Thinking about traveling from Ghana to Finland? You should! It’s an exciting adventure waiting to in happen! Finland is a fascinating country located in the Nordic region of Europe. Finland has so much to offer with its beautiful nature, friendly people, and countless lakes and forests.
But before you pack your bags, there are a few things you need to know to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. From getting the right travel documents to finding the best flights, we’ve got you covered with all the essential information you need to make your dream trip to Finland a reality.
How to travel to Finland from Ghana
Step 1: Apply for Visa and Get Documented
Obtaining a Schengen visa is the first essential step for travelers from Ghana visiting Finland. Without a valid visa, entry into the country is not permitted unless they are from a visa-exempt country. Ghanaians can apply for a Finnish visa online through the official Finnish immigration website or at the Visa Application Center in Accra.
It’s essential to check the current visa requirements and application process through the Finnish embassy or consulate in Ghana. Travelers may also need to provide proof of sufficient funds, a return or onward ticket, travel insurance, and accommodation details.
To apply for a Finland visa from Ghana, follow these steps:
- Identify the type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel (tourism, business, study, etc.).
- Visit the website of the Finnish Embassy or Consulate in Ghana to review the specific requirements for your visa type. This can include a completed application form, passport-sized photos, a passport, a travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, financial documents and travel insurance.
- Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely.
- Use the checklist provided by the embassy to cross-check all your required documents. This may include proof of employment or study, invitation letters, flight reservations, bank statements, etc.
- Book an appointment online with the visa application center or embassy for submission of your documents and biometric data (if required).
- On the day of your appointment, submit your application and supporting documents at the visa application center or embassy. Be prepared for any additional questions or requests for information.
- Pay the visa application fee as required. The fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied.
- Wait for your visa application to be processed. This may vary depending on the type of visa and other factors.
- If your visa is approved, collect your passport with the visa from the visa application center or embassy.
It’s essential to apply for your Finland visa well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for sufficient processing time. Additionally, double-check the specific requirements and procedures with the Finnish Embassy or Consulate in Ghana, as they may vary slightly.
Step 2: Health and Personal Safety Precautions
Before traveling to Finland from Ghana, it’s essential to ensure you’re up-to-date with required vaccinations for COVID-19 and other health checks recommended by health authorities. You should consult a healthcare provider or travel clinic well in advance of your trip for personalized advice.
Step 3: Flights and Transportation
Once you’re ready to book your trip, consider planning your finances by estimating costs for flights, accommodation and daily expenses. Finland can be quite affordable if you plan ahead.
There are different airlines and routes from Ghana to Finland. Flights from Ghana to Finland mostly involve connecting through major European cities such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Istanbul.
The airlines that follow popular routes with one or two stops are KLM, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Finnair. This is because direct flights aren’t common and connecting flights provide various options to reach your destination efficiently.
When choosing your flight, it is advisable to compare prices and consider factors like layover duration, total travel time and airport facilities. Booking in advance can help you get cheaper fares. Use comparison websites to hunt for the best deals.
Flight booking process to travel to Finland from Ghana
- Ensure you plan your trip ahead of time and book your flights several months in advance so that you can get the best deals.
- Look out for flight prices so you can book as soon as you find a fare within your budget, because flight prices usually increase closer to the travel date.
- Book flexible or refundable tickets if you’re not certain about your travel plans, even though it may be more expensive.
- Consider Alternative Airports: Look for flights to alternative airports near your destination in Canada, as they may offer cheaper fares compared to major airports.
- Book connecting flights because they can often be cheaper than direct flights. But be sure to calculate the total travel time and ensure you have sufficient time between connecting flights to clear immigration and customs, especially if you’re changing airports or airlines.
While direct flights are convenient, don’t overlook layovers. They can sometimes save you money, but be mindful of the duration and airport facilities during layovers.
Step 4: Source for Accommodations
When it comes to accommodation in Finland, travelers have a variety of options to choose from depending on their budget and the kind of services they need.
- Hotels: Whether you are going to Finland from Ghana for work or leisure, hotels are a good option. You can find luxury resorts and budget-friendly hotels in Helsinki, Turku and Rovaniemi.
- Hostels: Hostels are popular in cities like Helsinki and Tampere. Hostels provide more affordable dormitory-style accommodation for travelers and backpackers. affordable accommodation.
- Airbnb: Airbnb offers different kinds of accommodations, including apartments, houses and even cabins and igloos. It’s a great option for those seeking a homely atmosphere and more personal space. It is advisable to book accommodations well in advance to secure your preferred choice and avoid last-minute hike in price or availability issues.
Step 5: Learn A Bit About Finnish Culture and Language
Once you’ve arrived in Finland from Ghana, you’ll need to fit in with the crowd. To do that, understanding the Finnish culture from onset is relevant. Here are a few tips to help you:
- Finnish culture follows Nordic traditions. The Finns love a modern lifestyle, but with a love for nature, sustainable practices and an outdoor lifestyle.
- Finnish people are quite reserved but are friendly once you get to know them.
- They value traits such as social equality, honesty and punctuality.
- English is widely spoken in Finland, especially in urban areas but knowing some Finnish phrases can be helpful, especially in more remote regions.
- The Finns respect personal space, so avoid standing too close or making excessive physical contact.
- Finns value punctuality, so arrive on time for appointments or meetings.
- When dining, it’s polite to finish your meal, and it’s customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
- When visiting a Finnish sauna, it’s essential to respect the customs, such as sitting on a towel, not wearing swimwear and refraining from loud conversation.
- Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for exceptional service.
By understanding and respecting Finnish culture and etiquette, you’ll have a more enjoyable travel experience in this fascinating country.
How to travel to Finland from Ghana: Practical Tips For A Smooth Trip
1. Choose the best time to visit
Before traveling to Finland from Ghana, it’s best to consider the best time to visit, especially if you’re going as a tourist. Consider the weather and any special events or festivals happening in Finland. For instance, summertime offers long daylight hours for outdoor activities, while winter brings the magical Northern Lights.
2. Stay safe and healthy during your travels
Here are some simple tips to stay safe on the journey to Finland from Ghana:
- Make sure you’re up-to-date on all your vaccinations.
- Pack appropriate clothing for the weather in Finland.
- Drink plenty of water, especially during long flights, to stay hydrated
- Eat healthy by maintaining a balanced diet, even while traveling.
- Get enough rest to keep your energy levels up.
- Try to stay active during long flights to prevent blood clots. You can move around and stretch your body.
- Protect your skin with sunscreen to prevent sunburn, especially in snowy conditions.
- Follow local guidelines and be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep important contacts handy in case of emergencies.
- Have fun in Finland, but make sure to look after your health and safety.
3. Money matters
- Before or after your flight, you can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, or use ATMs. Euros (EUR) are widely accepted in Finland.
- Credit cards widely accepted in Finland include Visa and Mastercard. They are used, especially in cities and tourist areas.
- Tipping isn’t obligatory in Finland, as it’s already included in the bill or service charge. But leaving a small tip for an exceptional service would be appreciated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traveling from Ghana to Finland opens the door to a lot of discovery. This article has explained the various steps on how to travel to Finland from Ghana to grant travelers an unforgettable experience.
By carefully planning your trip, researching entry requirements and budgeting for expenses, you’ll set the stage for a smooth and enjoyable adventure. Also, consider the best time to visit, explore flight options and book accommodations in advance to get better value.
Safe travels, and welcome to Finland!
