Current affairs

The repatriation flights arranged by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs as a result of the COVID-19 crisis have ended. Altogether 16 flights were carried out, with a total of 3,227 tourists returning to Finland or through Finland to their home country in Europe. Around 2,000 of the passengers on the flights were tourists returning to Finland.

Customer service and switchboard of the Embassy of Finland in London will be closed on Friday 19th June for Midsummer Eve.

Customer service and switchboard of the Embassy of Finland in London will be closed on British and Finnish bank holidays this May.

We have put together frequently asked questions with answers about travel and coronavirus.

Even though we are all staying at home, you do not need to go without culture! We have compiled a list of Finnish Virtual Culture Picks for your perusal during lock-down. We are looking forward to getting back on track with face-to-face events, but meanwhile, a new compilation of events and tips will be added every week whilst we are under these exceptional circumstances. Enjoy and share with friends!

Welcome to our Team Finland newsletter! This newsletter covers some highlights of our past and future events. The whole of Team Finland UK team had a busy start of the year, with several trade promotion, cultural, country branding and networking events. We are now adapting to a new way of working, with the exceptional situation with coronavirus and UK’s departure from the EU earlier this year. 

Due to the prevailing emergency conditions based on the Emergency Powers Act, the Government has decided to restrict traffic at Finland’s external borders starting on Thursday 19 March at 00.00. Finns travelling abroad are encouraged to return to Finland as soon as possible.

Owing to the coronavirus outbreak, Finland, in line with the rest of the Schengen countries, has suspended the reception of normal visa applications in Finland’s missions with immediate effect from 19 March until further notice.

Updated 18/3: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the coronavirus epidemic a pandemic. The risk of coronavirus infection has increased throughout Europe and around the world. Due to this very exceptional situation, Finns travelling abroad are encouraged to return to Finland as soon as possible. Also, follow the information and instructions published by the British authorities, and make a travel notification whenever you are abroad.