Off-road traffic permits

Snowmobiling outside of routes and tracks, as well as all off-road traffic during snow-free seasons, requires a permission of the landowner. You can apply for an off-road traffic permit for a justifiable need. Permits are always handled on a case-by-case basis, and it is advisable to submit the application well in advance. Permit applications are processed by Metsähallitus within 10–15 working days from the date of submission.

Off-road traffic permit for snow-covered season

The most common grounds for permit applications for snow-covered season:

• Access to property: Access to your own cottage, rental cottage, or other built property when the access road is not usable during winter.
• Maintenance transport to property: Transporting firewood, building materials, or other maintenance..
• Fishing: Use of stationary fishing gear or ice fishing in Metsähallitus trap permit areas or on waters located near a property, snowmobile route, snowmobile track or tracks marked on map (within approximately 5 km).
• Management of fishing waters: Transporting boats, performing maintenance tasks or commercial fishing.
• Events: Transport and arrangements related to events.
• Other well-justified needs

Regional special instructions:

• Three northernmost municipalities: Non-local residents may apply for an off-road traffic permit for ice fishing on up to three lakes located within approximately 5 km of a built property or, in exceptional cases, along a track or road.
• Other parts of Finland: Based on general fishing rights (e.g. ice fishing), permits are generally not granted for protected areas.

Off-road traffic permit for snow-free season

Off-road traffic permits for snow-free season on state-owned land are granted only for particularly compelling reasons in order to prevent permanent terrain damage and to preserve the peace of nature. Grounds may include hunting and game management, access to a property or gold claim, and essential driving by local traditional livelihood practitioners.

In situations where an off-road traffic permit has been applied for both snow and snow-free seasons, a permit could be granted for the snow season but not for the snow-free season. In such cases, the permit application is either canceled (if agreed) or a negative off-road traffic permit decision is issued. A negative permit decision is subject to appeal and the fee is the same as for a positive decision. Cancelling a permit is free of charge. After cancellation or receiving a negative decision, the applicant may reapply for a permit for the snow-covered season.

You can apply for an off-road traffic permit in the following ways:

• As an individual: Options include the Off-road traffic permit for Finnish citizens (requires strong authentication) or the Off-road traffic permit for expatriate Finns or foreign citizens (does not require authentication, so the decision is always subject to a fee).
• For multiple private individuals: This applies when drivers move in the terrain in the same area/route, as one group and during the same time period. Options are the Off-road traffic permit for Finnish citizens (requires strong authentication) or the Off-road traffic permit for expatriate Finns or foreign citizens (does not require authentication, so the decision is always subject to a fee).
• For company, association, organization, or educational/research institution personnel or event participants: The permit is called the Off-road traffic permit for personnel or for event participants. Tourism companies apply for this permit for guides driving sled transport snowmobiles.

If you are a resident of Enontekiö, Inari, or Utsjoki, apply for the permit named Off-road traffic permit for the home municipality during the snow-covered season in Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki (requires strong authentication).

Permit applications are processed by Metsähallitus within 10–15 working days from the date of submission.

Permits for the 2026–2028 quota period can be applied for starting from December 1, 2025.

Safari and snowmobile sled transport entrepreneurs

If you are a safari entrepreneur or/and snowmobile sled transport entrepreneur and use state-owned land in your operations, you must agree with Metsähallitus in advance on your safari operations and the snowmobile tracks to be used in them.

Prices for the permit decisions

Decisions on off-road traffic permits for state-owned land are subject to a fee – regardless of whether the decision is positive or negative. The fee is charged after Metsähallitus has processed the application.

Prices for the decisions:

• Personal off-road traffic permit: €50/person
• Off-road traffic permit for the company/association/organization or educational/research institution personnel or event participants: €50/vehicle
• Off-road traffic permit for your home municipality: free of charge

If the decision requires more thorough investigation or juridical consideration, the price of the decision is doubled.