Current affairs

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.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected tourism in many ways, and even experienced travellers may encounter unexpected situations. We recommend that you plan and find out about matters in advance to make sure that your journey proceeds as planned. The Consular Services of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs approaches travellers in a letter with a number of tips on how to cope in various situations.

Embassy closed 24.12. and 6.1.

In line with the Government decision of 16 December, the restrictions on entry at Finland’s external borders will continue and health security measures will be tightened as of 20 December. The decision will remain in force until 16 January 2022

The Governments of Finland and Tanzania have a long-term collaboration, ‘Participatory Plantation Forestry Program’, which helps to promote sustainable forestry and land use in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. The Finnish Ambassador Riitta Swan sheds more light on the program which currently is in its second phase.

In the lead-up to Christmas 2021, Santa and Mrs Claus have confirmed that the distribution of presents will go ahead as planned, and that the delivery route includes all locations around the globe, regardless of the coronavirus situation.

Finland is supporting TAMWA to implement ‘Strengthen Actions on Sexual and Gender Based Violence’ project. A two year project (2020- 2021) has enhanced actions on sexual gender based violence in five districts of Zanzibar with a holistic approach, for example by intensifying evidence generation, engaging actors and media advocacy. Gender equality is an important part of Finland country programme for Tanzania and the rights of women are a key component of overall foreign policy priorities.

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Embassy of Finland highlights the rights of women and girls with disabilities. The sexual and gender-based violence faced by people with disabilities, as well as their lack of access to sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) services, is a serious problem that affects millions of women and girls globally and also in Tanzania. The new UNFPA programme 'My Choice My Rights' funded by Finland aims to ensure that all women and girls have the opportunity to live life free from violence and access the necessary SRHR services. The programme was announced during a high-level dialogue of the same topic in Dar es Salaam.