Problem situations when travelling or staying abroad

In an emergency, call 112 in EU countries and the local emergency call number in other countries. The authorities in the country concerned will have primary responsibility for the situation. In an emergency you are entitled to help regardless of whether you are staying in the country for a short or lengthy period. 

If, in the country you are visiting, there is, for example, a natural disaster, a major accident, political unrest, a state of war or an epidemic, contact the Finnish consulate or other diplomatic mission if necessary. They will provide you with consular assistance. Consular assistance provided by Finland is also for the nationals of other countries permanently resident in Finland who need help abroad.  

If there is no Finnish diplomatic mission in the country, contact that of another EU country. You can also contact the emergency centre at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

If you are robbed or are the victim of violence, submit a crime report at the nearest police station as soon as you can. A crime report is required for dealing with the case in the destination country, but one may also be needed to apply for a new passport or to receive compensation under an insurance policy. If necessary, you can get help making out your crime report from a tour operator or a Finnish diplomatic mission. 

If you lose your bank or credit card, report it to your bank as soon as possible so that they can cancel the account. If you lose your mobile phone or SIM card, contact your mobile phone operator and ask them to block the account.

If you are the victim of violence or rape, see a doctor straight away.  Ask for a medical certificate for any disability or injury and for the treatment you receive.  

Make out a report at a local police station or a tourist police reception point for a passport that is stolen or lost.  Ask for a copy of the report or the investigation report. You will need it when you apply for a new passport.

You can apply for a new passport at a Finnish diplomatic mission. If Finland has no diplomatic mission in the country concerned, contact that of another EU country. At the diplomatic mission of another EU country ask for an Emergency Travel Document/ETD. 

A passport reported lost can no longer be used if you find it later.

Travellers must abide by the laws of the countries they visit and respect local customs and religious beliefs. What is permitted in Finland may not be in some other countries. For example, public displays of affection, relations with someone of the same sex and extramarital relations are punishable offences in some countries.

Furthermore, the dissemination of religious material, the export of cultural objects and photographing military sites may be prohibited. Sentencing is often harsher than in Finland. In some countries, for example, you can receive the death penalty for possessing or dealing drugs.

If you are arrested or imprisoned, you have the right to ask the police or prison authorities to the Finnish diplomatic mission.  The mission can provide advice on acquiring the services of a legal adviser and interpreter. However, the mission cannot interfere in any judicial proceedings, give legal advice or plead your case.

If you lose your money because you are robbed or you lose your wallet, contact your insurance company and bank. Finnish diplomatic missions abroad do not provide financial assistance or pay for journeys home, but they can help you contact someone in Finland.

If you have no money for some other reason, you can ask family or friends to help you out by means of an international money transfer service, for example. The money can be collected by providing a code when they have made the credit transfer.