Finland Visa RequirementsFor Ireland passport holders
Irish citizens travel to Finland without any visa requirement under EU freedom of movement. Finland is both an EU and Schengen member, and Irish passport holders can visit Helsinki, Lapland, and beyond without restriction.
Great news! Ireland passport holders can enter Finland without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is needed. Present your Irish passport. EU citizens may stay beyond 90 days for work or study and should register with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) for longer stays.
Finland is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Ireland to Finland: What You Need to Know
Finland joined the EU in 1995 and is a Schengen member. Irish citizens benefit from full EU freedom of movement when visiting. Finland shares a long border with Sweden and Norway and borders Russia to the east, though the Russian border is currently closed. Helsinki has direct flights from Dublin, and the Finnish archipelago and Lapland are increasingly popular with Irish tourists.
How to Get There
From Helsinki, the Viking Line and Tallink Silja ferries reach Stockholm overnight, making a Scandinavia-Finland itinerary very practical. The Oresund region (Denmark-Sweden) is accessible by train from Stockholm.
Money & Banking
Finland uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere and Finland is largely cashless. Mobile payments are common. ATMs are available but rarely needed in cities.
Practical Tips
Northern Lights are visible in Finnish Lapland from late September to March. Book Lapland experiences (husky safaris, snowmobile tours, glass igloos) well in advance as they sell out quickly. Helsinki is very easy to navigate and most Finns speak excellent English. Ferries from Helsinki reach Stockholm, Tallinn, and St. Petersburg (currently suspended).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Irish citizens need a visa for Finland?
No. Irish citizens are EU nationals and have full freedom of movement in Finland, a Schengen and EU member.
What currency does Finland use?
Finland uses the Euro (EUR), making it convenient for Irish travelers.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland?
The Northern Lights are visible in Finnish Lapland from approximately late September to late March, with peak visibility around the winter solstice. Clear, dark nights offer the best viewing.
How do I get to Lapland from Helsinki?
Finnair and Norwegian Air operate domestic flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, Kittila, and Ivalo in Lapland. Journey time is about 1.5 hours by air.
Is Finland expensive for Irish tourists?
Finland is a high-cost Nordic country, broadly comparable to Ireland. Accommodation and dining are similar in price. Some activities like Northern Lights safaris and husky tours carry premium prices.
What is the midnight sun in Finland?
In northern Finland above the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set for several weeks around the summer solstice (June-July). This phenomenon is called the midnight sun and offers unique 24-hour daylight experiences.
Can I travel from Finland to Russia?
The Finnish-Russian border is currently closed to normal traffic due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Check Irish Department of Foreign Affairs advice before making any plans involving Russia.