GENERAL INFORMATION

WELCOME TO YOUR LAPLAND ADVENTURE

As you prepare for your unforgettable journey to Lapland, this General Information section has everything you need to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. From essential travel documents and visa requirements to packing tips, local customs, and insider insights, we've gathered all the key details in one place. Whether it's your first Arctic adventure or you're a seasoned traveller, this guide will help you feel fully prepared and excited for the spectacular incentive trip ahead.

Vaccinations

For South Africans visiting Lapland, no special travel vaccines are needed. Just ensure your routine vaccinations are current, and consider a flu vaccine for travelling during the winter season.

Make sure that if you are travelling with prescribed medications that you bring a letter from your doctor stating your condition and the prescribed medication to smooth your way through customs.

Visa

If you are travelling to Lapland in Finland on a South African passport, you do need a Schengen visa before you travel. Finland is part of the Schengen Area. Standard processing is typically around 15 calendar days but can take longer during peak travel periods.

You will apply for your Schengen visa through Finland's visa process in South Africa. A Schengen visa issued by Finland allows travel throughout the Schengen Area during your trip.

GILTEDGE Incentives will provide all the applicable visa application details, instructions and distribute the relevant travel-related documentation after all travellers have completed their online registrations and uploaded their passport copies.

All travellers will need to appear in person at their nearest visa application office for biometrics to be taken electronically for their individual visa applications.

COMMON CUSTOMS

In Lapland (Finland), especially in areas like Rovaniemi, daily life and tourism are shaped by a mix of Finnish culture and Sámi traditions (the indigenous people of the region).

Here are the most common customs and cultural practices:

Sámi cultural traditions (indigenous Lapland)

Reindeer herding

Reindeer are central to Sámi life and identity
Still actively herded across northern Lapland
Often featured in cultural experiences for visitors

Joik singing

Traditional Sámi form of singing called “joik”
Not storytelling like Western music—more emotional expression of a person or place

Traditional clothing (Gákti)

Bright, colourful traditional garments
Patterns can show family or region

Visitor customs and etiquette

Respect nature (“Everyman’s right”)

You can walk freely in nature, but:
Do not litter
Do not disturb wildlife or reindeer

Quiet behaviour

Keep noise low in public places and nature areas
Especially during Northern Lights tours or wildlife safaris

No rushing

Activities are slow-paced (dog sledding, snowmobiling, etc.)
Enjoy the experience rather than rushing through it

Winter etiquette

Remove snow from boots when entering indoor spaces
Dress properly for cold weather (locals value preparedness)

Finnish customs (everyday culture)

Personal space & quietness

People value privacy and personal space
Silence is normal and comfortable (not awkward)
Small talk with strangers is minimal

Sauna culture

Sauna is a core part of Finnish life
Often done in homes, hotels, and even lakeside cabins
It’s normal to alternate between hot sauna and cold air/snow

Calm & simple lifestyle

Minimalist, practical lifestyle
Respect for nature and the outdoors is very strong
Cleanliness and punctuality are important

DID YOU KNOW?

Finland is home to the “real” Santa Claus. Lapland’s most famous town, Rovaniemi, is officially recognised as the home of Santa Claus, and you can visit his village all year round.

Santa Claus even has his own postal code: 96930 Arctic Circle.

The sun disappears for weeks in winter. Above the Arctic Circle, Lapland experiences polar night (“kaamos”), when the sun doesn’t rise for weeks - but there is still soft twilight.

You can see the Northern Lights over 200 nights a year. In parts of Lapland like Saariselkä, the Aurora Borealis can appear on more than half the nights in winter.

There are more saunas than cars per person. Finland has one of the highest sauna densities in the world, and Lapland is full of them—even remote cabins and hotels have private saunas.

There are more reindeer than people in some areas. In Lapland, reindeer outnumber humans in certain regions, and they roam freely across roads and forests.

Huskies are working dogs, not pets. In winter, huskies in Lapland are trained athletes that run sleds across snow for long distances every day.

PACKING GUIDE

Here’s a quick reference packing guide for Lapland in February (deep winter conditions in Finland).

Thermal top + leggings
Fleece or wool jumper
Light down jacket or insulated layer
Heavy insulated winter jacket (down or Arctic-rated)
Waterproof snow trousers/ski pants
Insulated gloves + inner liners
Thick wool socks
Thermal hat/beanie
Neck warmer/buff
Balaclava (for husky/snowmobile rides)
Insulated winter boots (rated to -20°C or colder) - waterproof with thick soles
UV sunglasses (snow glare is strong)
Lip balm (anti-cracking)
Heavy moisturiser (cold air is very dry)
Small backpack for excursions
Phone power bank (cold drains batteries fast)
Travel adapter (Type C/F for Europe)
Swimsuit (for sauna/hot tub experiences)

WELCOME TO YOUR LAPLAND ADVENTURE