With travel advisories focusing both on wider diplomatic relations with a given country and the current on-the-ground situation around everything from crime to natural disasters, the U.S. State Department periodically tweaks its travel advisories for the 195 governments recognized by the United Nations.
Most recently, it updated its travel advisory for Ireland to state that the European nation is “generally a safe destination” but sees regular instances of petty crime such as pickpocketing in popular tourist areas.
A Nordic country bordered by Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north and Russia to the east, Finland is currnetly ranked at level one’s “exercise normal precautions.”
The country, which in 2025 welcomed a record 5.1 million international tourists, has a general reputation for being extremely safe and a more tranquil alternative to many of its Nordic and European neighbors.
That sense of peace has, until very recently, made it a mostly overlooked destination for all but the most adventurous travelers.
“Finland has a low rate of crime, and violent crime is uncommon”
The travel advisory updated on March 13 is very scant, in that it simply states that travelers should take regular safety precautions. It provides generic tips standard for the rating, such as always remaining aware of one’s surroundings and following the instructions of local authorities.
“Finland has a low rate of crime, and violent crime is uncommon,”  the section on crime reads. “Keep an inconspicuous profile and remain aware of your surroundings at all times. The most common criminal threat is petty street crime such as pickpocketing. Avoid leaving personal possessions unattended while in public. The most serious criminal threat is a lone-wolf terrorist attack.”
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The advisory goes on to remind travelers to “remain vigilant with regard to your personal security and exercise caution.”
The State Department has not specified why it tweaked the advisory for Finland now or what it changed, but the level itself has stayed the same for decades.
Smaller European countries are generally rated lower than counterparts such as Germany and France, which are ranked at level two’s “exercise increased caution” due to the ever-present risk of terrorist attacks in their capital cities.
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What else is going on with Finland tourism in 2026
Sweden is also at level two over similar concerns. Although it shares an 834-mile border with Finland, Russia is a cultural world away and is ranked at the highest “do not travel” level due to its invasion of Ukraine, history of political persecutions, and poor diplomatic relations with the U.S.
Finland, meanwhile, has been on a mission to keep the roll of rising tourism numbers going.
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In November 2025, national airline Finnair expanded, adding 12 new flights to different destinations from its hub at Helsinki Airport (HEL).
The Visit Finland tourism board also experimented with various tourism campaigns, including the “Chill Like A Finn” free trip opportunity referencing common stereotypes around the country’s laid-back lifestyle.
This month, Finland was also ranked as the happiest country in the world for the ninth year in a row, according to the United Nations World Happiness Report cited by Smithsonian Magazine.
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