Current affairs
14.9.2021
Nordic, Baltic and Visegrád foreign ministers to meet in Finland – live webcast of the press conference
Finland is coordinating the cooperation between the Nordic countries and Baltic states in the Nordic–Baltic Eight (NB8) format in 2021. The NB8 foreign ministers’ meeting will be held on 15 September at Vanajanlinna, Hämeenlinna. The NB8 countries and the Visegrád Group (V4) will have a joint meeting at foreign ministerial level on the previous day, 14 September. The V4 countries are Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
News |
21.7.2021
Finland's pledges and commitments for the candidacy to the UN Human Rights Council
Finland is proud to present its candidacy to a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2022–2024 term. Previously, Finland served as a member of the Human Rights Council for a period of one year starting in 2006, when the Council was newly established.
News |
20.7.2021
If you travel, be prepared for unexpected changes caused by COVID-19
The prolonged COVID-19 epidemic has led to an exceptional situation for travellers. This summer, borders have gradually started to open up and, thanks to vaccinations, safe and healthy travel is possible to a greater extent. Many Finns are also spending their holidays abroad. However, it is important to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing and that infections are rising again in many holiday destinations popular among Finns. When travelling, it is important to act responsibly and observe guidelines in place to ensure health security.
News |
17.6.2021
Changes to travel recommendations: exercise special caution when travelling to the EU and the Schengen area
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs recommends exercising special caution 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.
News |
7.4.2021
7.4.2021
Advance voting in Poland in Finland's municipal elections in 2021
The municipal elections in Finland have been postponed to June. The transfer of municipal elections is decided by the Finnish Parliament. The municipal elections will be held on Sunday 13th June 2021. Advance voting will be possible abroad from 2nd to 5th June 2021. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for the organisation of advance voting abroad. Eligible voters are requested to order the postal voting documents also in the case that they are planning to cast their vote abroad during the actual advance voting period. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is possible that voting cannot be organised in the advance polling stations as planned because local authorities may impose restrictions or lockdowns at short notice.
News |
1.4.2021
Business travel during COVID-19: topical information about entry restrictions on the websites of Finnish missions abroad
To support people travelling on essential business during the coronavirus pandemic, Finnish missions abroad keep their websites updated on local travel restrictions. Rules and guidance in different countries can change rapidly, which is why the Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises people travelling on business to always check the official website of the country of destination, to consider whether the trip is essential, and to act responsibly.
News |