Guidance

Finland: in prison abroad

Information on Finland’s legal and prison systems for British prisoners, their families and friends.

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
• Published: 15 March 2013
• Last updated: 8 April 2026 — See all updates

Documents

Information pack for British nationals detained or imprisoned in Finland

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Details

This guide explains how to:

• arrange visits
• send money to a prisoner
• apply for a transfer to a UK prison

See also help if you’re arrested abroad.

This information is not meant to be definitive, and is not a substitute for independent legal advice.  Neither His Majesty’s Government nor its staff take any responsibility for the accuracy of the information, nor accept liability for any loss, costs, damage, or expense that you might suffer as a result of relying on the information.  The information contained in this guide is general and factual.  You should contact local lawyers for independent legal advice.

Published 15 March 2013

Last updated 8 April 2026 + show all updates

1. 8 April 2026

   The information pack was updated with current information on the Finnish judicial system.

2. 28 March 2024

   This guidance has been reviewed and updated as necessary.

3. 16 March 2023

   Updated version of attachment.

4. 11 June 2019

   Updated prisoner pack for Finland.

5. 14 June 2018

   Updated prisoner pack for Finland.

6. 29 July 2016

   Updated prisoner pack for Finland.

7. 10 June 2015

   New updated prisoner pack.

8. 5 August 2013

   Updated the prisoner pack and added a mention of transfers for prisoners abroad leaflet.

9. 15 March 2013

   First published.