Finland Opens Its Borders — and Its Heart — to Queer Travellers

Oct 13

If there’s one place where queerness meets calm, safety, and freedom, it’s Finland. Known for its design, nature, and northern lights, Finland is also one of the world’s most progressive and inclusive countries for LGBTQ+ travellers.

Now, with a new EU border system rolling out, it’s the perfect time to plan your next northern escape — informed, confident, and fully welcomed.

A woman sitting outside a building reading a book on a sunny day

Pictures ©Raul Medina

The New Border Rules: What You Need to Know

Starting October 12, 2025, the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now active. This system registers non-EU nationals each time they cross into or out of the EU — replacing traditional passport stamps with digital data.

finger touching a blue screen — Credit : Ivan Marc, Shutterstock

What does it mean for you?

The system records your name, travel document details, fingerprints, and facial image.
It helps make border crossings smoother and safer for everyone.
It does not apply to EU citizens.

“The EES fully respects fundamental rights and data protection,” says the EU Commission.

If you’re traveling from outside the EU — say, from the US, Latin America, or the UK — you’ll simply go through this digital process the first time you enter the Schengen area.

And yes, gender “X” passports are recognized — an important step toward inclusive travel for non-binary, intersex, and gender-diverse people.

Finland: A Queer Utopia in the North

Following the passing of the Equal Marriage Act, a wedding is held at the Kapsäkki music theater in Helsinki on March 1, 2017. This month a man identified as Ziryan celebrated becoming the first Kurd to hold a same-sex marriage ceremony in Finland.

Let’s get real — Finland is not just safe; it’s beautifully open.

Same-sex relationships have been legal here since 1971. Marriage equality and full adoption rights arrived in 2017. Today, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is explicitly banned by law.

Since April 2023, trans and nonbinary adults can legally change their gender based on self-determination — no sterilization or medical diagnosis required. A true example of human rights in practice.

“Finland doesn’t just tolerate queer people — it celebrates them.”

You’ll find Pride events across the country, from Helsinki Pride to Artic Pride in Lapland, where the northern lights light up rainbow skies.

Travel Smart, Travel Proud

If you’re using an X gender marker in your passport, Finland recognizes it officially. But if you’re continuing your journey beyond Finland, make sure to check the entry rules for other countries — not all are as forward-thinking.

Need community or connection?

You can reach out to SETA (Finland’s national LGBTQ+ organization) or explore destinations and companies part of the We Speak Gay, a business company by Medina Helsinki Communications — a community that champions queer visibility, inclusion, and hospitality across the country.

SETA is a national LGBTQ+ Organization and We Speak Gay is a Businesses company

Luosto.fi is part to the We Speak Gay Community

“Businesses that speak gay create safer, prouder spaces — one rainbow flag at a time.”

Plan Your Queer Nordic Adventure

So, what are you waiting for?

street sunny sauna buildings architecture forrest — ©Raul Medina

Finland is calling — from the vibrant saunas of Helsinki to the Capital to the North-covered forests of Lapland. Finland is not just cold; it’s cool, queer, and full of light.

Travel & InternationalPeople & Community