The Ministry for Foreign Affairs urges to avoid all travel to the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa in accordance with the recommendation of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. For all other countries, the Foreign Ministry’s general travel advice due to the COVID-19 pandemic is to avoid all but essential travel.

Israel has extended the total lockdown until Sunday, 31.1.2021. During this period, going out from one’s place of residence is restricted to max 1,000 meters. Furthermore, entry requirements will be tightened as of 23 January. Any person who wishes to board a flight to Israel would be required to present to the airline operator a certificate attesting to negative results to a PCR coronavirus test. Gatherings are restricted up to 5 people in a closed area and 10 in an open area. Rules and regulations might change at short notice.

All Finnish missions abroad responsible for entry matters accept visa applications submitted by representatives of defined special groups. Representatives of such special groups include, for example, persons applying for a visa on the basis of family ties or an established relationship. The conditions for issuing a visa under the Schengen Visa Code must also be met.

Today, we celebrate Finland’s 103rd Independence Day. This year the celebrations are very different from normal due to the corona pandemic. Nevertheless, we can celebrate this special day virtually, light our candles and be thankful for our independence and country.