The COVID-19 coronavirus situation in the United States

The United States has suspended entry for most non-U.S. citizens coming from China, Brazil, Iran, and several European countries, Finland included, with some exceptions depending on your reason for travel and visa status.

The United States entry restrictions do not apply for instance to American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning home to the US.

On July 16th, the US State Department updated their information on exceptions regarding certain travelers' entry to the US. Read more via the links provided:

Please contact the US authorities for more information if any questions arise about your entry status.

You can find more information on travel restrictions, self-quarantine when arriving to the US, and possible exemptions on the US Department of Homeland Security’s website. You can also look into the website of the US Embassy in Helsinki for more information.

The US travel ban does not prevent Finns from returning to Finland. However, a person recovering from a trip from US to Finland should self-isolate for 10 days. Travellers can shorten their self-isolation period at their discretion if they take two voluntary COVID-19 tests. People arriving in the country may also be directed to a voluntary COVID-19 test at an airport or port. Based on a risk assessment, the doctor may place the person under quarantine. Please follow the Instructions of Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare.

The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs' general travel advice continues to be to avoid all but essential travel to and from all countries. This general advice does not apply to countries for which the Government has already lifted the entry restrictions. Please bear in mind the current border traffic restrictions, and read the latest updates on the Finnish Boarder Guard's website.

The restrictions vary by region

In United States the measures and restrictions regarding movement and services depend of the region. Several states have also imposed quarantine requirements on travelers coming from certain states.

The same applies to the lifting of restrictions and the timetable of the gradual re-opening of the economy. Please follow the local authorities' official websites and/or social media channels for the latest information:

Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia

New York

NYC Coronavirus

California

California Department of Public Health

The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, collects current, national and regional information on its website. There you can also find links to the health authorities of different states.

The Embassy of Finland in Washington and the Consulates General of Finland in New York and Los Angeles follow the corona situation closely on their social media channels (links on the bottom of the page).

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. In case of an emergency, call 911.

Other important information

The United States has extended certain work visa suspensions until the end of the year. Questions about the impact of this suspension on your visa status? Please be in touch directly with the US authorities:

The US Embassy of Finland in Helsinki
The US State Department

On April 16th the White House gave the States guidance related to the gradual opening of the US economy. More detailed information on the guidelines can also be found on the White House website: Guidelines Opening Up America Again.
President Trump has issued a proclamation, which suspends the entry into the United States of immigrants. Some exceptions apply. The proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on April 23, 2020. The proclamation expires 60 days from its effective date and may be continued as necessary. You can find more information on the website of the White House.

Customer service

Embassy of Finland in Washington D.C. and the Consulates General of Finland in New York and Los Angeles have opened limited passport services on Monday June 8th, 2020.

It is mandatory to schedule an appointment beforehand. Please schedule your appointment and find out more details via the following link:

Make an appointment