Finland

Finland, often called the 'Land of a Thousand Lakes', is a remarkable northern European country that attracts travellers with its untouched nature and distinctive culture. Its landscape is characterised by vast forests, countless lakes, and a unique archipelago along the coast. Here, you can enjoy peace and tranquillity, and in winter, witness the mesmerising Northern Lights in Lapland. The nation's capital, Helsinki, is a harmonious blend of modern design and historic architecture.

Finnish culture is unique—an intriguing fusion of Scandinavian traditions and eastern influences, which is reflected in its music, art, and way of life. An essential part of the Finnish identity is the sauna culture, a must-try experience; many hotels offer private or gender-separated facilities, ensuring comfort for all visitors. For travellers from the UAE, Helsinki offers a growing number of halal food options, and prayer facilities can be found in major cities. Beyond its natural beauty, Finland is renowned for its innovative design and technology. Cities such as the former capital, Turku, with its famous Turku Castle, offer a deep dive into the country's rich history. Overall, Finland presents itself as a calm, safe, and very welcoming country where everyone can find something to enjoy, whether it's outdoor activities in nature or exploring urban culture. With convenient flights available from the UAE, Finland is an accessible and family-friendly destination for a memorable European holiday.

The official currency of Finland is the euro (EUR), as the country is part of the Eurozone. It's advisable for travellers from the UAE to exchange their Dirhams (AED) for euros before their trip or withdraw from an ATM upon arrival in Finland for convenience. Euro banknotes are the same in all member countries and are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros, each with a different colour and size. Euro coins have a standard side and a national side. In Finland, the national designs can feature whooper swans or the cloudberry flower. You can exchange currency at banks and official exchange points, such as those at airports or in major shopping centres. To avoid the risk of fraud or poor exchange rates, it is strongly recommended not to exchange money with private individuals or at unofficial locations.

Credit and debit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are exceptionally widely accepted across Finland, even for small purchases. In fact, cashless payment is the preferred method in many establishments and, in some cases, the only one available. While cash might be useful for small markets or in rare situations, you can generally travel comfortably relying almost entirely on your bank cards. ATMs, locally known as "OTTO", are readily available in cities and towns for cash withdrawals.

For entry into Finland, a member country of the Schengen Agreement, visa requirements depend on your nationality. Holders of a UAE passport are entitled to visa-free access to Finland and the entire Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) also do not require a visa.

For UAE residents with other nationalities that do require a visa, a Schengen visa must be obtained from the Finnish embassy or a designated visa application centre in the UAE before travelling. Regardless of whether you need a visa, you must hold a passport that is valid for at least three months after your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area. You may also be asked to provide other documents upon arrival, such as proof of accommodation, return flight tickets, and a valid travel medical insurance policy. As regulations can change, it is strongly recommended to verify the most current information on entry requirements and the list of necessary documents on the official website of the Embassy of Finland in the UAE before planning your trip.

When planning a trip to Finland, you will not have to worry about changing timezones within the country. The whole of Finland is in a single timezone – Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC+2. For travellers from the UAE, this means Finland is two hours behind Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4).

In the summer, the country switches to Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC+3. This change happens on the last Sunday of March. During this period, the time difference with the UAE is reduced to one hour. The clocks are set back to standard time on the last Sunday of October.

Therefore, the time in Helsinki and in any other corner of Finland will be the same. This simplifies planning routes and travelling around the country, as there is no need to adjust your watch when travelling between cities.

Finland is an easily accessible country for travellers from the United Arab Emirates, with air travel being the most popular way to get there. The country's main air hub is the international Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, located in the capital, Helsinki. Direct flights are available from Dubai, primarily operated by Finnair, making the journey convenient and straightforward. Additionally, many major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways offer connecting flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Helsinki, providing flexible travel options. Besides Helsinki, Finland has other international airports that serve charter and scheduled flights, especially to popular tourist regions.

For those already travelling within Europe, ground transport can be a convenient option. There are regular bus and rail routes connecting Finland with neighbouring countries like Sweden and Norway. Furthermore, the ferry service across the Baltic Sea is a very popular method of reaching the country. Comfortable ferries operate from Stockholm, Tallinn, and some German ports, offering not just transport for passengers and vehicles but a genuine sea voyage. This way, you can arrive in cities such as Helsinki or Turku.

Regardless of your chosen mode of travel, it is advisable to book tickets in advance, particularly if your trip is during the peak tourist season (summer or the Christmas holidays). This will not only help you save money but also guarantee availability. It is also important to check the visa requirements for your nationality before planning your trip to Finland. Good news for UAE citizens is that they have visa-free access to Finland and the entire Schengen Area for stays of up to 90 days. However, residents of other nationalities may need to apply for a Schengen visa.

For your reference, here is a summary of the main airports:

Finland offers a remarkable blend of vibrant city life, historic charm, and stunning natural beauty, making it an appealing destination for a wide variety of travellers. From bustling urban centres to serene lakeside towns, there is something here for everyone. Without a doubt, one of the main centres of attraction is the capital.

The bright and modern Helsinki is a dynamic hub of design, culture, and maritime atmosphere. Here, you can explore contemporary architecture, visit fascinating museums, and enjoy the lively market squares. For travellers from the UAE, Helsinki is the most accommodating city in the country, with several prayer facilities and a growing number of halal restaurants available. For those interested in history, a visit to Turku, Finland's oldest city and former capital, is a must. It captivates with its rich historical heritage, medieval castle, and cathedral. Turku also has a dedicated prayer facility and a few halal food options.

Equally attractive is Tampere, nestled cosily between two large lakes. This city is famous for its industrial heritage, which has been transformed into vibrant cultural spaces, as well as for its unique museums and picturesque natural surroundings. And if you dream of immersing yourself in a fairytale atmosphere, head to Porvoo. This charming town, with its famous red shoreline barns and cobbled streets, will give you a glimpse into old Finland and allow you to enjoy leisurely strolls.

One of Finland's signature attractions is the Market Square, or Kauppatori. It is a lively spot at the South Harbour where you can try local delicacies, buy fresh berries and fish, as well as traditional souvenirs. It gets particularly busy here in the summer, while in winter you can warm up with a hot, non-alcoholic berry juice.

History enthusiasts should certainly visit Turku Castle. This is one of Finland's oldest medieval castles, with a history stretching back more than 700 years. Inside, you will find museum exhibitions detailing the life of the castle and the region through different eras.

For those seeking entertainment and thrills, the Linnanmäki amusement park is an excellent choice. There is fun for the whole family here: from exciting roller coasters, including the famous wooden Vuoristorata, to carousels for the little ones. The park is open from spring to autumn and is one of the most popular in Scandinavia.

The main landmark in the historic centre of one of Finland's charming towns is Porvoo Cathedral. This medieval stone church, which has survived numerous historical events, is a true symbol of the city. Its white walls and distinctive roof attract visitors and pilgrims who wish to connect with history and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. When visiting, it is advisable to dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered, as is customary for places of worship in Europe.

Deciding on the best time for a trip to Finland, a journey of around 7 hours by plane from the UAE, depends entirely on your interests and what you hope to experience. The high season is traditionally in the summer, from June to August. This period offers a perfect escape from the UAE's intense heat, with pleasantly warm and sunny weather, especially in the south where temperatures can reach a mild +20-25°C. The long daylight hours, and the famous 'White Nights' or even the Midnight Sun in the north, create ideal conditions for outdoor activities, exploring the thousands of lakes, attending festivals, and sightseeing. However, be aware that popular destinations like Helsinki can be more crowded in summer, with higher prices for accommodation and services.

The low season, or shoulder months, includes spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). In spring, nature awakens and the days grow longer, but the weather can be changeable with a chance of rain and cool temperatures. In autumn, Finland is captivating with the golden colours of 'ruska'—the autumn foliage—which is particularly stunning in Lapland. Temperatures gradually drop, but it's an excellent time for peaceful walks, visiting museums, and enjoying the cosy atmosphere of Finnish cities with fewer tourists and more affordable prices. For many from the UAE, winter (December-March) is the main attraction. While the south can be quite dark and wet, northern Lapland transforms into a true winter wonderland, attracting those eager to witness the Northern Lights, go skiing, and experience reindeer and husky sleigh rides. Prices at winter resorts can be high during this peak period.

Finland is a country of significant climate contrasts between its south and north. The summer is warm in the south with a relatively mild winter, whereas in Lapland, the summer is shorter and cooler, and the winters are long, snowy, and frosty. When planning your trip, always check the weather forecast for your specific region and pack accordingly—layers for summer and thermal wear for winter. For travellers from the UAE, finding halal food is possible, especially in Helsinki where numerous options are available, from Turkish restaurants to local eateries offering halal-certified salmon and reindeer soup. Mosques and prayer facilities are also available in major cities and at Helsinki Airport. Key events include numerous summer music festivals and charming Christmas markets in winter. However, the unique natural phenomena, such as the Aurora Borealis (from September to March in the northern regions) and the Midnight Sun (in summer in Lapland), are often the deciding factors for an unforgettable journey.

Finnish culture values modesty, punctuality, and a respect for personal space. When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to shake hands and maintain direct eye contact, which is seen as a sign of sincerity. Finns may appear reserved and are not always inclined to make small talk with strangers, but they are known for being very honest and direct. Being invited to a Finnish home is a great honour. It is polite to arrive on time and to bring a small gift for the hosts, such as flowers, chocolates, or a small dessert. In general, Finns are very hospitable, even if they do not always show it in an outwardly expressive way.

In daily life, there are no strict dress codes; Finns prefer comfort and practicality. However, when visiting churches or other religious sites, it is important to dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered. At the dining table, standard European etiquette is observed, and it is considered polite to wait for the hosts to start the meal before you begin. One of the most significant celebrations in Finland is Juhannus (Midsummer), the longest day of the year, which is celebrated on a grand scale, often in the countryside with bonfires and traditional festivities. Another important event is Vappu (May Day), a festival of spring and students on 1 May. To show respect for local customs, try not to be excessively loud in public places, respect queues, and be mindful of other people's personal space. Finns greatly value silence and nature, so protecting the environment is also a vital part of their culture.

Finland offers its guests a wide range of entertainment to suit all tastes. Fans of active recreation will appreciate the endless opportunities for hiking through picturesque national parks, canoeing or kayaking on the numerous lakes and rivers, and cycling. In winter, the country transforms into a true paradise for fans of skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and even dog-sledding or snowmobile safaris. Fishing is popular here all year round, attracting both beginners and experienced anglers.

Those who appreciate cultural experiences will find a variety of museums, art galleries, and theatres, especially in major cities like Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere. Here, you can explore the history, art, and modern trends of Finnish culture. In the evening, the cities come alive: numerous restaurants offer both traditional Finnish cuisine and international dishes, with a growing number of halal options available in larger cities. The evening atmosphere is perfect for relaxing in welcoming cafés and lounges, while a vibrant nightlife scene can be found in the capital and other university cities.

For those who love shopping, Finland offers famous Scandinavian design, high-quality glass, ceramic, and textile products, as well as unique handmade souvenirs like the traditional Finnish 'puukko' knives or items made from reindeer leather. The main shopping streets and large malls are concentrated in the big cities. Family holidays are also sure to delight: the country has several excellent theme parks, most notably Linnanmäki in Helsinki, water parks, and interactive science centres. Furthermore, Finland's natural landscape itself is a vast playground for games and adventures for children of all ages.

Planning a trip? Excellent! To avoid any financial surprises on your journey, it's important to remember that currency exchange rates are constantly changing. Therefore, we strongly advise monitoring the latest rates both before you fly and throughout your trip. You can use the data provided below for this purpose — we monitor currency rates 24/7 and aim to provide the most up-to-date information.