Travel guidance and entry restrictions amended due to COVID-19

On 11 September, the Government adopted a decision on restrictions on border traffic, which will enter into force on 19 September. Restrictions on entry will be lifted for traffic between Finland and Cyprus, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Poland and Sweden, as well as for residents of Australia, Canada and Japan who are travelling from their home country to Finland. Restrictions on entry into the country will be reintroduced between Finland and Hungary and Italy.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foreign Ministry’s general travel advice continues to be to avoid all but essential travel to and from all countries. This general advice does not apply to countries for which the Government has already lifted the entry restrictions.

as of 19 September:

  • Schengen countries: Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Norway, Poland Slovakia, Sweden
  • Other European countries: Cypros, The Vatican 
  • Residents of non-European countries: Australia, Georgia, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Rwanda, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, New Zealand 
     

From 19 September, restrictions on entry may be lifted for traffic between Finland and those EU and Schengen countries where the incidence of COVID-19 has not exceeded 25 new cases per 100,000 persons in the previous 14 days. Until now, the limit value has been 8–10. The new limit value also applies to the United Kingdom.

The limit value of 25 new cases per 100,000 persons in the previous 14 days will also apply to the countries on the Green List defined by the Council of the European Union.

The Government will reassess the need for and extent of the restrictions on entry in approximately two weeks based on the epidemiological situation.  The list of countries will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

The lifting of restrictions means that recreational travel to Finland is permitted for people from these countries and that people who travel to these countries need not self-isolate upon their return to Finland.

Similarly, when entry into Finland is restricted, recreational travel from the countries concerned is not allowed. If a person enters Finland for another authorised reason, they should self-isolate for two weeks. People arriving in the country may also be directed to a voluntary COVID-19 test at an airport or port. Based on a risk assessment, the doctor may place the person under quarantine.

Check the Finnish Border Guard’s Guidelines for border traffic(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)

Avoid non-essential travel

Finnish citizens always have the right to leave Finland if they so wish, provided that there is no legal impediment to this, and Finnish citizens always have the right to return to Finland.

If you are planning to travel, it is important to remember that Finland makes its own border decisions independent of other countries’ decisions. Countries may impose restrictions on entry at their own borders that make entry impossible. Before travelling, always check the current entry regulations in your travel destination from the authorities of the country of destination, for example from the nearest mission of the country in question.

If you travel, be responsible

Coronavirus continues to pose a major global risk to travel safety. Because of the pandemic, rapid and unpredictable changes are still possible. Access to health care services may be restricted. The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has only limited capabilities to assist people in distress abroad during the pandemic.

If you decide to travel, be responsible and follow the recommendations of the authorities. It is still of primary importance that you maintain a safe distance of 1–2 metres whenever possible and that you wash your hands, observe good hand and respiratory hygiene, cough into your sleeve or a disposable tissue, and avoid touching your face. If keeping a safe distance is impossible, wearing a face mask is recommended. In many countries, wearing a face mask may be compulsory and failure to wear one may be punishable.

Before you travel, check the validity and coverage of your travel insurance.

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare is responsible for providing travellers with appropriate health security instructions (concerning self-isolation, for example). Check up-to-date recommendations concerning hygiene and safe distances and the recommendations for self-isolation from the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare at Instructions for passengers and employees arriving in Finland(Link to another website.) (Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)