Helsinki essentials

Schengen entry, EES and ETIAS (checked 22 October 2026)

Finland is part of the Schengen area. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which registers non-EU travellers when they cross the Schengen border, has been fully operational since 10 April 2026 (European Commission).

ETIAS, the travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, had not yet started when we checked. Before you travel, see the EU’s official site, travel-europe.europa.eu, and beware of look-alike websites that charge extra fees.

From the airport

The I and P trains leave from the station under the airport terminal and reach Helsinki Central in about 30 minutes; you need an HSL ABC ticket, from the HSL app or the machines on the platform (Finavia; HSL).

Air Serbia has announced a Belgrade–Helsinki route for 2027; we will add the start date once airserbia.com takes bookings.

Trams, metro, trains and ferries

With one HSL ticket you can travel by bus, tram, metro, commuter train and the Suomenlinna ferry. Tickets are by zone (A–E): an AB ticket covers the centre and the ferry to Suomenlinna. Pay in the HSL app or by tapping a contactless card on the reader (HSL).

City bikes run in Helsinki and Espoo from April to October. There are no passenger trains from Helsinki to St Petersburg.

Sauna etiquette

Shower before you go in, sit on a towel, and follow each sauna’s rules on swimwear and mixed or separate sessions. Cool off between rounds, drink water, and avoid alcohol before a sauna. Many public saunas rent towels; book Löyly’s sessions online.

What to wear

Dress in layers. In winter you need a warm coat, a hat, gloves and shoes with a good grip for icy pavements; in summer, bring a light layer for evenings by the sea. A waterproof jacket is useful in any season.

Health and emergencies

Call 112 for police, fire or an ambulance. The public hospitals are run by HUS; private clinics include Terveystalo, Aava and Pihlajalinna. Carry travel insurance that covers medical costs.

Questions and answers