Our role

The British Embassy in Helsinki is responsible for developing and maintaining relations between Britain and Finland. The British Ambassador, Valerie Caton, is in charge of the Embassy. The Embassy has around 50 staff, one third of whom come from Britain and two thirds from Finland.

Our Consular and Visa Section provides services for British citizens in Finland and issues visas for people wishing to visit Britain.

The Commercial Section handles trade and investment issues including helping British companies do business in Finland and Finnish companies do business with Britain.

Our political staff work to promote political links between the UK and Finland both bilaterally and as EU partners.

The Defence Section promotes British defence interests in Finland, including developing links between the British and Finnish militaries.

Our Management staff are responsible for the day-to-day running of the Embassy.

The Press and Public Affairs Section informs people in Finland about British policies and values and provides services for journalists, teachers and students and others with an interest in Britain.

We work closely with the British Council Finland on educational and cultural issues.