan a schedule and everything will for sure go as planned.
In case some unwanted events happen, do not hesitate to call the authorities and they will at your service in less than 5 minutes.
Natural Disaster Risks in Finland: LOW
Your choice proves to be the best again, as your travel destination does not come with natural disasters. Apart from chilly weather, you are not likely to experience anything that could harm you or your travel companions during your trip. Make sure you stay up to date with the news and do not forget to check the weather report before embarking on your journey. The northern lights will be there to welcome you if you’re lucky enough.
Transportation Risks in Finland: LOW
Finland offers its citizens and visitors a well-organized public transport, which is quite safe and efficient. Apart from that, taxis are reasonably priced and scams are very rare in such contexts, but you should still make sure you do not use taxis that are unmarked.
When it comes to road travel, you might want to keep a higher degree of caution. Sometimes, roads and pavements may become slippery due to cold weather and this might pose some risks.
The quality of the roads is quite good, the rules are easy to follow, as they are fair and well-organized, but you should still keep a normal degree of caution whether you’re a pedestrian or a driver.
Night-clubs, Pubs, and Bar Risks in Finland: LOW
Finland does not come with great risks regarding nightlife either. Even if you choose to spend the nights out, you can still be safe in Finland if you consider the following aspects. Do not trust anyone you have just met, as you might get scammed or stolen from. What’s more, try to avoid drunk people and noisy places on your way to the accommodation. Every unpleasant event can be avoided with common sense, respect and good knowledge about the place and people you find yourself in. This is why taking a look at the local laws and customs is advisable before embarking on a journey to this northern corner of Europe.
Health Risks in Finland: LOW
Finland is a civilized country, equipped with a good medical system which allows you to receive proper care in case you need it during your stay. Preparation for this trip should begin at least 8 weeks before actually going there, with a visit to your medical care provider, who can advise you properly regarding the measures to be taken before going on a journey.
Keep in mind that you are going to visit a country that has cold weather and, depending on your immune system, you might suffer from some affections.
List of Vaccines You Need in Finland
Make sure you have a health insurance available in Finald before actually leaving. Also, be up-to-date with the routine vaccines recommended. You might be exposed to diseases such as Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever, Dengue, Typhoid and Rabies. Your health is definitely one of your biggest concerns and this is why we included this aspect in our Finland safety travel guide.
Most Dangerous Area in Finland
As any other country in the world, Finland has some places notorious for the things that happened or for people who live there. As you could see, the crime risk, as well as other important risks, are pretty low, so you needn’t worry about risking too much. If it is possible, try avoiding very crowded areas, such as the center of Helsinki, or visit them with a high degree of caution. Unpleasant events such as pickpocketing and robbery have been registered in places such as Central Railway Station, around Kauppatori and Esplanadi.
Concluding Remarks: Is Finland Safe to Visit?
The risks above managed to describe you in detail every aspect that should be considered when planning a trip to Finland. Even if we advise you not to miss the chance of visiting this country as quick as possible, as it is one of the safest countries in the world, you are the only one who can decide how safe is Finland for tourists. Pack this Finland Safety travel Guide in your luggage, keep in mind our Finland safety travel tips and you’re all set to enjoy a trouble free journey under the northern lights.
