You are responsible for yourself when travelling

The decision to travel, as well as responsibility for travel safety and security, always lies with the traveller. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs provides advice on travel safety and security issues and offers related services. The Ministry’s travel advice notice provides basic information on the overall security situation and local circumstances that may affect travel safety and security. As freedom of movement is a constitutional right in Finland, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs cannot prohibit anyone from travelling, even if martial law has been declared in the destination country or it has been affected by an earthquake or the hurricane season. Please note, however, that travel restrictions and bans may be imposed by the authorities of the destination country.

 

1. Take a moment to read our travel notice (in Finnish) before travelling to Thailand.
2. Natural disasters and occasional unrest are not uncommon in Thailand. We therefore recommend that you submit a travel notification before departure. In the notification, provide your personal details and valid contact information for the duration of your trip in case of emergencies or crisis situations. You can submit this information online or by text message. We also recommend leaving your contact details, travel itinerary, and travel insurance and passport information with a contact person in Finland. Save this emergency contact in your mobile phone, email, or wallet under the name ICE (In Case of Emergency).
3. Take out comprehensive travel insurance before travelling and check its terms and conditions with your insurance company. Healthcare services at private hospitals and clinics in Thailand are of a high standard but costly. Treatment may not begin until the hospital has received confirmation from your insurance company or an advance payment. A repatriation flight from Thailand to Finland may cost up to EUR 100,000.
4. Ensure that your passport is in good condition. Check passport validity requirements with the Thai authorities, such as the Embassy of Thailand in Helsinki. Take a copy of your passport and/or store an electronic copy on your phone or in your email. Keep your passport and other valuables in a safe. It is advisable not to leave your passport as a deposit when renting a vehicle.
5. Thai authorities are responsible for entry into Thailand, including the digital arrival card and visa requirements. For more information contact the Royal Thai Embassy in Helsinki.
6. Bring any necessary medication along with the relevant product information in English and, if required, prescriptions. Check with the Thai Embassy in Helsinki whether your medication is permitted and whether special permission or advance notification is required. Review your vaccinations well in advance of your trip. Dengue fever and malaria, which are mosquito-borne diseases, are endemic in Thailand, so protect yourself against mosquito bites. Thailand’s climate can place significant strain on the human body. Remember to drink sufficient non-alcoholic fluids, stay in the shade at midday, and use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.
7. Write down your credit card numbers and the phone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards. Do not keep all your cash and credit cards in the same place. Credit cards are widely accepted in Thailand, and ATMs are readily available.
8. Road traffic poses the greatest safety risk in Thailand. The country has left-hand traffic and an unpredictable driving culture that differs from that in Finland. Care should always be taken. Traffic accidents are particularly common during the Songkran festival and New Year celebrations. Always fasten your seatbelt and wear a helmet—just as you would in Finland.
9. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Respect local laws, regulations, and customs, and behave as a responsible tourist. Be aware that criticising the royal family or committing drug-related offences can result in long prison sentences.
10. In the event of a crisis, follow the instructions of local authorities and your tour guide. Monitor local media and check updates from the Embassy of Finland on social media.

Petty theft and tourist scams occur in tourist areas and in the capital. If approached by scammers, remember: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.