Changes to entry restrictions and travel recommendations; continue to avoid non-essential travel

At its session on 6 August, the Government decided on changes to border traffic restrictions and travel recommendations. Internal border control will be reinstated for traffic between Finland and the Netherlands, Andorra and Belgium. All persons returning from abroad must take note of the quarantine instructions provided by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

The reinstated restrictions will enter into force on Monday 10 August. The decisions made today will remain in force until 8 September, but they can be reassessed earlier if necessary. The Government will reassess the need for and extent of the restrictions on entry in approximately two weeks based on the epidemiological situation.  

Where am I allowed to travel from Finland?

The Government still recommends avoiding non-essential travel to other than those countries for which the restrictions on entry have been lifted. The general advice against all but essential travel does not apply to the following countries:

Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Rwanda, San Marino, Slovakia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay and the Vatican. As for China, the Government recommends avoiding non-essential travel until reciprocity is confirmed in the EU. 

You are allowed to travel from Finland to these countries and will not be required to self-isolate after returning to Finland. 
Finnish citizens always have the right to return to Finland, and everyone has the right to leave Finland if they so wish, provided that there is no legal impediment to this.

It is always up to you to decide whether to travel or not

Coronavirus continues to pose a major global risk. Because of the pandemic, rapid and unpredictable changes are still possible. During the pandemic, the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has only limited capabilities to assist Finnish citizens in difficulty abroad and the travel insurance does not necessarily cover all problems.

It is also good to be aware that countries may have their own restrictions on entry into the country. Before travelling, always check the current entry regulations in your travel destination from the local authorities, for example from the nearest mission of the country in question.

If you are returning to Finland from a country that continues to be subject to border control, you should self-isolate for 14 days.