Restrictions on entry into Finland from EU and Schengen countries to be eased from 21 June

Entry into Finland from EU and Schengen countries will be allowed for those who have received an approved COVID-19 vaccination series and those who have recovered from COVID-19 less than six months ago prior to entry. Entry into the country will also be allowed for those travelling from EU and Schengen countries because of their work. The changes will enter into force on 21 June. On 17 June, the Government also decided to continue internal border controls and restrictions on external border traffic until 11 July 2021.

If necessary, the Border Guard will support the health authorities at border crossing points in checking the certificates related to vaccinations and travel for work. Arrangements will vary at different border crossing points. If necessary, the Border Guard will also direct passengers to compulsory health examinations ordered by the Regional State Administrative Agencies.
In addition to the restrictions on internal and external border traffic, restrictions on the opening hours of certain border crossing points at the western border in Lapland and the eastern border will continue.

Restrictions on internal border traffic to be eased

Internal border traffic refers to traffic between Finland and other Schengen countries. The decision made on 3 June will be amended so that, starting on 21 June, entry into Finland based on employment will be allowed in all modes of transport from EU or Schengen countries.

In addition, entry into Finland from EU or Schengen countries will also be permitted if the person has a certificate of a completed COVID-19 vaccination series received before arriving in Finland or a certificate stating that they have recovered from COVID-19 less than six months ago.  This means that, under these conditions, recreational travel to Finland will also be permitted.

This refers to the following situations: 1) you have received a full vaccination series (one dose or two doses depending on the vaccine) and at least two weeks have passed since the last dose of vaccine, 2) you have had COVID-19 and received at least one vaccine dose, and at least one week has passed since the vaccine dose, or 3) you have had COVID-19 less than six months ago.

Based on an epidemiological assessment, internal border controls will be lifted from travel between Finland and Poland and between Finland and Hungary. Finland now restricts entry from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, with the exception of leisure boating.

Minor changes to restrictions on external border traffic

External border traffic refers to traffic between Finland and non-Schengen third countries. Based on an epidemiological assessment, restrictions on entry will be lifted for traffic arriving in Finland from Monaco, Romania and San Marino. Restrictions on entry have already been lifted earlier for traffic arriving in Finland from the Vatican, and for traffic between Finland and Australia, South Korea, Israel, Singapore, Rwanda and New Zealand for residents of these countries. Entry from these low-risk countries is not restricted due to the low incidence of COVID-19.

For other countries, the restrictions on entry will be extended until 11 July 2021. At the border crossing points that are open to passenger traffic, the accepted criteria for entry are the return of persons living in Finland or in another EU or Schengen country and other essential reasons. However, non-Finnish citizens living in another EU or Schengen country are not allowed to return to their country of residence through Finland if the transit is related to recreational travel. This does not apply to air traffic.

Cruise vessels are permitted to call at ports but passengers are not allowed to come ashore.

Ministry for Foreign Affairs recommends exercising special caution when travelling to the EU and Schengen area

Under the Constitution of Finland, Finnish citizens and residents of Finland always have the right to return to Finland, and everyone has the right to leave Finland if they so wish, provided that there is no legal impediment to this. However, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs recommends that special caution be exercised when travelling to the EU and Schengen area. The Ministry also recommends avoiding unnecessary travel to countries outside the EU and Schengen area, except for countries for which the restrictions on entry have been lifted. In addition, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs still recommends avoiding all travel to Brazil, South Africa and India. Travellers must be aware of the current entry and quarantine regulations of their country of destination.

Inquiries:
The Finnish Border Guard gives people advice on cross-border traffic by phone and email. The service is available in Finnish, Swedish and English on weekdays between 8.00 and 16.00 at +358 295 420 100. Questions can also be sent by email to [email protected].