Essential Travel Documents: Inari

Official Papers

Carry originals and digital copies for backup.

Must-Have Documents

Passport & Visa Documentation: Original passport valid 3+ months beyond departure. Printed Schengen visa if applicable.
Travel Insurance Policy: Policy number, emergency contacts, coverage details. Insubuy offers medical and travel coverage.
International Driving Permit: Needed if your domestic license is not in English, Finnish, or Swedish. Carry your domestic license too.

Health & Travel Confirmations

These documents confirm your health status and itinerary.

Important Records & Confirmations

Vaccination Records & Health Documents: Proof of recommended vaccinations (e.g., TBE). Personal medical history/prescription details. EHIC for EU/EEA citizens.
Printed & Digital Copies of Reservations: Flights, accommodation, car rental, pre-booked tours.
Emergency Contact Info: Family/friends, embassy/consulate, travel insurance emergency line, local emergency services (112).

IDs for Discounts

Student ID

An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) can secure student discounts.

Bring your ISIC

Senior ID

Discounts for seniors are less common for non-residents in Finland.

Check locally

Press ID

Accredited press IDs may offer special access or discounts at certain sites.

Inquire beforehand

Powering Your Journey

Adapters & Connectivity

Ensure your devices function properly in Finland.

Electrical Needs & Phone Use

Power Adapter: Finland uses 230 V, 50 Hz. Plugs are Type C and F. A Universal travel adapter with USB ports comes highly recommended.
Mobile Phone Compatibility: Most modern smartphones are compatible. Check if your phone is unlocked.
SIM Card Options: Purchase local SIM cards from Elisa, Telia, DNA stores, or R-Kioski convenience stores. Prepaid SIMs are available. Airalo offers eSIMs.

Photography & Charging

Capture Lapland's beauty and keep your devices charged.

Camera Gear & Power Banks

Camera Equipment: For Northern Lights, a camera with manual settings, a wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster), a Sturdy tripod, and spare batteries are necessary.
Portable Chargers: Portable chargers and power banks are necessary, especially in winter. A High-capacity portable power bank is recommended.
General Photography: A good point-and-shoot or Smartphone camera suits general daytime scenery.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox for important data and photos.

External Drives

Consider an External hard drive or large USB drive for camera photos.

VPN Service

NordVPN or ExpressVPN enhance online security, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Health & Well-Being

First Aid Essentials

A compact health kit addresses common travel ailments and specific Arctic conditions.

Your Personal Kit

Standard Items: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen), allergy meds, Anti-diarrhea medication. A Compact kit is good.
Specific to Inari: Blister treatment (for hiking), cold remedies (cough drops), lip balm and moisturizer (dry cold air).
Prescription Medications: Enough for your trip plus extra. Keep in original packaging with a copy of the prescription and doctor's letter.

Over-the-Counter & Personal Care

Prepare for minor ailments and maintain hygiene.

Common Remedies & Hygiene

OTC Medications: Pain relief, fever reducers, antihistamines (for allergies or insect bites), stomach upset remedies.
Personal Hygiene: Most standard products are available locally, but specific brands or specialty items might be harder to find. Pack your preferred toiletries.
Water Purification: Not needed for tap water. For wilderness hiking, a Water filter bottle or Purification tablets are an option.

Environmental Protection

Insect Repellent

Insect repellent is necessary for summer travel.
Look for products with DEET or Picaridin.
Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent is a good choice.

Sun Protection

In winter, UV reflection off snow can be strong. Use Sunglasses and High SPF sunscreen for exposed skin.
In summer, standard Sun protection and sunglasses are fine for prolonged daylight.
Altitude sickness is not a concern in Inari. Motion sickness remedies are useful for long bus or boat trips.

Activity Gear & Rentals

Hiking Equipment

Essential items for comfortable and safe hikes.

Daypack (Small daypack)
Hiking poles (Hiking poles)
Map and compass or GPS device
Reusable water bottle

Snow Activities Gear

Consider renting these bulky items locally for ease.

Snowshoes
Cross-country skis, boots, poles
Ice fishing gear (auger, rod, bait)
Heavy winter overalls

Photography Specifics

Gear for capturing the Arctic's wonders, especially aurora.

Sturdy tripod and fast lens
Extra batteries (cold drains them quickly)
Dust and moisture-proof bags/covers
B&H Photo Video offers camera gear: B&H Photo

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Recommended to Rent

Heavy winter overalls and snowmobile gear.
Husky/reindeer safari equipment.
Snowshoes and cross-country skis.
Ice fishing gear. These items are bulky for travel and readily available for rent.

Recommended to Bring

Your personal layering system (thermals, fleeces).
Warm hat, gloves, and insulated boots (if you prefer your own).
Camera gear (tripod, fast lens).
A small daypack and a water bottle.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Small items make a big difference to your journey comfort and security.

Traveler Comforts & Safety

Comfort Items: Long flights or bus journeys merit a Travel neck pillow and an Eye mask, especially for Midnight Sun.
Security Items: Luggage locks (TSA approved for checked bags). TSA approved cable locks are versatile.
Personal Security: A Money belt or RFID blocking wallet protects documents and cards, though crime is very low.
Warmth Items: Chemical Hand warmers or foot warmers can provide extra warmth in extreme cold.

Sustainable & Local Essentials

Pack items that align with sustainable travel and enhance your local experience.

Eco-Conscious Choices

Reusable Items: An insulated Reusable water bottle for tap water. Bring a Reusable shopping bag, as Finland charges for plastic bags.
Reusable Cutlery: A Reusable cutlery set proves useful for street food or picnics.
Region-Specific Essentials: A headlamp or Small flashlight is necessary during winter for navigating in polar night and Northern Lights viewing. A Petzl Actik Core headlamp is a good choice.
Cost-Effective Items: Specialized cold-weather gear, while rentable, is often more cost-effective to bring or purchase beforehand.

Recommended Apps for Inari

Navigation

Google Maps (download offline maps), HERE WeGo (offline driving).

Translation

Google Translate (download Finnish language pack).

Weather/Aurora

My Aurora Forecast & Alerts, FMI (Finnish Meteorological Institute) app.

Local Transport

Matkahuolto (bus schedules).

Destination-Specific Items

Winter Readiness

Balaclava or neck gaiter for head and face protection.
Consider insulated mittens for extreme cold conditions.
Wool or synthetic thermal socks for warmth and moisture-wicking.

Summer Comfort

Lightweight mosquito net for evenings if sensitive to insects.
Wide-brimmed sun hat for prolonged daylight exposure.
Durable Hiking pants or comfortable trousers for outdoor activities.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll clothes tightly to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization and compression.

Place heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase for stability. Keep a small bag handy for dirty laundry.

Essential Travel Documents