HOW TO GET TO OULU
There are good flight connections to Oulu from all over the world via Helsinki. Numerous daily one-hour-flights between Oulu and Helsinki are operated by Finnair (finnair.com) and Norwegian (norwegian.com/en/). In addition, SAS operates a flight connection between Oulu and Stockholm. Several Finnair flights are also available as codeshare flights with several partners, including partners of Oneworld Alliance and Air France.
Oulu has frequent Pendolino and InterCity train connections from Helsinki and Tampere. Journey takes about 6 hours. Read more about arriving by train
Public transportation between the University of Oulu and the Oulu Airport flows smoothly through the city centre. In and around the city centre distances are short and you can easily travel some of them by foot or choose quick and inexpensive city buses.
VISA REGULATIONS
Finland is a member of the European Union and a part of the Schengen area. Citizens of the Nordic countries do not need a passport for entry into Finland. EU-nationals and citizens of Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, and Schengen Agreement countries can enter Finland with a valid passport or a valid identity card. All other nationalities require a valid passport.
Foreign nationals who need an entry visa are requested to apply for it from the diplomatic mission that represents Finland in their home country. It is recommended to apply for a visa at least 3 months in advance of the congress. General enquiries regarding travel documents and visa issues should be sent to the passport and visa unit at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (visas.passports@formin.fi).
To find out which travel documents citizens of different third countries have to present upon entering the country, please see: um.fi/visa-requirement-and-travel-documents-accepted-by-finland
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Finland has been named the safest country in the world by World Economic Forum’s report in 2017. With a stable political and economic environment, Finland is a safe and secure environment for business, tourism, and living.
Crime statistics remain low compared to other developed countries. With a low crime rate and a high sense of civic responsibility, it is easy to feel comfortable visiting in Finnish cities. Finland has the third least corruption in the world and the police are friendly and easy to approach. When talking about safety in Finland, it is also good to mention that tap water is safe to drink. Taxis can be trusted and drivers tend to be fluent in English. Drivers must inform their customers of their price policy before the trip begins.