Current affairs

During April, China has reported the highest number of Covid-19 infections since the beginning of the pandemic, including the initial outbreak in Wuhan in the spring 2020. The majority of infections have been reported in Shanghai and in the province of Jilin in northeastern China, both of which have seen strict lockdowns in large areas. Extensive PCR-testing has been initiated in Beijing and the near-total lockdown in Shanghai continues.

The Embassy of Finland in Beijing is in the process of moving to a new location. From 25 April 2022, we will be located at Genesis Beijing to serve you better.

In line with the Government decision of 7 April, the restrictions on entry at Finland’s external borders will continue until 8 May 2022.

In line with the Government decision of 10 March, the restrictions on entry at Finland’s external borders will continue until 10 April 2022.

The second year of the pandemic was busy for the consular assistance services provided by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Finland's missions abroad, and the number of customers continued to increase. In 2021, the Ministry and the missions abroad provided consular services to a total of 255,000 customers.

In line with the Government decision of 10 February, the restrictions on entry at Finland’s external borders will continue until 13 March 2022.

In line with the Government decision of 27 January, internal border control between Finland and all Schengen countries will end on 31 January. Restrictions on entry at Finland’s external borders will continue until 14 February.

The 2022 Winter Olympics will be held on 4–20 February 2022 and the Paralympic Games on 4–13 March 2022 in Beijing, China. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, participation in the Beijing 2022 Games is strictly restricted. The COVID-19 situation means that audience participation in the Beijing 2022 Games is limited to invited guests from continental China. Athletes, official guests and media representatives must comply with COVID-19 countermeasures required by the sending countries and, in particular, the host country China.

In Finland’s first county elections, a total of 2,923 persons voted in advance at Finland’s missions abroad. The number of advance voters abroad was approximately eight per cent higher than in the 2021 municipal elections.

The Government decided to reintroduce internal border control at Finland’s borders starting on Tuesday 28 December. The Government decided on the new restrictions at its session on 28 December. The decision will remain in force until 16 January 2022.