FAQs
Pre-Departure
Can I drive while in the United States?
Bearers of Finnish driving licenses may drive in the U.S. for a short period of time on their valid Finnish driving licenses. (Exact length depends on the individual state.) When renting a car, some rental agencies may insist on seeing an international driving permit. It is available from Autoliitto ry, Hämeentie 105 A, 00550 Helsinki, Finland, tel. +358 9 72584400, fax. +358 9 72584460, http://www.autoliitto.fi/
Those taking up temporary residence must obtain driving licenses from the appropriate State Authority upon their arrival at their destination. The Embassy does not have any information concerning the laws of the various States on requirements for issuance of driving licenses.
For more information about obtaining a U.S. driving license, please see http://www.dmv-department-of-motor-vehicles.com/.
Can I bring a pet to the U.S?
Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entering the United States. This requirement does not apply, however, to puppies less than three months of age* or to dogs originating or located for at least six months in areas designated by the U.S. Public Health Service as being rabies-free. The following procedures pertain to dogs arriving from areas that are not free of rabies: A valid rabies vaccination certificate should accompany the animal. This certificate should be in English or be accompanied by a translation. It should identify the animal, the dates of vaccination and expiration, and be signed by a licensed veterinarian. If no expiration date is specified, the certificate is acceptable if the date of vaccination is no more than 12 months before the date of arrival.
If a vaccination has not been performed, or if the certificate is not valid, the animal may be admitted if it is confined upon arrival at a place of the owner's choosing. The dog must be vaccinated within four days after arrival at the final destination, but no more than 10 days after arrival at the port of entry. The animal must remain in confinement for at least 30 days after being vaccinated. If the vaccination was performed less than 30 days before arrival, the animal may be admitted but must be confined at a place of the owner's choosing until at least 30 days have passed since the vaccination. Owners of dogs that do not have a valid rabies certificate are required to fill out and sign a "Notice to Owners & Importers of Dogs" at the port of entry, which is submitted to the quarantine station that oversees the port of entry. Be aware, the quarantine station follows up with the owner's local health department, to ensure the vaccination takes place. So it is essential that the owner complies with these requirements.
An owner's home can be the "place of the owner's choosing."
*Young puppies must be confined at a place of the owner's choosing until they are three months old, then they must be vaccinated. They must remain in confinement for 30 days. Dogs that arrive in Hawaii or Guam, both of which are free of rabies, are subject to the state's or territory's quarantine requirements, in addition to whatever other Public Health Service requirements, above, apply.
As a general rule, there are no restrictions on bringing domestic cats into the U.S. There are no vaccination requirements for cats, although cats arriving in Hawaii or Guam are subject to that state's/territory's quarantine requirements. While a rabies certificate is not required for entry into the U.S., domestic cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined by an inspector at the port of entry. If the animal is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the owner's expense. If you are bringing your cat to the U.S. on an airplane, you should check with the airline about their requirements for transporting animals. Many airlines require a certificate of health from a veterinarian.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Vaccinations are no longer required for temporary travel to the United States. However, if you are intending to study or work, you should contact the school or prospective employer as they may have specific requirements.
What do I do about health insurance?
Visitors and temporary residents are required to pay their own medical costs. As a result it is advisable to take out health insurance. Temporary visitors to the United States can obtain accident and sickness insurance before departing Finland. Most local insurance brokers as well as many travel agents can arrange such coverage with insurance firms in Finland.