From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Finland Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Tue, 18 Feb 1997 15:05:15 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1246 Path: world!bzs Message-ID: <970218150515_76702.1202_CHN61-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: bzs@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 72 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Finland ============================================================ Finland - Consular Information Sheet February 13, 1997 Country Description: Finland is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. It belongs to the European Union. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: For information concerning entry requirements for Finland, travelers can contact the Embassy of Finland at 3301 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel (202) 298-5800, or the nearest Finnish consulate in Los Angeles or New York. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are widely available. The public hospital system will not honor foreign credit cards and/or U. S. insurance coverage. However, private hospitals and clinics which accept major credit cards are widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, a letter from their carrier describing supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers' hotline on (404) 332-4559 or visit the CDC home page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov. Crime Information: Finland has a low crime rate. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad. It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Road Conditions/Safety: Finland has an extensive network of highways throughout the country, as well as excellent public transportation services. If driving in Finland, travelers should be aware that legally permissible blood alcohol levels are much lower in Finland, and drunk driving laws are strict. If driving in Finland in winter, the vehicle must be winterized with studded snow tires, and engine heaters are strongly recommended. When driving at night, drivers must be aware of moose wandering onto major roadways. There have been incidents of moose being struck by vehicles, causing severe damage to the vehicle and even death to the occupants. Registration and Embassy Location: Americans are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U. S. Embassy, and obtain updated information on travel and security within Finland. The U.S. Embassy in Helsinki is located at Itainen Puistotie 14A; telephone (358) (0) 171931 or (358) (0) 605414 after hours. No. 97-026 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 6, 1995, to provide traffic safety information and Internet information. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories