Travel Vaccines and Advice for Finland
Finland offers large cities, small villages, and well-preserved wilderness. In the city, there is beautiful, modern architecture and fun bars. Tampere is particularly fun, with a large student population.
For those who enjoy exploring the outdoors, there are gorgeous hiking trails and amazing national parks. Visitors can see bears or elk on these trips. There are also plenty of opportunities for kayaking or skiing.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Finland?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Finland
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Finland?
What Is the Climate Like in Finland?
How Safe Is Finland?
Seeing the Northern Lights
What Should I Take to Finland?
Canadian Embassy in Finland
Do I Need Vaccines for Finland?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Finland. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Finland: hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Finland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Finland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It’s typically spread through contaminated food or water. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective immunization that protects against the virus, usually given in two shots for long-term prevention.
- Rabies – Rabies, a fatal viral illness, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Prevention centers on vaccination, with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) necessary after possible exposure and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommended for individuals with increased risk, such as travellers.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a vital tool in the prevention of this liver infection, recommended for all travellers and essential for healthcare workers and those at higher risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the PHAC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Finland
Prevent Bug Bites in Finland
Shield yourself from bug bites with proper attire and EPA-approved repellents such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Safeguard your sleep area with bed nets and screens. In case of bug bites, clean the area, resist scratching, and utilize over-the-counter solutions while seeking professional assistance for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Finland
Abroad, practice food safety by avoiding street vendors, washing hands thoroughly, and choosing well-cooked meals. Opt for bottled or canned drinks with unbroken seals. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea by practicing hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Finland?
A tourist visa is not required for up to 90 days, a business visa is not required either. A passport which is valid for at least 3 months from the expected date of departure I required to enter the country.
Finland Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Finland? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Finland and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Travellers must show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. You may need to show proof of a return airline ticket.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Finland?
Finland is a country with many popular tourist destinations that have different weather depending on the location and time of year.
Helsinki is the capital city of Finland and has mild weather with warm summers and cold winters.
Rovaniemi is known for its Santa Claus Village and the Northern Lights. It has cold and snowy weather in the winter, but warm weather with long days in the summer.
Turku is a historic city with milder weather and more rain throughout the year. Tampere is known for its industrial heritage and cultural attractions and has weather like Turku.
It is essential to pack appropriate clothing for the weather when visiting any of these destinations.
How Safe Is Finland?
The crime rate is low in Finland compared to other countries. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching, is common in large cities. Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables with them. Travellers should not leave their possessions unattended.
Violent crime is rate, but does occur. Additionally, organized crime groups are present in Finland. Visitors should travel only in well-lit areas and avoid travelling alone if possible. All travellers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings while travelling.
Seeing the Northern Lights
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are a gorgeous sight. One of the best places to view them is in Aurorae, Finland, which is located in the very north of the country. In northern Finland, the lights shine on a clear night between September and March. In southern Finland, they can also be seen about 10-20 nights each year.
Travellers can also spend the night in a log cabin or wilderness cabin for an authentic trip. From these cabins travellers can go on guided snowshoe and skiing trips during the day. There are even options canoe, learn to fish, collect wild food, and go bear watching.
What Should I Take to Finland?
If you’re planning a trip to Finland, there are some important things you should pack. Finland can get very cold, especially in winter, so you’ll need warm clothes like a coat, gloves, hat, and boots. It’s also a good idea to pack clothes you can layer, so you can adjust your outfit to the weather.
Finland is known for its forests and lakes, bring comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. You’ll also want to pack waterproof clothing like a raincoat or poncho in case it rains. If you’re coming from a country with different electrical outlets, you’ll need a travel adapter to charge your devices.
Many people in Finland speak English, but it’s always helpful to have a Finnish phrasebook to communicate with locals and understand signs. Finland is a beautiful country, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone to take pictures.
Saunas are a big part of Finnish culture, if you plan to visit one, bring a towel and swimsuit. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance during the summer, pack mosquito repellent. Even though Finland is known for its long winter nights, the summer months can have long hours of daylight. Bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
Canadian Embassy to Finland
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Finland, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy in Helsinki, Finland
Pohjoisesplanadi 25B
00100 Helsinki, Finland
Tel.: +358 (0) 9 228 530
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Finland
“I love going to Passport Health! It is so quick to get an appointment and they are so thorough in all my travel needs for my trips to Europe. I couldn’t live without them!”
“First time going to a travel clinic. The nurse was very thorough and everything was explained to us. They recommend what you should get but they do not force it on you. You leave with documents about where you are going and what is going on there plus any further appts needed for additional vaccine injections. I feel ready for our Finland trip.”
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