15.4.2026 | If you are planning a trip abroad for next summer, now is a good time to check the validity and condition of your passport or identity card. Please remember that your travel document must be intact and valid for the entire duration of the trip. In some non-EU countries, the travel document also has to be valid for a few months after the end of the planned trip. Please find out about the travel document requirements of your country of destination in advance.

Information for international arrivals This information is designed for people who are planning a trip to Finland and want to know about immigration rules, what travel documentation is required and how to deal with Finnish police. The Police of Fi...

How to use the identity card When using your identity card, keep in mind that even young children need to have their own identity card. the information on the identify card must be up to date. If you change your name, you cannot use an identity ca...

How to apply for an identity card You can apply for a standard identity card online or by visiting the police station of your choice. It is easiest to do this online. Have your passport photograph taken. The photography studio sends your passport ...

Apply for a passport A passport is a document that certifies your travel authorisation and identity when you use different services. In most situations, you will need a travel document when you exit Finland, and you may be asked to show your trave...

Using your passport When you use your passport, keep in mind that even young children need to have their own passport. the information on the passport must be up-to-date. If you change your name, you cannot use a passport with your old name on it ...

List of fees 2026 Processing permit applications and notifications incurs a fee. The tables below provide more detailed information about police fees. The fees are based on the Ministry of the Interior's fee regulation. Local police fees Passports...

Passenger Name Record (PNR) The Passenger Name Record is an information system used by the Passenger Information Unit Finland (PIU) to collect, process and retain Passenger Name Record (PNR) data on flight passengers in line with the legislation. ...

Getting a passport You can apply for a standard passport online or by visiting the police station of your choice. It is easiest to do this online. Have your passport photograph taken. The photography studio sends your passport photograph to the po...

Identity card for a minor Even young children need their own travel document. You can submit an electronic application for a minor online the same as for adults, but almost all minors are required to visit a police station for identification. A vi...

Police helpline The police helpline gives advice on non-urgent matters regarding licences, appointment bookings, e-services and traffic surveillance. The national police helpline gives advice on non-urgent matters regarding passports, identity car...

Passports, identity cards, permits A passport and an identity card are travel documents and official forms of identification. In Finland, applications for these documents are submitted to the police. The police grants permits for firearms and the ...

Minor's passport Finnish citizens who apply for a passport are issued a passport to demonstrate that they are entitled to a travel document for the purpose of international travel, unless otherwise prohibited by law. Minors, too, need to have thei...

6.5.2026 | The Police and the Finnish Road Safety Council inspected child safety seats in April and found room for improvement in terms of keeping children safe in cars. The Police issued 14 traffic penalty fees and six fines.

Processing times The processing times of applications submitted to the police vary from one day to several weeks, depending on the category. The police has determined estimated processing times for the some key permits/licences. The estimated proc...

11.12.2025 | A study published by the Police University College asks whether alternatives could be found to arresting and remanding a child suspected of a criminal offence. This could be achieved by making the legislation on travel bans more consistent.

News archive Search... Select department All Central Finland Police Department Eastern Finland Police Department Eastern Uusimaa Police Department Helsinki Police Department Häme Police Department Lapland Police Department National Police Board Os...

The organization of Western Uusimaa Police Department The police in Western Uusimaa is responsible for ensuring public order and safety, preventing crimes and disturbance. They also do crime investigation and consideration of charges. Our lisence ...

Apply for an identity card An identity card is a document that certifies your identity when you use different services. In some cases, the identity card can also be used as a travel document and it has a chip that allows you to use online services...

Matters involving large carnivores Sometimes large carnivores (bear, wolf, wolverine, lynx) cause danger to humans. Dangerous situations related to large carnivores should be handled by the police. In practice, the police take care of assignments ...