• Yes, it is essential that you are covered by a comprehensive travel insurance policy that adequately covers you for your trip. We strongly recommend that this is taken out at the time of booking.

    It is your responsibility to understand the specifics of your policy, and to ensure that you have taken out adequate travel insurance for your needs.

    You must provide us with proof of your travel insurance policy, together with emergency telephone numbers of your insurance company and your next of kin emergency contact at least 60 days prior to the commencement of the tour.

  • From 2026, most travellers from non-European Union countries will require ETIAS approval before entering Schengen Area nations.

    The ETIAS, or European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is an online travel authorisation that will soon be mandatory for Australians and citizens of around 60 other countries.

    This system is similar to the US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), which also pre-screens travellers to the US before they enter the country.

    Travellers must apply online via the official ETIAS website prior to arrival in the Schengen region and pay the 7 Euro application fee. Once granted, the ETIAS is valid for three years.

    The processing time for an ETIAS application is generally quick, however we recommended that you apply and obtain approval well before your scheduled departure in case any issues do occur.

    Once your ETIAS application is approved, your ETIAS authorisation will be electronically linked to your passport, meaning you won’t need to carry any extra documents

    Aside from the ETIAS, citizens from the following countries, among others, can enter Finland without a visa for short stays (typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period):

    .• All European Union (EU) member states

    • Australia

    • Canada

    • Israel

    • Japan

    • Malaysia

    • New Zealand

    • Singapore

    • South Korea

    • United Kingdom

    • United States

    At the time of booking and prior to your arrival, we will confirm if there has been any changes to visa legislation or requirements.

  • Each season in Finland brings its own distinct magic. We currently run tours in January for the Winter season and in July for the Summer.

    For the Winter season, January is one of the best months to visit Finland. Snowfall in January is typically much higher than in other months, and there are fewer crowds after the rush of the Christmas season. January is an incredible time to experience a full range of winter activities (snow mobiling, husky sledding, snow shoeing and ice plunging) and offers the opportunity to experience the natural phenomenon called the Polar Night in Northern Finland. Your chances of seeing the Northern Lights during this month is also high.

    In Summer, July is Finland’s warmest month. The forests are in full bloom and the lakes are pleasant for swimming. In Lapland, the sun doesn’t set at all - offering endless daylight for adventure and exploration. In Southern Finland, the nights are beautifully bright, with long golden sunsets that blend into a soft twilight. This is a perfect month to spend in Finland should you wish to unwind, recharge and spend countless hours in nature, foraging for mushrooms and berries or relaxing in the sauna.

  • As the saying goes, there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! For our winter journeys, being prepared with the right clothing is essential as temperatures in Northern Finland can potentially plummet to -30°C (-22°F) or lower. Upon booking onto one of our tours, we will share with you a detailed packing list which will include everything you will need to stay warm and cosy throughout your trip. If required, we are happy to assist you with any questions you may have, share links to some of our favourite brands, or secure items on your behalf ready for when you arrive in Finland.

    In summer, temperatures are generally mild and are pleasant for outdoor activities and swimming. The weather on occasion can be a little unpredictable, so layering is always advised. It is not uncommon in the height of summer to experience temperatures of 25 -30°C (77-86°F) on certain days. Upon booking onto one of our summer retreats, we will share a comprehensive packing list with you so you can relax and enjoy your trip in comfort.

  • The correct clothes, and specifically the correct materials, will go a long way in keeping you nice and toasty. With the right layering, you will be surprised how warm you will stay in some of the harshest conditions! Upon booking onto one of our tours, we will share with you a detailed packing list which will include everything you will need to stay warm and cosy throughout your trip.

    Our itineraries are carefully designed to ensure that you will stay comfortable, and we will monitor weather conditions throughout our journey, adjusting and adapting our itinerary to accommodate for any extreme temperatures or cold snaps where need be.

    Houses in Finland are constructed to withstand extreme winter temperatures and are often equipped with under floor heating, double glazing and multiple heating sources. Therefore once inside, usually a light t-shirt or long sleeve is all that is required.

  • Yes, of course! All of our tours are centred around small intimate groups. There will be plenty of opportunities to connect with other like minded travellers.

    Our tour prices are quoted on a per person, twin share rate. If you would like to request your own room, please contact us for further information.

  • Finland is widely recognised as one of the safest countries in the world to travel to.

    Honesty is an integral part of Finnish disposition. We have witnessed countless examples of wallets or phones being returned after they have been dropped or lost in the streets or in cafes.

    Finland experiences low crime rates and is well equipped for extreme weather conditions like extreme snow and ice.

  • Finland is part of the European Union and utilises the Euro as its official currency. Most places accept credit and debit cards and ATM’s are widely available should you need to withdraw cash.

  • We require a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total trip cost at the time of booking. The remainder of the payment is due 60 days prior to the start of the tour.

    Our cancellation policy will be stated on your Journey page, as well as in the Terms & Conditions listed on the Journey page

  • We require all of our guests on our group tours to be over the age of 18. If you are interested in organising a private or family tour we will be happy to assist, please contact us for more information.

  • All inclusions and exclusions will be listed in each trip itinerary.

    In almost all cases our trips include:

    • all accommodation

    • meals

    • private transportion

    • any internal flights within Finland (as listed on the itinerary)

    • a tour host who will accompany you for the entirety of your trip

    • an abundance of immersive experiences

  • We recommend arriving into Helsinki at least one day prior to the start of your tour to assist with any jet lag and to ensure you allow enough time to account for flight delays or disruptions.

    If you arrive before the tour starts we will be happy to recommend accommodation options in Helsinki.

  • Feel free to contact us at contact@northstarsafari.com with any additional questions.