When travelling to Lapland it is important to get to grips with the money, visa and passport matters. We have compiled the most important information to help you plan your exciting adventure.
Visas
If you are a British Passport holder you do not need a visa to visit Lapland but there are some specifics you need to be aware of which we have outlined below. If you hold another passport please check with your embassy for the entry requirements.
Passport Validity
In order to travel to the Schengen area, your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Duration of Stay
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies to any kind of travel; holidays, visiting friends and family or work meetings.
Visits to Schengen countries, of which Lapland is included in, within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 day allocation so any trips you took to the Schengen zone will have been deducted.
Passport Stamping
Check your passport is stamped by the border officer when you enter and exit so it is clear you haven’t overstayed your visa. You will need to use the ‘other passport’ queues at immigration and not the one intended for EU passports.
ETIAS
From 2025, you will need to apply for an ETIAS in order to travel to Lapland, and any other country in the Schengen zone. The application is all online and quick to apply for. More information can be found here.
Money in Lapland
In Finnish Lapland you pay with euros. You can withdraw money with your debit card in Rovaniemi and Äkäslompolo, but not in the smaller villages. You can recognize the Finnish ATMs by the OTTO logo. Norwegian kroner (NOK) is used in Norwegian Lapland. In Tromsø you will find several ATMs, both at the airport and in the city centre. In Swedish Lapland you will use Swedish kronor (SEK). In both Luleå and Kiruna you will find some ATMs; in the outlying area you cannot withdraw money, but you can pay with a credit card.
In Finland, Norway and Sweden, using a credit card is very common; the locals often pay for even small purchases with a credit card.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Lapland (or the rest of Scandinavia). In restaurants, service is usually included in the price though and it is standard to round up the price when paying.
