Preparations
Depending on how long time you have stayed in Finland, there may be a lot of things you need to do before you travel: sell or give away some of your belongings, hand over your Finnish IDs to your social worker etc. If you have prescriptions for medicine you may want to arrange that you get medicine with you to your country of origin, or to have any diplomas from Finland translated into your own language before you leave.

Luggage
You should note that the average airline luggage allowance is 20 kg. Even if you can sometimes bring more luggage when IOM makes the travel arrangements, it is not a lot more. IOM will not pay for your excess luggage. It is therefore important that you sort your things before you come to the airport. If you bring too much luggage, the airline might refuse you on the plane unless you throw out some of your things.

Hand luggage
In addition to one suitcase per person, you can usually bring one piece of hand luggage that you may keep with you during your travel. Due to security reasons any sharp objects cannot be put into the hand baggage.

You are also not allowed to put any heavy objects or sports gear into your hand luggage. As for example irons, tools, and fishing rods are not allowed into your hand luggage either.

Liquids up to 100 ml can be included in the hand luggage if the containers are packed in transparent plastic bag of a maximum size of 1 liter.

If you are in doubt what you may bring in your luggage, please contact IOM. If you bring something in your hand luggage that is not allowed on the plane, it will be taken away from you at the airport and thrown out.

Airports
On the day of travel, IOM will meet you at Helsinki airport and help you with the check-in procedures. IOM staff will also meet you at the transit airports and if possible at the return airport in your country of origin.

Helsinki Airport can be very busy in the mornings, so it is important that you are not late to the airport.