Safety and Security

Finland remains largely free of terrorist incidents. However, like other countries in the Schengen area, Finland’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility of terrorist groups anonymously entering and exiting the country. Elements of organized crime groups operating in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe are present in Finland, but do not represent a specific danger to U.S. citizen residents or tourists. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution.

Stay up to date by:

• Bookmarking our  Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts  as well as the  Worldwide Caution;
• Following us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well;
• Calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries; 
• Taking some time before travel to consider your personal security. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: With an excellent police force and a stable political and economic environment, Finland is a safe and secure environment for business, tourism, and living. Crime statistics remain low compared to the United States and other developed countries. 

Violent crime is rare in Finland and U.S. citizens are seldom the victims of violent criminal acts. As in other large cities, sexual assaults do occur, and U.S. citizens should remain vigilant about their surroundings at all times. Non-violent crimes, such as petty theft and pick-pocketing, are the most typical type of crime to occur in Finland, and reports of such incidents double during the summer months. U.S. citizens should pay attention to their personal safety and avoid leaving any personal possessions unattended. 

Financial fraud has grown considerably over the past year. Theft or skimming of ATM/debit/credit card PIN numbers at both ATM machines and in stores has increased significantly. Visitors should be conscious of their environment while at an ATM or while paying by debit/credit card in a store, and guard their PIN numbers while entering them to ensure that no one is watching.

Visitors are cautioned that in greater Helsinki it is not uncommon to encounter individuals who are visibly intoxicated on public transportation and in the same areas frequented by visitors and tourists. Public drunkenness is more pronounced after dark, on weekends, and during holidays. While the majority of these individuals are non-violent, visitors who observe visibly intoxicated individuals are advised to avoid direct contact so as to minimize the possibility of an incident.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passpot;
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of a violent crime such as assault or rape;
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities and, if you want us to, contact family members or friends; and
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

Finland has a program to provide financial compensation to victims who suffer serious criminal injuries. According to existing regulations, the victim must report the incident to the police and file an application for compensation within ten years of the date of the crime. Finnish police routinely inform victims of serious crime of their right to seek compensation. The relevant forms and further information can be obtained from the State Treasury of Finland website. Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Finland is 112.