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10.01.2023 What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in Finland. Travellers do not need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result. What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in Finland. Travellers do not need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result. Learn more: Official COVID-19 info _________________________________________________________________ 21.04.2022 What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in Finland. Travellers do not need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result. Note: travellers must respect the health measures stated in the Communicable Diseases Act. What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Entry requirements depend on the guidelines for border traffic, according to Finland’s own national classification of risk areas. Travellers must provide one of the following documents:
Travellers can provide proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-19 with one of the following:
Children aged 15 years or under are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements. Learn more: May I transit this country?Transit on scheduled routes is permitted. As a rule, during the transit journey, a person must remain in the transit area of the airport. In exceptional cases, transit travellers may also be permitted to enter the country. For example, a person may stay at a hotel near the airport if the waiting time for a connecting flight is too long. Destination countries may also require passengers to take a coronavirus test at transit airports. Waiting for the test and the test results is not in itself a ground for allowing entry during transit. National health measuresIn Finland, providing proof of full vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result is required to access, such as bars and restaurants, museums, swimming pools, large events. Details on the requirements of the documents to provide are available in the National use of COVID-19 Certificates section. Travellers are strongly advised to carry relevant certificates at all times. Learn more:
Restrictions at the regional or local levelFinland’s Regions and Autonomous Provinces can adopt further restrictive measures valid at the local level. To comply with these specific requirements, travellers are strongly advised to:
Use of facemasksThe use of facemasks is recommended throughout the country. Physical DistancingFinnish health authorities recommend to keeping a distance of at least 2-metres from others. Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and eventsEvents, gatherings and meetings The hygiene requirements for events are in force. Restrictions may also restrict the number of customers or prohibit events altogether. The restrictions are based on an assessment of the risk of infection at the event. Decisions on restrictions concerning events and gatherings are made by a municipality, or by a Regional State Administrative Agency if the decisions apply to several municipalities. Information on current restrictions by region: Private events Municipalities may issue recommendations on the organization of private events in their areas. Information on current recommendations by region: Safety measures for public transportationIn all forms of public transport, facemasks are recommended. Also, social distance should be maintained as much as possible. Places of worship
QuarantineAvoid contact with people outside your household is strongly recommended in the following cases:
To protect other people from infections, these are the guidelines for a 14-day quarantine:
If there is a risk of infection, get tested immediately. Get tested even if you have mild symptoms. By doing this, you can also protect your loved ones and others. You can:
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
Non-essential shops are open with the following safety measures: limitation of the number of visitors, physical distancing and guidance on personal hygiene. Tourist accommodations
Some tourist accommodations are forced to keep their services closed due to lack of customers as well as financial reasons. Catering establishments
The hygiene requirements for restaurants are in force. The restrictions on the opening and alcohol serving hours as well as restrictions on the number of customers and customer seats in restaurants have been lifted. The Government decides on the restrictions based on a proposal from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Regional state administrative agencies monitor compliance. Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
The general hygiene requirements are in force. The use of premises may be restricted, or premises may be closed, if the COVID-19 situation so requires. The use of public premises is decided by a municipality or another authority responsible for the premises. Information on current restrictions by region:
Outdoors areas and beaches
Health protocols for tourism services and touristsTravellers arriving in Finland will be informed of Finland's guidelines for the safe reopening of domestic tourism: hygiene and safe distances, recommendation to avoid physical contact and instructions for installing the mobile app. Learn more: Guidelines for the safe reopening of domestic tourism in Finland National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISMInformation on Tourism at Regional levelHelsinki-Uusimaa _____________________________________________________________________________________________________- 08.03.2022 What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Document checklist: There are no entry restrictions when arriving from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country. Please note that all persons arriving in Finland are still bound by the health measures a traveller must take after entry stated in the Communicable Diseases Act. Entry rules Entry requirements depend on the color attributed to the country of departure, according to Finland’s own national classification of risk areas. Children aged 15 years or under are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements. Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificateAll travellers aged 15 and older can enter Finland if their ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ contains one of the following:
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirementsDocuments equivalent to the ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC) in English, Finnish or Swedish are also accepted, if they meet the same requirements listed above for the EUDCC. Learn more: What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Entry rules Entry requirements depend on the guidelines for border traffic, according to Finland’s own national classification of risk areas. Children aged 15 years or under are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements. Document checklist: Travellers must provide all the following documents:
Or Proof of recovery from COVID-19 and receiving one dose of vaccine. It is equated to a complete covid-19 vaccination series. Or Proof of recovery from COVID-19. Validity: 180 days. In addition, a negative result to a pre-departure molecular test or rapid antigen test (valid 48 hours) is also required. Learn more: What are the rules if I go abroad from this country, and when I return from abroad?Travelling abroad from Finland All countries may restrict travel because of the COVID-19 situation. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs issues travel recommendations. Travelling from abroad to Finland Entry rules Entry requirements depend on the color attributed to the country of departure, according to Finland’s own national classification of risk areas. Learn more: Finnish Border Guard’s website Q&A about travelling and coronavirus May I transit this country?YES Transit on scheduled routes is permitted. As a rule, during the transit journey, a person must remain in the transit area of the airport. In exceptional cases, transit travellers may also be permitted to enter the country. For example, a person may stay at a hotel near the airport if the waiting time for a connecting flight is too long. Destination countries may also require passengers to take a coronavirus test at transit airports. Waiting for the test and the test results is not in itself a ground for allowing entry during transit. General measuresInformation on the situation in the country is available on the National Platform for emergency preparedness, and on the official website on COVID-19 information. Restrictions on the use of the COVID-19 passport in force until 28 February 2022 The Government has adopted a decree temporarily restricting the use of the COVID-19 passport. In line with the decree, the COVID-19 passport cannot be used as an alternative to regional restrictions on public events and customer premises until 28 February 2022. This decision applies to all public events and customer premises subject to existing restrictions in areas experiencing community transmission. In its negotiations, the Government decided that to extend the restrictions on the use of the COVID-19 passport in its current form for a longer time. By contrast, the EU COVID-19 vaccination passport continues to be in use for travel as usual. Note: Finland’s regions can adopt further restrictive measures valid at the local level. Use of facemasksThe use of facemasks is mandatory in all indoor places, including public transport throughout the country. The recommendations applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons. Physical DistancingFinnish health authorities recommends to keep a distance of at least 2 metres from others. Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and eventsEvents, gatherings and meetings The hygiene requirements for events are in force. Restrictions may also restrict the number of customers or prohibit events altogether. The restrictions are based on an assessment of the risk of infection at the event. Decisions on restrictions concerning events and gatherings are made by a municipality, or by a Regional State Administrative Agency if the decisions apply to several municipalities. Information on current restrictions by region: Private events Municipalities may issue recommendations on the organization of private events in their areas. Information on current recommendations by region: Safety measures for public transportationIn all forms of public transport, facemasks are mandatory. Also, social distance should be maintained as much as possible. Please note than the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency decided to temporarily limit the number of passengers. Places of worship
OPEN Religious activities and services can be carried out inside and outside places of worship. QuarantineThe Finnish institute for health and welfare strongly recommend that you voluntarily avoid contact with people outside your household:
To protect other people from infections, these are the guidelines for a 14-day quarantine:
If you suspect you might be infected, get tested immediately. Get tested even if you have mild symptoms. By doing this, you can also protect your loved ones and others. You can:
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
Non-essential shops are open with the following safety measures: limitation of the number of visitors, physical distancing and guidance on personal hygiene. Tourist accommodations
Some tourist accommodations are forced to keep their services closed due to lack of customers as well as financial reasons. Catering establishments
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS The hygiene requirements for restaurants are in force. The opening hours and number of customer seats in restaurants continue to be restricted. The Government decides on the restrictions based on a proposal from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Regional state administrative agencies monitor compliance. Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS The general hygiene requirements are in force. The use of recreational facilities may be restricted, or facilities may be closed. The restrictions are based on an assessment of the risk of infection in the premise. Decisions on restrictions are made by a municipality, or by a Regional State Administrative Agency if the decisions apply to several municipalities. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health recommends suspending high-risk group hobbies for adults. The ministry also advises areas experiencing community transmission to close high-risk and moderate-risk facilities intended for customers and participants in events or activities. The ministry recommends allowing public spaces with a low risk of infection to remain open and placing restrictions on these spaces only if necessary. The ministry also recommends that people attending permitted events and users of customer premises take a COVID-19 test at home in advance. The Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare have prepared guidelines for organizing leisure activities in a health secure manner: Children activities Restrictions targeted at children should only be imposed as a last resort. The general hygiene requirements are in force. The use of recreational facilities may be restricted, or facilities may be closed, if the COVID-19 situation so requires. Decisions on restrictions are made by a municipality, or by a Regional State Administrative Agency if the decisions apply to several municipalities. Regional State Administrative Agencies and municipalities may exclude certain age groups, such as children, from the decision. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health recommends allowing group hobbies for children and young people. The Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare have prepared guidelines for organising leisure activities in a health secure manner: Outdoors areas and beaches
OPEN These areas are open, but general measures against the spread of COVID-19 should be applied; two-metres safety distance and good hand hygiene is always required, including in campfire and rest sites. People can still go the forests, however, they may wish to avoid the most popular hiking destinations and give preference e.g., to a forest close to their home. Learn more: Health protocols for tourism services and touristsTravellers arriving in Finland will be informed of Finland's guidelines on hygiene and safe distances, the recommendation to avoid physical contact with risk groups for 14 days, and, if necessary, seeking medical attention and, in the future, instructions for installing the mobile app. Learn more: Guidelines for the safe reopening of domestic tourism in Finland Other measuresWork The national recommendation on remote work ends after 28 February. Though the national recommendation is ending, it is advisable to shift to a combination of in-office and remote work gradually. Employers remain responsible for assessing the risks relating to work. This assessment should be based on the hospital districts’ and health authorities’ assessments of the epidemiological situation and involve consultations with employees. In order to ensure health security at work, hygiene and protection measures must continue to be complied with, and it is advisable to favour work arrangements that reduce close contacts and other risk factors at workplaces. Each workplace must assess their possibilities for a controlled return to the workplace, how they can promote good remote work practices and how they can flexibly combine remote and in-office work. A recommendation to switch to remote work is issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Ministry of Finance and Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare at the national and regional level; municipalities or joint municipal authorities at the local level. Employers are responsible for remote work practices in their own operations. Educational institutions and higher education institutions The education provider may decide on transition to exceptional teaching arrangements. The Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare have updated guidelines for providing education in a health secure manner:
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM_______________________________________________________________________________________- 24.01.2022 EU Digital COVID CertificatesInformation on EU Digital COVID Certificates issued in Finland Important: In Finland, the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) isrequired to access public spaces, such as bars and restaurants, museums, swimming pools, large events, and some means of public transport. Finland’s regional authorities can implement specific territorial regulations. Please, consult the measures section for further details. Travellers are strongly advised to always carry relevant certificates. The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation entered into force on 01 July 2021. EU citizens and residents will now be able to have their Digital COVID Certificates issued and verified across the EU. National authorities are in charge of issuing the certificate. The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or test result. Despite the European Digital COVID Certificate, each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what is required to enter upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your destination. What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Document checklist: Travellers must provide all the following documents:
Or Single certificate that the person has recovered from COVID-19 and has gotten one dose of vaccine. It is equated to a complete COVID-19 vaccination series Or Certificate of recovery from COVID-19 less than 6 months prior to entry.
Entry rules Entry requirements depend on the color attributed to the country of departure, according to Finland’s own national classification of risk areas. Children aged 15 years or under are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements. Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificateAll travellers aged 15 and older can enter Finland if their ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ contains one of the following:
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirementsDocuments equivalent to the ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC) in English, Finnish or Swedish are also accepted, if they meet the same requirements listed above for the EUDCC. Learn more: What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Entry rules Entry requirements depend on the color attributed to the country of departure, according to Finland’s own national classification of risk areas. Children aged 15 years or under are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements. Mandatory travel documents Travellers must provide all the following documents:
Or Single certificate that the person has recovered from COVID-19 and has gotten one dose of vaccine. It is equated to a complete COVID-19 vaccination series In addition, a negative result to a pre-departure molecular test or rapid antigen test (valid 48 hours) is also required. These measures are valid until 31st January 2022. Travellers are advised to consult current measures on Visit Finland. Learn more: What are the rules if I go abroad from this country, and when I return from abroad?Travelling abroad from Finland Finnish government recommend not to travel during the pandemic but recommend also to prepare their travel regarding the destination. Travelling from abroad to Finland Entry rules Entry requirements depend on the color attributed to the country of departure, according to Finland’s own national classification of risk areas. Learn more: Finnish Border Guard’s website Q&A about travelling and coronavirus May I transit this country?Transit on scheduled routes is permitted. As a rule, during the transit journey, a person must remain in the transit area of the airport. In exceptional cases, transit travellers may also be permitted to enter the country. For example, a person may stay at a hotel near the airport if the waiting time for a connecting flight is too long. Destination countries may also require passengers to take a coronavirus test at transit airports. Waiting for the test and the test results is not in itself a ground for allowing entry during transit. You can see transit requirements for travelling via Finland here. You can also see the current travel requirements for travelling via Finland from the Finnish Border Guard’s website. General measuresInformation on the situation in the country is available on the National Platform for emergency preparedness, and on the official website on COVID-19 information. The current measures are valid until 31st January 2022, regardless of the rate of infection. Important: In Finland, the ‘EU Digital COVID Certificate’ (EUDCC) is required to access the following public spaces:
To be valid, the EUDCC must contain one of the following:
Citizens of countries that do not issue the EUDCC should provide equivalent certificates in English, Finnish or Swedish. Travellers are strongly advised to always carry relevant certificates. Note: Finland’s regions can adopt further restrictive measures valid at the local level. Use of facemasksThe use of facemasks is mandatory in all indoor places, including public transport throughout the country. The recommendations applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons. Physical DistancingFinnish health authorities recommends to keep a distance of at least 2 metres from others. Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and eventsEvents, gatherings and meetings Decisions on restrictions concerning events and gatherings are made by a municipality, or by a Regional State Administrative Agency if the decisions apply to several municipalities. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health advises areas experiencing community transmission to prohibit all public events. However, restrictions on public events outdoors may also consider the possibility of organizing the events so that participants can avoid close contact with others. Restrictions on events and gatherings – Regional State Administrative Agency Private events Municipalities may issue recommendations on the organization of private events in their areas. In areas experiencing community transmission, people should meet with no more than five individuals outside their immediate family at a time. People attending private events indoors are advised to take a home test before meeting with individuals outside their immediate family. Safety measures for public transportationIn all forms of public transport, facemasks are mandatory. Also, social distance should be maintained as much as possible. Please note than the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency decided to temporarily limit the number of passengers. Places of worship
OPEN Religious activities and services can be carried out inside and outside places of worship. QuarantineThe Finnish institute for health and welfare strongly recommend that you voluntarily avoid contact with people outside your household:
To protect other people from infections, these are the guidelines for a 14-day quarantine:
If you suspect you might be infected, get tested immediately. Get tested even if you have mild symptoms. By doing this, you can also protect your loved ones and others. You can:
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
Non-essential shops are open with the following safety measures: limitation of the number of visitors, physical distancing and guidance on personal hygiene. Tourist accommodations
Some tourist accommodations are forced to keep their services closed due to lack of customers as well as financial reasons. Catering establishments
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS The following restrictions on restaurant operations are in force regardless of whether more stringent restrictions have been imposed on the opening hours, licensing hours or customer capacity of restaurants in the region:
Use of COVID-19 passport in restaurants All restaurants in Finland have the right to require customers to present the COVID-19 passport at all hours. If restaurants intend to require their customers to present a COVID-19 passport, the requirement must apply throughout the opening hours of the business. Please note that the restrictions on opening hours and the number of customers allowed in the premises vary by region. Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS EUDCC can be required at spaces used for group leisure activities, amusement and theme parks, indoor facilities for zoos, museums, exhibition spaces and other similar cultural venues. Outdoors areas and beaches
OPEN These areas are open, but general measures against the spread of COVID-19 should be applied; two-metres safety distance and good hand hygiene is always required, including in campfire and rest sites. People can still go the forests, however, they may wish to avoid the most popular hiking destinations and give preference e.g., to a forest close to their home. Learn more: Health protocols for tourism services and touristsTravellers arriving in Finland will be informed of Finland's guidelines on hygiene and safe distances, the recommendation to avoid physical contact with risk groups for 14 days, and, if necessary, seeking medical attention and, in the future, instructions for installing the mobile app. Learn more: Guidelines for the safe reopening of domestic tourism in Finland Other measuresWork The Government recommends that workplaces in areas in the community transmission phase switch to remote work when possible. A recommendation to switch to remote work is issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Ministry of Finance and Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare at the national and regional level, municipalities, or joint municipal authorities at the local level. Employers are responsible for remote work practices in their own operations. National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM_________________________________________________________________ 09.12.2021 What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Mandatory travel documentation Travellers from EU and Schengen area can access Finland if they hold one the following documents:
Find out more: Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificateAll travellers must present the EUDCC to enter Finland if it contains one of the following:
Travellers from EU and Schengen area can access Finland if they hold one the following documents:
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirementsTravellers can access Finland if they hold one of the following documents:
Travellers from EU and Schengen area can access Finland if they hold one the following documents:
Travellers from low-risk country are not subject to travel requirements but travellers from others countries who cannot provide any of these documents cannot enter the country. Find out more: Finnish Bordel Guard’s website Documents you need to travel in Europe What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?As of 26 July 2021, travel to Finland is possible for all travellers who meet the following health requirements:
Please note: The certificate needs to be in either English, Finnish, or Swedish. A certified translation can also be used as a certificate. The certificate can also be an EU digital Covid certificate. Entry into Finland from outside the EU and the Schengen area without a complete covid-19 vaccination series
In accordance with the decision of the Finnish Government, cross-broder traffic from certain countries and regions has been normalized. These include Argentina,Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia,Hong Kong, Indonesia, Jordania, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay. Citizens and permanent residents in these regions and countries may travel to Finland without restrictions if they travel to Finland directly from their country or region of residence by flight.
This section applies to entry in Finland for persons from all countries and regions not previously listed above, such as Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Turkey. Persons who have received a complete vaccination series may be granted entry into Finland from any country, excluding Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, provided that at least 7 days have passed since the last vaccine dose has been received. If a person has recovered from the covid-19 virus and has gotten one vaccine dose, it is equated to a complete covid-19 vaccination series. This must be presented on a single certificate. A person who has not received a complete covid-19 vaccination series must have one of the following reasons for entering Finland. The gravity of the reasons is always evaluated case by case during border controls carried out by the Finnish Border Guard.
Persons who are not Finnish citizens and reside inother EU and Schengen country may not return to their country of residence through Finland, except by flight, if the passage is related to leisurely travel. Please note that all persons arriving in Finland are still bound by the obligations stated in the Communicable Diseases Act. Make sure you read THL’s guidelines on their webpages regardless of which country or area you are travelling from: Travel and the coronavirus pandemic - Infectious diseases and vaccinations - THLLink to an external website Children aged 15 years or under are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements. Travellers are advised to consult current measures on Visit Finland and Finnish Bordel Guard’s website. The EU restrictions on external border trafficre are detailed on the website of the Finnish Government. Find out more: What are the rules if I go abroad from this country, and when I return from abroad?Travelling abroad from Finland Finnish government recommend not to travel during the pandemic but recommend also to prepare their travel regarding the destination. Travelling from abroad to Finland As of 26 July 2021, travel to Finland is possible for all travellers who meet the following health requirements:
Please note: The certificate needs to be in either English, Finnish, or Swedish. A certified translation can also be used as a certificate. The certificate can also be an EU digital Covid certificate. Travellers from EU and Schengen area can access Finland if they hold one the following documents:
Find out more: Finnish Bordel Guard’s website Q&A about travelling and coronavirus May I transit this country?As a general rule, passengers in transit in the EU+ area are exempted from temporary travel restriction. EU citizens entering the EU from a third country, as well as their family members, irrespective of their nationality, are exempted from the travel restrictions regardless of whether or not they are returning to their country of nationality or residence. Passengers travelling from a non-EU country to another non-EU country may transit through the international transit area of airports located in the Schengen area. Rules regarding airport transit visa requirements continue to apply. Partially Transit on scheduled routes is permitted. As a rule, during the transit journey, a person must remain in the transit area of the airport. In exceptional cases, transit travellers may also be permitted to enter the country. For example, a person may stay at a hotel near the airport if the waiting time for a connecting flight is too long. Destination countries may also require passengers to take a coronavirus test at transit airports. Waiting for the test and the test results is not in itself a ground for allowing entry during transit. You can see transit requirements for travelling via Finland here. You can also see the current travel requirements for travelling via Finland from the Finnish Border Guard’s website. May I fly to this country?YES As of 26 July 2021, travel to Finland is possible for all travelers who meet the following health requirements:
Please note: The certificate needs to be in either English, Finnish or Swedish. A certified translation can also be used as a certificate. The certificate can also be an EU digital Covid certificate. Find out more: Please note that some transport companies such as airlines require certificates of COVID-19 tests, or vaccines before boarding. Please refer to your transport provider for more detailed information. You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website. You can also find information about air passenger rights on our portal for citizens. General measuresThe Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has a general action plan for implementing the Government’s strategy to combat COVID-19 including national measures. The COVID-19 action plan divides the epidemic into three phases (applied at the regional level): baseline, acceleration phase and community transmission phase. Taking the local and regional epidemic situation into account, regional decision-making officials may give their own supplementary, or more limited recommendations. As an alternative to certain restrictions, a COVID-19 passport can be required. The COVID-19 passport will not, however, serve as an alternative to restrictions in situations where the authorities have closed the premises or prohibited the public event altogether. The COVID-19 passport refers to the EU Digital COVID Certificate, which is available in the My Kanta Pages (a vaccination certificate, a test certificate, or a certificate of recovery). If necessary, the certificate is also available as a paper version from the healthcare service. People aged 16 and over can be required to present a COVID-19 passport. The testing of 16&17-year-olds for the purpose of issuing the passport should be secured in public healthcare if the person has not received the COVID-19 vaccine doses. Use of facemasksIt is good to use a mask in situations in which avoiding close contact is difficult and in which the risk of infection might be great. Physical DistancingFinnish health authorities recommends to keep a distance of at least 2 metres from others. Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and eventsThe restrictions and recommendations concerning events, gatherings and meetings differ from one region to another depending on the phase of the epidemic. The guidelines on good hygiene and safe distances issued by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Education and Culture are in force at all phases. As an alternative to restrictions, a COVID-19 passport can be required. Epidemic at a stable level:
Acceleration phase of the epidemic:
Community transmission phase of the epidemic: At the regional level, the number of participants at public events may be limited to 10 persons or, if necessary, events may be prohibited altogether.
Please find out more on https://avi.fi/en/faq-corona Safety measures for public transportationTHL recommends using a face mask on public transport in all parts of the country. The use of a mask is especially recommended in rush hours and when there are many passengers riding the same conveyance. Places of worship
Places of worship are open and accessible. QuarantineThe Finnish institute for health and welfare strongly recommend that you voluntarily avoid contact with people outside your household:
To protect other people from infections, these are the guidelines for a 14-day quarantine:
Follow the safety instructions
If you suspect you might be infected, get tested immediately. Get tested even if you have mild symptoms. By doing this, you can also protect your loved ones and others. You can:
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
Non-essential shops are open with the following safety measures: limitation of the number of visitors, physical distancing and guidance on personal hygiene. Tourist accommodations
Some tourist accommodations are forced to keep their services closed due to lack of customers as well as financial reasons. Catering establishments
OPEN WITH LIMITATIONS The following restrictions on restaurant operations are in force regardless of whether the restaurant requires its customers to comply with more stringent restrictions or whether such restrictions have been imposed on the opening hours, licensing hours or customer capacity of restaurants in the region:
Please note that the restrictions on opening hours and the number of customers allowed in the premises vary by region. Find out more: Specific rules and opening hours can differ at regional level. Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
The EUDCC can be required at spaces used for group leisure activities, amusement and theme parks, indoor facilities for zoos, museums, exhibition spaces and other similar cultural venues. Outdoors areas and beaches
These areas are open, but general measures against the spread of COVID-19 should be applied; two-metre safety distance and good hand hygiene is always required, including in campfire and rest sites. People can still go the the forests, however, they may wish to avoid the most popular hiking destinations and give preference e.g. to a forest close to their home. more information can be found at the website for national parks. Health protocols for tourism services and touristsTravellers arriving in Finland will be informed of Finland's guidelines on hygiene and safe distances, the recommendation to avoid physical contact with risk groups for 14 days, and, if necessary, seeking medical attention and, in the future, instructions for installing the mobile app. Health protocols for domestic tourism are available: Guidelines Other measuresThere is a trial at Helsinki-Vantaa airport, where dogs are used for search of COVID-19 positive passengers. The Ministry of Education and Culture (MoEC) and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) have prepared guidelines for physical activity and cultural activities in indoor spaces at different stages of the epidemic. During the acceleration phase of the epidemic, it is recommended to limit the number of users of spaces to half of the normal permitted number. In addition, group hobbies held indoors for ages 18 and over are recommended to be suspended or organised remotely, especially if risk groups are present. During the spreading stage of the epidemic, it is recommended that group hobbies for adults are implemented remotely as far as possible and suspended entirely if necessary. Municipalities can also close public spaces completely when necessary, taking into account the purpose and use of the premises. However, careful discretion should be used regarding the hobbies of children and young people. As an alternative to certain restrictions (however, not to closure), a COVID-19 passport can be required for gyms and other indoor facilities for sports or physical activity, swimming centres and spas, dance halls, indoor playgrounds and play centres. National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM___________________________________________________________________________ 13.09.2021 What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Finland has placed restrictions on entry from other countries in order to slow down the spread of the pandemic. Updated information on the restrictions on entry is available on the website of the Finnish Border Guard. Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificateThe EU Digital Covid Certficate (EUDCC) is recognised as proof of full vaccination or recovery. Travellers that are allowed to enter from high-risk areas with proof of a negative Covid-19 test, must also take a new Covid-19 test within 72-120 hours (3-5 days) after arrival in Finland. The Finnish government specifies entry conditions per country. Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirementsFinland adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Finland are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map. Finland uses three main border traffic classifications: Border traffic returned to normal, Restriction category 1, and Restriction category 2. The Finnish government lists the permitted travel per country as well as more general information. Internal border control ended on 26 July 2021. This means that traffic from the EU and Schengen countries to Finland is allowed without restrictions. The EU restrictions on external border traffic will continue to be in force for several countries until 22 August 2021. The following are permitted grounds for travelling:
When you arrive in Finland from a low-risk country, you will not need to participate in the health security procedures in place at the point of entry. No certificate or COVID-19 test is required for persons arriving in Finland from the following countries our municipalities as of August 9th: Albania, Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hungary, China, Poland, Romania, New Zealand and the Vatican, and the Norwegian municipalities of Storfjord, Kåfjord, Nordreisa, Kautokeino, Karasjok, Tana, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. This also applies to the special administrative regions of China Hong Kong and Macao. Under the category of entities and territorial authorities that are not recognised as states by at least one member state, travel restrictions for Taiwan are also eased. The Government has approved an amendment to the decree allowing entry into Finland without the health security measures laid down in the Communicable Diseases Act. The amendment to the decree will enter into force on 23 August 2021. More information here. Restrictions on entry will be reinstated for residents of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada in traffic arriving in Finland from these countries. If a person arriving from these countries has not received a full vaccine course, the accepted reasons for entry are return travel to Finland, return travel to other EU or Schengen countries, transit on regular, scheduled flights at an airport or other essential travel. When you arrive in Finland from any country or municipality other than those listed above, you will be subject to the health security measures applied to all persons entering from high-risk countries. See the figure “Health security measures for people arriving to Finland from high-risk countries” More detailed information on entry into the country is available on the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare’s website under the heading ‘Health security measures on entry into the country’ You can also check the health security restrictions in place using the Finentry and Laplandentry services. Is a quarantine required? A 14-day period of self-isolation is required for travellers arriving in Finland from high-risk countries that do not take the two COVID-19 tests, or that have positive test results. Find out more: Documents you need to travel in Europe What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?The EU restrictions on external border trafficre are detailed on the website of the Finnish Government. Find out more: May I transit this country?Partially Transit on scheduled routes is permitted. As a rule, during the transit journey, a person must remain in the transit area of the airport. In exceptional cases, transit travellers may also be permitted to enter the country. For example, a person may stay at a hotel near the airport if the waiting time for a connecting flight is too long. Destination countries may also require passengers to take a coronavirus test at transit airports. Waiting for the test and the test results is not in itself a ground for allowing entry during transit. You can see transit requirements for travelling via Finland here. You can also see the current travel requirements for travelling via Finland from the Finnish Border Guard’s website. May I fly to this country?Please note that transport companies such as airlines require certificates of COVID-19 tests, or vaccines before boarding. Please refer to your transport provider for more detailed information. You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website. You can also find information about air passenger rights on our portal for citizens. General measuresThe Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has updated the action plan for implementing the Government’s strategy to combat COVID-19. The Government will carry out an overall review of the action plan in summer and autumn 2021 to take account of the development of the epidemic and the progress in the vaccine rollout. The COVID-19 action plan divides the epidemic into three phases (applied at the regional level): baseline, acceleration phase and community transmission phase. Use of facemasksTHL currently recommends the use of face masks in all parts of the country. More detailed recommendations on the use of masks in different situations depend on the phases of the epidemic (base level, acceleration phase or community transmission), and these can vary from one area to another. Follow here the information given out by each hospital district and municipality on what phase of the epidemic is underway. You can find recommendations about the use of facemasks depending on the stage of the epidemic at the Finnish institute for health and welfare website. Physical DistancingMaintaining a physical distance of 1-2 metres is recommended. Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and eventsThe restrictions and recommendations concerning events, gatherings and meetings differ from one region to another depending on the phase of the epidemic. The guidelines on good hygiene and safe distances issued by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Education and Culture are in force at all phases. Epidemic at a stable level:
Acceleration phase of the epidemic:
Community transmission phase of the epidemic: At the regional level, the number of participants at public events may be limited to 10 persons or, if necessary, events may be prohibited altogether.
Safety measures for public transportationThe National Institute for Health and Welfare has issued guidance for protection of passengers and workers in public transport and airlines and airport operators are working on the implementation of EASA's and ECDC's guidance. In all means of transport, passengers must avoid physical contact, maintain a safe distance from other people and observe hygiene rules. In addition, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency has issued recommendations to help transport service providers ensure safe mobility, available here: Recommendations for transport service Places of worship
Places of worship are open and accessible. QuarantineThe Finnish institute for health and welfare strongly recommend that you voluntarily avoid contact with people outside your household:
To protect other people from infections, these are the guidelines for a 14-day quarantine:
Follow the safety instructions
If you suspect you might be infected, get tested immediately. Get tested even if you have mild symptoms. By doing this, you can also protect your loved ones and others. You can:
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
Non-essential shops are open with the following safety measures: limitation of the number of visitors, physical distancing and guidance on personal hygiene. Tourist accommodations
Some tourist accommodations are forced to keep their services closed due to lack of customers as well as financial reasons. Catering establishments
Guidelines on restaurant activities in force throughout Finland
You can see here the Restrictions listed by region valid from 22 August 2021. Rules in place at the regional level, depending on the applicable phase Epidemic at a stable level:
Acceleration phase of the epidemic:
Community transmission phase of the epidemic:
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
Museums and heritage sites are open, provided social distancing is maintained. Outdoors areas and beaches
These areas are open, but general measures against the spread of COVID-19 should be applied; two-metre safety distance and good hand hygiene is always required, including in campfire and rest sites. People can still go the the forests, however, they may wish to avoid the most popular hiking destinations and give preference e.g. to a forest close to their home. more information can be found at the website for national parks. Health protocols for tourism services and touristsTravellers arriving in Finland will be informed of Finland's guidelines on hygiene and safe distances, the recommendation to avoid physical contact with risk groups for 14 days, and, if necessary, seeking medical attention and, in the future, instructions for installing the mobile app. Health protocols for domestic tourism are available: Guidelines Other measuresThere is a trial at Helsinki-Vantaa airport, where dogs are used for search of COVID-19 positive passengers. The Ministry of Education and Culture (MoEC) and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) have prepared guidelines for physical activity and cultural activities in indoor spaces at different stages of the epidemic: the base level, the acceleration stage and the spreading stage. During the acceleration phase of the epidemic, it is recommended to limit the number of users of spaces to half of the normal permitted number. In addition, group hobbies held indoors for ages 18 and over are recommended to be suspended or organised remotely, especially if risk groups are present. During the spreading stage of the epidemic, it is recommended that group hobbies for adults are implemented remotely as far as possible and suspended entirely if necessary. Municipalities can also close public spaces completely when necessary, taking into account the purpose and use of the premises. However, careful discretion should be used regarding the hobbies of children and young people. National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM__________________________________________________________________________________ 16.07.2021 What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Entry restrictions for Finland are detailed on the website of the Finnish Government. Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificateThe EU Digital Covid Certficate (EUDCC) is recognised as proof of full vaccination or recovery. Travellers that are allowed to enter from high-risk areas with proof of a negative Covid-19 test, must also take a new Covid-19 test within 72-120 hours (3-5 days) after arrival in Finland. The Finnish government specifies specific entry conditions per country. Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirementsFinland adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Finland are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map. Finland uses three main border traffic classifications: Border traffic returned to normal, Restriction category 1, and Restriction category 2. The Finnish government lists the permitted travel per country as well as more general information. Until 25 July, travellers may enter Finland from the EU and Schengen areas if the incidence rate in the country they are arriving from is below 25, or if they have proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or have recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months. Travellers may enter Finland from other EU and Schengen countries for essential or work-related reasons. After an entry check by the Border Guard, people arriving in Finland from high-risk countries will be directed to undergo a health check. All travellers over 16 years of age arriving in Finland must have proof of one of the following:
Certification needs to be in either English, Finnish, or Swedish. In the Sámi area, the certificate may also be in a Sámi language. A certified translation can also be used as a certificate. The certificate can also be an EU Digital Covid Certificate. Those who arrive in Finland without proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 must be tested as soon as they arrive in Finland and a second time within 3–5 days. The tests are free of charge. You should avoid contact with others while waiting for your test results. People arriving from low-risk countries will not be directed to a health check at the point of entry and do not need to be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival. An appointment for a Covid-19 test in advance can be made by using the FINENTRY service Neglecting to undergo the required COVID-19 tests is a punishable offence. Is a quarantine required? A 14-day period of self-isolation is required for travellers arriving in Finland from high-risk countries that do not take the two Covid-19 tests, or that have positive test results. Find out more: Documents you need to travel in Europe What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificateThe EU Digital Covid Certficate (EUDCC) is recognised as proof of full vaccination or recovery. Travellers that are allowed to enter from high-risk areas with proof of a negative Covid-19 test, must also take a new Covid-19 test within 72-120 hours (3-5 days) after arrival in Finland. The Finnish government specifies specific entry conditions per country. Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirementsFinland adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Finland are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map. Finland uses three main border traffic classifications: Border traffic returned to normal, Restriction category 1, and Restriction category 2. The Finnish government lists the permitted travel per country as well as more general information. Until 25 July, travellers may enter Finland from the EU and Schengen areas if the incidence rate in the country they are arriving from is below 25, or if they have proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or have recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months. Travellers may enter Finland from other EU and Schengen countries for essential or work-related reasons. After an entry check by the Border Guard, people arriving in Finland from high-risk countries will be directed to undergo a health check. All travellers over 16 years of age arriving in Finland must have proof of one of the following:
Certification needs to be in either English, Finnish, or Swedish. In the Sámi area, the certificate may also be in a Sámi language. A certified translation can also be used as a certificate. The certificate can also be an EU Digital Covid Certificate. Those who arrive in Finland without proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 must be tested as soon as they arrive in Finland and a second time within 3–5 days. The tests are free of charge. You should avoid contact with others while waiting for your test results. People arriving from low-risk countries will not be directed to a health check at the point of entry and do not need to be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival. An appointment for a Covid-19 test in advance can be made by using the FINENTRY service Neglecting to undergo the required COVID-19 tests is a punishable offence. Is a quarantine required? A 14-day period of self-isolation is required for travellers arriving in Finland from high-risk countries that do not take the two Covid-19 tests, or that have positive test results. Find out more: Documents you need to travel in Europe May I transit this country?Partially Transit on scheduled routes is permitted. As a rule, during the transit journey, a person must remain in the transit area of the airport. In exceptional cases, transit travellers may also be permitted to enter the country. For example, a person may stay at a hotel near the airport if the waiting time for a connecting flight is too long. Destination countries may also require passengers to take a coronavirus test at transit airports. Waiting for the test and the test results is not in itself a ground for allowing entry during transit. General measuresThe Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has updated the action plan for implementing the Government’s strategy to combat COVID-19. The plan covers the period from January to May 2021, and it can be revised during the spring if the epidemiological situation so requires. The COVID-19 action plan divides the epidemic into three phases (applied at the regional level): baseline, acceleration phase and community transmission phase. Find out more: Use of facemasksThe National Institute for Health and Welfare recommends the use of masks in public transportation and among the public in areas that experienced covid-19 cases within the last 14 days. Masks are also recommended while waiting for a covid-19 test result and for travellers from high risk areas while commuting from the border to their quarantine facility. In regions with increasing covid-19 incidence, masks are also recommended in second and tertiary level education and in public spaces. Regional State Administrative Officials can make additional recommendations. Physical DistancingMaintaining a physical distance of 1-2 metres is recommended. Information on Tourism at National levelNational website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISMUseful Info for touristsBefore starting your journey, please check visa requirements for your destination at: The Schengen visa EU Digital COVID Certificates
Information on "EU Digital COVID Certificates" issued in Finland _________ The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation entered into force on 01 July 2021. EU citizens and residents will now be able to have their Digital COVID Certificates issued and verified across the EU. National authorities are in charge of issuing the certificate. The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or test result. Despite the European Digital COVID Certificate, each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what is required to enter upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your destination. Find out more: Information on the "EU Digital COVID Certificate" Further information: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/FIN/7011 _____________________________________________________ 17.06.2021 What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificateInformation not yet available. Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirementsFinland adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Finland are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map. Entry restrictions for Finland are detailed on the website of the Finnish Government. Entry into Finland is only permitted for essential and justified reasons, such as studies or family-related reasons. Only essential travel for work is permitted from the Schengen area and across external borders (with the exception of those countries from which travel to Finland is permitted without restrictions) Finnish citizens always have the right to return to Finland. Family members of Finnish citizens may also enter the country regardless of their nationality. Is a coronavirus test required? All travellers who do not live in Finland should take a COVID-19 test less than 72 hours before arriving in Finland. A second test can be taken in Finland no earlier than 72 hours after arriving in Finland. Between the tests, self-isolation at the place of accommodation is recommended. The self-isolation period will end if the second test result is negative. If a person's test result is positive, a mandatory quarantine must be completed until full recovery. Is a quarantine required? A 14-day period of self-isolation is recommended for travellers arriving in Finland from high-incidence countries. Travellers can shorten their self-isolation period if they take two COVID-19 tests, and the results are negative. The tests are necessary even if you have received two doses of corona vaccine. Residents of Finland returning from high-incidence countries may shorten the 14-day period of self-isolation by taking a test at the airport or port as soon as they arrive in Finland, followed by a second test in their home municipality no earlier than 72 hours after the first test. Between the tests, self-isolation at home is recommended. Find out more: What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Entry into Finland is only permitted for essential and justified reasons, such as studies or family-related reasons. Only essential travel for work is permitted from the Schengen area and across external borders (with the exception of those countries from which travel to Finland is permitted without restrictions). There are no restrictions on entry for residents of Australia, South Korea, Rwanda, Singapore, Thailand and New Zealand in traffic arriving from these regions, nor are there restrictions on traffic from the Vatican. Restrictions will be lifted for residents of China and of the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions travelling from these regions to Finland once sufficient reciprocity has been confirmed by the Council of the European Union. For all other non-Schengen countries, the restrictions on entry allow only return traffic to Finland and other EU and Schengen countries, transit traffic at Helsinki Airport and other essential traffic. Family members of Finnish citizens may enter the country regardless of their nationality. Entry restrictions for Finland are detailed on the website of the Finnish Government. Finland's only direct international passenger train connection is with Russia. Train connections will be allowed when the restrictions on travel from non-Schengen countries are lifted. At the moment only freight traffic is allowed. Is a coronavirus test required? It is recommended that travellers who do not live in Finland take a COVID-19 test less than 72 hours before arriving in Finland. A second test can be taken in Finland no earlier than 72 hours after arriving in Finland. Between the tests, self-isolation at the place of accommodation is recommended. The self-isolation period will end if the test result is negative. If a person's test result is positive, a doctor specialised in infectious diseases may place them under quarantine. They must remain in quarantine until they have recovered. Is a quarantine required? A 14-day period of self-isolation is recommended for travellers arriving in Finland from high-incidence countries. Travellers can shorten their self-isolation period at their discretion if they take two COVID-19 tests, and the results are negative. Residents of Finland returning from high-incidence countries may, at their discretion, shorten the 14-day period of self-isolation by taking a test at the airport or port as soon as they arrive in Finland, followed by a second test in their home municipality no earlier than 72 hours after the first test. Between the tests, self-isolation at home is recommended. Find out more: May I transit this country?PARTIALLY Transit on scheduled routes is permitted. As a rule, during the transit journey, a person must remain in the transit area of the airport. In exceptional cases, transit travellers may also be permitted to enter the country. For example, a person may stay at a hotel near the airport if the waiting time for a connecting flight is too long. Destination countries may also require passengers to take a coronavirus test at transit airports. Waiting for the test and the test results is not in itself a ground for allowing entry during transit. General measuresThe Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has updated the action plan for implementing the Government’s strategy to combat COVID-19. The plan covers the period from January to May 2021, and it can be revised during the spring if the epidemiological situation so requires. The COVID-19 action plan divides the epidemic into three phases (applied at the regional level): baseline, acceleration phase and community transmission phase. Find out more: Use of facemasksThe National Institute for Health and Welfare recommends the use of masks in public transportation and among the public in areas that experienced covid-19 cases within the last 14 days. Masks are also recommended while waiting for a covid-19 test result and for travellers from high risk areas while commuting from the border to their quarantine facility. In regions with increasing covid-19 incidence, masks are also recommended in second and tertiary level education and in public spaces. Regional State Administrative Officials can make additional recommendations. Physical DistancingMaintaining a physical distance of 1-2 metres is recommended. Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and eventsThe restrictions and recommendations concerning events, gatherings and meetings differ from one region to another depending on the phase of the epidemic. The guidelines on good hygiene and safe distances issued by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Education and Culture are in force at all phases. Epidemic at a stable level:
Acceleration phase of the epidemic:
Community transmission phase of the epidemic: At the regional level, the number of participants at public events may be limited to 10 persons or, if necessary, events may be prohibited altogether.
Information on Tourism at National levelNational website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISMEU Digital COVID Certificates
Information on "EU Digital COVID Certificates" issued in Finland _________ The EU Digital COVID Certificate (available from 1 July 2021) provides proof that a person has either:
When travelling, holders of the EU Digital COVID Certificate will have the same rights as citizens of the visited Member State who have been vaccinated, tested or recovered. The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from COVID or test result. Each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what you will be eligible for, upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your country of destination. How does it work:
Find out more: Press Release
04.05.2021 From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?NO Finland adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Finland are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map. Entry restrictions for Finland are detailed on the website of the Finnish Government. Entry into Finland is only permitted for essential and justified reasons, such as studies or family-related reasons. Only essential travel for work is permitted from the Schengen area and across external borders (with the exception of those countries from which travel to Finland is permitted without restrictions) Finnish citizens always have the right to return to Finland. Family members of Finnish citizens may also enter the country regardless of their nationality. Is a coronavirus test required? All travellers who do not live in Finland should take a COVID-19 test less than 72 hours before arriving in Finland. A second test can be taken in Finland no earlier than 72 hours after arriving in Finland. Between the tests, self-isolation at the place of accommodation is recommended. The self-isolation period will end if the second test result is negative. If a person's test result is positive, a mandatory quarantine must be completed until full recovery. Is a quarantine required? A 14-day period of self-isolation is recommended for travellers arriving in Finland from high-incidence countries. Travellers can shorten their self-isolation period if they take two COVID-19 tests, and the results are negative. The tests are necessary even if you have received two doses of corona vaccine. Residents of Finland returning from high-incidence countries may shorten the 14-day period of self-isolation by taking a test at the airport or port as soon as they arrive in Finland, followed by a second test in their home municipality no earlier than 72 hours after the first test. Between the tests, self-isolation at home is recommended. Find out more: What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Entry into Finland is only permitted for essential and justified reasons, such as studies or family-related reasons. Only essential travel for work is permitted from the Schengen area and across external borders (with the exception of those countries from which travel to Finland is permitted without restrictions). There are no restrictions on entry for residents of Australia, South Korea, Rwanda, Singapore, Thailand and New Zealand in traffic arriving from these regions, nor are there restrictions on traffic from the Vatican. Restrictions will be lifted for residents of China and of the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions travelling from these regions to Finland once sufficient reciprocity has been confirmed by the Council of the European Union. For all other non-Schengen countries, the restrictions on entry allow only return traffic to Finland and other EU and Schengen countries, transit traffic at Helsinki Airport and other essential traffic. Family members of Finnish citizens may enter the country regardless of their nationality. Entry restrictions for Finland are detailed on the website of the Finnish Government. Finland's only direct international passenger train connection is with Russia. Train connections will be allowed when the restrictions on travel from non-Schengen countries are lifted. At the moment only freight traffic is allowed. Is a coronavirus test required? It is recommended that travellers who do not live in Finland take a COVID-19 test less than 72 hours before arriving in Finland. A second test can be taken in Finland no earlier than 72 hours after arriving in Finland. Between the tests, self-isolation at the place of accommodation is recommended. The self-isolation period will end if the test result is negative. If a person's test result is positive, a doctor specialised in infectious diseases may place them under quarantine. They must remain in quarantine until they have recovered. Is a quarantine required? A 14-day period of self-isolation is recommended for travellers arriving in Finland from high-incidence countries. Travellers can shorten their self-isolation period at their discretion if they take two COVID-19 tests, and the results are negative. Residents of Finland returning from high-incidence countries may, at their discretion, shorten the 14-day period of self-isolation by taking a test at the airport or port as soon as they arrive in Finland, followed by a second test in their home municipality no earlier than 72 hours after the first test. Between the tests, self-isolation at home is recommended. Find out more: May I transit this country?PARTIALLY Transit on scheduled routes is permitted. As a rule, during the transit journey, a person must remain in the transit area of the airport. In exceptional cases, transit travellers may also be permitted to enter the country. For example, a person may stay at a hotel near the airport if the waiting time for a connecting flight is too long. Destination countries may also require passengers to take a coronavirus test at transit airports. Waiting for the test and the test results is not in itself a ground for allowing entry during transit. General measuresThe Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has updated the action plan for implementing the Government’s strategy to combat COVID-19. The plan covers the period from January to May 2021, and it can be revised during the spring if the epidemiological situation so requires. The COVID-19 action plan divides the epidemic into three phases (applied at the regional level): baseline, acceleration phase and community transmission phase. Find out more: Use of facemasksThe National Institute for Health and Welfare recommends the use of masks in public transportation and among the public in areas that experienced covid-19 cases within the last 14 days. Masks are also recommended while waiting for a covid-19 test result and for travellers from high risk areas while commuting from the border to their quarantine facility. In regions with increasing covid-19 incidence, masks are also recommended in second and tertiary level education and in public spaces. Regional State Administrative Officials can make additional recommendations. Physical DistancingMaintaining a physical distance of 1-2 metres is recommended. Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/FIN/7001
31.03.2021 From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?NO Finland adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Finland are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map. Entry restrictions for Finland are detailed on the website of the Finnish Government. Is a coronavirus test required? All travellers who do not live in Finland should take a COVID-19 test less than 72 hours before arriving in Finland. A second test can be taken in Finland no earlier than 72 hours after arriving in Finland. Between the tests, self-isolation at the place of accommodation is recommended. The self-isolation period will end if the second test result is negative. If a person's test result is positive, a mandatory quarantine must be completed until full recovery. Is a quarantine required? A 14-day period of self-isolation is recommended for travellers arriving in Finland from high-incidence countries. Travellers can shorten their self-isolation period if they take two COVID-19 tests, and the results are negative. The tests are necessary even if you have received two doses of corona vaccine. Residents of Finland returning from high-incidence countries may shorten the 14-day period of self-isolation by taking a test at the airport or port as soon as they arrive in Finland, followed by a second test in their home municipality no earlier than 72 hours after the first test. Between the tests, self-isolation at home is recommended. Find out more: Documents you need to travel in Europe What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?There are no restrictions on entry for residents of Australia, South Korea, Rwanda, Singapore, Thailand and New Zealand in traffic arriving from these regions, nor are there restrictions on traffic from the Vatican. Restrictions will be lifted for residents of China and of the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions travelling from these regions to Finland once sufficient reciprocity has been confirmed by the Council of the European Union. For all other non-Schengen countries, the restrictions on entry allow only return traffic to Finland and other EU and Schengen countries, transit traffic at Helsinki Airport and other essential traffic. Family members of Finnish citizens may enter the country regardless of their nationality. Entry restrictions for Finland are detailed on the website of the Finnish Government. Is a coronavirus test required? It is recommended that travellers who do not live in Finland take a COVID-19 test less than 72 hours before arriving in Finland. A second test can be taken in Finland no earlier than 72 hours after arriving in Finland. Between the tests, self-isolation at the place of accommodation is recommended. The self-isolation period will end if the test result is negative. If a person's test result is positive, a doctor specialised in infectious diseases may place them under quarantine. They must remain in quarantine until they have recovered. Is a quarantine required? A 14-day period of self-isolation is recommended for travellers arriving in Finland from high-incidence countries. Travellers can shorten their self-isolation period at their discretion if they take two COVID-19 tests, and the results are negative. Residents of Finland returning from high-incidence countries may, at their discretion, shorten the 14-day period of self-isolation by taking a test at the airport or port as soon as they arrive in Finland, followed by a second test in their home municipality no earlier than 72 hours after the first test. Between the tests, self-isolation at home is recommended. Find out more: May I transit this country?PARTIALLY Transit on scheduled routes is permitted. As a rule, during the transit journey, a person must remain in the transit area of the airport. In exceptional cases, transit travellers may also be permitted to enter the country. For example, a person may stay at a hotel near the airport if the waiting time for a connecting flight is too long. Destination countries may also require passengers to take a coronavirus test at transit airports. Waiting for the test and the test results is not in itself a ground for allowing entry during transit. May I enter this country by train?PARTIALLY Finland's only direct international passenger train connection is with Russia. Train connections will be allowed when the restrictions on travel from non-Schengen countries are lifted. At the moment only freight traffic is allowed. May I enter this country by sea transport?PARTIALLY Recreational boat traffic between Schengen countries is unrestricted by border control, and recreational boats are not obliged to enter a border checkpoint. In addition to the sea areas, it is also possible to enter the country on a recreational boat at the river border between Finland and Sweden (the rivers Tornionjoki and Muonionjoki). General measuresThe Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has updated the action plan for implementing the Government’s strategy to combat COVID-19. The plan covers the period from January to May 2021, and it can be revised during the spring if the epidemiological situation so requires. The COVID-19 action plan divides the epidemic into three phases (applied at the regional level): baseline, acceleration phase and community transmission phase. Find out more: Health cover for temporary stays Use of facemasksThe National Institute for Health and Welfare recommends the use of masks in public transportation and among the public in areas that experienced covid-19 cases within the last 14 days. Masks are also recommended while waiting for a covid-19 test result and for travellers from high risk areas while commuting from the border to their quarantine facility. In regions with increasing covid-19 incidence, masks are also recommended in second and tertiary level education and in public spaces. Regional State Administrative Officials can make additional recommendations. Physical DistancingMaintaining a physical distance of 1-2 metres is recommended. Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/FIN/7001
25.01.2021 From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?No Note: Finland adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Finland are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map. Entry restrictions for Finland are detailed on the website of the Finnish Government. Based on an epidemiological evaluation, regulation is categorised under 'Border traffic returned to normal', 'Restriction category 1' and 'Restriction category 2'. In general, entry to Finland is possible without testing or quarantine from countries with a maximum of 25 new Covid-19 cases per 100,000 persons during the previous 14 days. For travellers from countries that are not categorised as 'border traffic returned to normal' a 10-day period of self-isolation is recommended. It is also recommended that travellers who do not live in Finland take a COVID-19 test less than 72 hours before arriving in Finland. A second test can be taken in Finland no earlier than 72 hours after arriving in Finland. Between the tests, self-isolation at the place of accommodation is recommended. Exceptions People living in Sweden and Estonia may come to work in Finland without a self-isolation period or testing. Similarly, day-to-day travel across Finland’s land borders with Sweden and Norway is permitted for residents of border communities without a self-isolation period or testing. Leisure boat traffic between Schengen countries is unrestricted and not subject to border controls. Find out more: Documents you need to travel in Europe What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Specific measures for the new variant of coronavirus Travel from the United Kingdom is restricted from 12:00 on Monday 21 December until Monday 4 January. Entry to Finland is prohibited for non-resident foreign nationals entering the country, with some exemptions. if you are eligible to enter Finland from the UK, you will need to self-isolate for 10 days after arrival. ____________________ External border traffic is permitted for traffic between Finland and Australia, Japan, Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and New Zealand. Restrictions on entry will also be lifted for residents of the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, provided that the reciprocity principle is confirmed by the Council of the European Union. Family members of Finnish citizens may enter the country regardless of their nationality. Q&As about travel and coronavirus are available at Ministry for Foreign Affairs May I transit this country?Partially For external border traffic and to the extent that internal border controls have been restored, a transit on scheduled routes is permitted. As a rule, during the transit journey, a person must remain in the transit area of the airport, but in exceptional cases, a person may also be permitted to enter the country. For example, a person may stay at a hotel near the airport especially if the waiting time at the airport would be too lengthy (for example, resulting from a cancelled connecting flight). Destination countries may also require passengers to take a coronavirus test at transit airports. Waiting for the test and the test results is not in itself a ground for allowing entry during transit. General measuresHealth cover for temporary stays Use of facemasksThe National Institute for Health and Welfare recommends the use of masks in public transportation and among the public in areas that experienced covid-19 cases within the last 14 days. Masks are also recommended while waiting for a covid-19 test result and for travellers from high risk areas while commuting from the border to their quarantine facility. In regions with increasing covid-19 incidence, masks are also recommended in second and tertiary level education and in public spaces. Regional State Administrative Officials can make additional recommendations. Physical DistancingMaintaining a physical distance of 1-2 metres is recommended. Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/FIN/6001
14.12.2020 From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
Entry RestrictionsFor traffic between Finland and all EU Member States and Schengen Associated countries internal border control is reintroduced from 23.11.2020 onwards. Entry restrictions for Finland are detailed on the Finnish Border Guard website and on the website of the Finish government. Based on an epidemiological evaluation, regulation is categorised under 'Border traffic returned to normal', 'Restriction category 1' and 'Restriction category 2'. In general, entry to Finland is possible without testing or quarantine from countries with a maximum of 25 new Covid-19 cases per 100,000 persons during the previous 14 days. For travellers from countries that are not categorised as 'border traffic returned to normal' a 10-day period of self-isolation is recommended. It is also recommended that travellers who do not live in Finland take a COVID-19 test less than 72 hours before arriving in Finland. A second test can be taken in Finland no earlier than 72 hours after arriving in Finland. Between the tests, self-isolation at the place of accommodation is recommended. People living in Sweden and Estonia may come to work in Finland without a self-isolation period or testing. Similarly, day-to-day travel across Finland’s land borders with Sweden and Norway is permitted for residents of border communities without a self-isolation period or testing. Leisure boat traffic between Schengen countries is unrestricted and not subject to border controls. Find out more: Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare Documents you need to travel in EuropeWhat are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?External border traffic is permitted for traffic between Finland and Australia, Japan, Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and New Zealand. Restrictions on entry will also be lifted for residents of the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions who are travelling from these regions to Finland, provided that reciprocity is confirmed by the Council of the European Union. Also, family members of Finnish citizens may enter the country regardless of nationality. Q&As about travel and coronavirus are available at Ministry for Foreign Affairs May I transit this country?
For external border traffic and to the extent that internal border controls have been restored, a transit on scheduled routes is permitted. As a rule, during the transit journey, a person must remain in the transit area of the airport, but in exceptional cases, a person may also be permitted to enter the country. For example, a person may stay at a hotel near the airport especially if the waiting time at the airport would be too lengthy (for example, resulting from a cancelled connecting flight). Destination countries may also require passengers to take a coronavirus test at transit airports. Waiting for the test and the test results is not in itself a ground for allowing entry during transit.
12.10.2020 Entry RestrictionsEntry restrictions for Finland are detailed on the Finnish Border Guard website Travelling from Finland or returning to FinlandRules applicable to Finnish citizens and residents travelling abroad are detailed on the Finnish Border Guard website Rules and ExceptionsEntry to Finland is possible without mandatory testing or quarantine from countries with a maximum of 25 new Covid-19 cases per 100,000 persons during the previous 14 days. Leisure boat traffic between Schengen countries is unrestricted and not subject to border controls. TransitFor external border traffic and to the extent that internal border controls have been restored, the transit on regularly scheduled routes is permitted. As a rule, during the transit journey, a person must remain in the transit area of the airport, but a person may also be permitted to enter the country for the purpose of the transit referred to above. For example, a person may stay at an airport hotel or other accommodation near the airport, especially if the layover during the transit is a long one. Third-country nationals coming from outside the EU and Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and LiechtensteinBorders are open for residents of the following third countries: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay. RailFinland's only direct international passenger train connection is with Russia. Train connections will be allowed when the restrictions on travel from non-Schengen countries are lifted. At the moment only freight traffic is allowed. Quarantine Self-quarantine is recommended for those arriving in Finland from countries subject to internal border control. You can also evaluate the need for a quarantine after travelling abroad with the help of the Traffic light model. Traffic lights further help to evaluate the risk of a coronavirus infection linked with foreign travel. According to govenment's resolution, starting from 23.11.2020 travellers to Finland arriving from high-incidence areas (more than 25 new Covid-19 cases per 100,000 persons during the previous 14 days) are required to show evidence of negative PCR test on arrival. Upon arrival, passengers from high-incidence areas have to stay in mandatory quaratine for 14 days. If travellers are tested upon arrival and 3 days after arrival, the mandatory quarantine can be released after receiving a test negative result. Find out more:www.raja.fi Documents you need to travel in Europe
26.08.2020 Travelling to Finland Travelling from other countries is subject to limitations - details are available at www.raja.fi Travelling from Finland or returning to Finland Rules and Exceptions Leisure boat traffic between Schengen countries is unrestricted and not subject to border controls. Find out more: Borders are open for residents of the following third countries: Georgia, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay. |
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29.06.2020 Border control at internal borders will change in Finland on 15 June so that controls at internal borders will be lifted for certain countries and modes of transport. Internal border control will be abolished from 15 June:
Internal border control will continue for traffic between Finland and other Schengen countries than those mentioned above. This means that internal border control will continue, for example for traffic between Finland and Sweden. The aim is to enable unrestricted travel from Sweden to Finland as quickly as the epidemiological situation allows. The situation is constantly being examined. Start date: 15.06.2020 Further information: Source: https://ec.europa.eu/transport/coronavirus-response_en ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Finnish Government decides on plan for gradual lifting of restrictions (04.05.2020) Finnish Government decided on the gradual dismantling of the following restrictive measures: Start date: 14.05.2020 Further information: https://intermin.fi/artikkeli/-/asset_publisher/rajaliikenne... Source: https://ec.europa.eu/transport/coronavirus-response_en |
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18.03.2020 Due to the urgent need to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Finland and the related need to As it currently stands, the emergency procedures will be in place until the 13th of April, unless In practice this means that the critical sectors of the society will be upheld – including, but not All civil servants with the possibility of working from home are ordered to work from home In Finnish customs all personnel except for those working in critical functions have been |
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Finnish border traffic to be restricted as of 19 March 2020 (17.03.2020) Restrictions on Finnish border traffic will come into force at midnight on Thursday 19 March in accordance with the Government order. Passenger traffic will be restricted at the eastern border and at the internal borders. The Border Guard's measures relating to cross-border traffic will be carried out on the basis of the Schengen Borders Code and the Border Guard Act. The Finnish Government has ruled that Finnish citizens should not travel abroad. Furthermore, anyone returning to Finland from abroad should remain in conditions equivalent to quarantine for 14 days. This applies to transport by road, sea and air. Start date: 19.03.2020 End date: not available Further information: https://www.raja.fi/facts/news_from_the_border_guard/1/0/finnish_border_... |
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27.04.2022 COVID-19 Update: current measures and useful links in FinlandIn line with the Finnish government decision of 7 April, the restrictions on entry at Finlandbs external borders will continue until 8 May 2022. Restrictions of entry in Finland could apply, depending of the country of departure. However, the requirements for entry don't apply to those who enter the country for an essential reason such as "transport and logistics personnel during assignments". Additionally, the following links could be useful for border crossing: The latest details regarding border crossing topics: here. Source: SKAL, Ministry for Foreign Affairs ____________________________________________ 13.01.2022 COVID-19 Update Temporary exemptions to driving times and rest periods from 17 January to 15 FebruaryThe Government has issued a decree on temporary exemptions to driving times and rest periods. The exemptions were in force in spring 2020 and will be taken into use again for 30 days due to the worsening COVID-19 situation. The decree will be in force from 17 January to 15 February. Applicable rules during the temporary exemptions: It is important for the security of supply in society that the smooth flow of goods and passenger transport services is ensured in all situations. In connection with temporary exemptions to driving times and rest periods, attention should be paid to driversb ability to cope at work. The general traffic safety or the occupational safety of drivers must not be endangered. Sources: Ministry of Transport and Communications, and Finmobility _______________________________________________________________________________________ 23.01.2021 Covid-19 Update: Restrictions on entry into Finland to be tightened Finland government has decided to tighten restrictions on entry into the country. The new set of rules shall be valid from 27 January, 2021 till 25 February, 2021. There has been an update in the Border control rules also. These restrictions will not impact freight transport and logistics personnel in their duties. For the latest details on specific procedures: FinEntry Read more here: New restrictions from 27 Jan 2021 The latest details shall be updated in the official databases on/before 27 January, 2021. Source: SKAL
23.09.2020 Finland eased travel restrictions on 19 September. Restrictions will be lifted for travel between Finland and Cyprus, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Poland and Sweden, as well as for residents of Australia, Canada and Japan who are travelling from their home country to Finland. Restrictions on entry into the country will be reintroduced for those travelling to Finland from Hungary and Italy. Under the new regulations, entry will be allowed from countries with fewer than 25 COVID-19 infections per 100,000 inhabitants over the preceding two weeks. Travellers from countries exceeding this limit will be required to take a COVID-19 test when they arrive. From 19 September, Finland will not require travellers to self-quarantine if they arrive from Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Germany, Cyprus, Australia, Canada or Japan. Travelers from countries in which the 25 per 100,000 limit is exceeded will be required to take a COVID-19 test when they arrive. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foreign Ministry’s general travel advice continues to be to avoid all but essential travel to and from all countries. More details from the links below: Finnish Institute for health and welfare Source: SKAL
24.08.2020 Government tightens travel restrictions at internal and external borders.The changes regarding border traffic are valid from 24 August 2020. Travellers arriving in Finland from a country with travel restrictions are recommended to stay in voluntary quarantine for 14 days. Travellers arriving in the country will be given instructions on how to proceed. The list of countries is assessed on a regular basis, and the Government has stated that restrictions can be lifted if the number of new infections in a country has not exceeded eight cases per 100,000 persons over the previous two weeks. European countries: Travel restrictions are in place with the following countries: - Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, France, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. - From 24 August 2020: Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and San Marino. Note that traffic across border crossing points between Finland and Sweden and between Finland and Norway will be permitted between local border communities. Non-European countries: Restrictions on entry from non-European countries continue for all other countries except: China (provided that the Council of the EU confirms reciprocity with China), Georgia, Japan (until 23 August), New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay. Return travel to Finland, business travel and other necessary traffic is permitted. In addition, transit traffic will be permitted at airports. Note that no further specifics regarding transport of goods have been communicated (but no further restrictions either). As the detailed requirements keep changing, we recommend you check the specific guidelines on the following websites: Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare - Travel specific COVID-19 info Ministry for Foreign Affairs on COVID-19 Source : SKAL
24.06.2020 On 24 June, the Finnish Government updated policies on travel and border crossing rules. Controls at internal borders have been lifted for the following countries: Germany, Italy, Austria, Greece, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Liechtenstein. Travel to Finland has been allowed for people coming from Croatia, Cyprus and Ireland. The Government will continue to assess the overall situation in the Schengen Area and the EU Member States until 10 July, and will update the list of countries based on the development of the pandemic at that time. Based on the current epidemiological assessment, internal border control and travel restrictions will continue between Finland and the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Poland, France, Sweden and the Czech Republic, with the exception of leisure boating. Anyone travelling from Finland to these countries must remember to check the entry restrictions for the country of destination. Further information on measures adopted can be found here. Source: SKAL
18.06.2020 On 16 June, the Finnish government lifted the state of emergency. From 15 June, controls at the internal border with Norway have also been lifted. Traffic returning to Finland, commuting and other essential traffic are allowed. Controls at the internal border between Finland and Schengen countries (other than Norway) remain in place. Restrictions at external borders remain in place until 14 July. Self-isolation remains recommended for people arriving from countries that are still subject to internal or external border control. Such countries include Sweden and Russia. Self-isolation is not required if the person arrives from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Denmark or Iceland. More information can be found here and here. Source: SKAL
25.05.2020 The temporary relaxations on driving and rest time rules based on EU Regulation 561⁄2006, which apply until 31 May in Finland, will not be further extended. Normal driving times and rest periods will apply again as of 1 June 2020. More information here. Source: SKAL
20.05.2020 On 19 May, the Finnish Parliament adopted a legislative package on temporary modifications to transport legislation. The amendments aim to facilitate business activities and people's daily lives and ensure well-functioning transport operations under the emergency conditions resulting from the coronavirus epidemic. Concerning road transport, relevant measures are the following: · The notification period of providers of passenger transport services will be shortened from 60 days to 5 days. · The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency will be allowed to renew a taxi driver's licence so that the applicant can submit the required medical certificate within six months of the renewal of the licence. This applies to licences that expire between 16 March and 31 October 2020. Full press release can be found here. Source: SKAL
14.05.2020 On 7 May 2020, the Finnish Government decided to continue border controls at internal borders and restrict cross-border traffic from 14 May until 14 June 2020. At internal borders, the following is permitted:
At external borders, the following is permitted:
Details on new rules can be read here. Source: SKAL
08.05.2020 o The Finnish Government decided to prolong border control at internal borders and restrict cross-border traffic until 14 June 2020. On 4 May, the Finnish Government announced the lifting of restrictions currently in force on cross-border traffic across Schengen internal borders from 14 May. o The measure will allow employment or commission-related commuting and other essential traffic. Holiday and recreational travel abroad is still not recommended. The Finnish Border Guard drafted specific guidelines on the gradual opening of border traffic. Source: SKAL
05.05.2020 On 4 May, the Finnish Government announced the lifting of restrictions currently in force on cross-border traffic across Schengen internal borders from 14 May. The measure will allow employment or commission-related commuting and other essential traffic. Holiday and recreational travel abroad is still not recommended. The Finnish Ministry of the Interior will draft specific guidelines on the gradual opening of border traffic. Source: SKAL
23.04.2020 On 23 April, the Finnish government extended the ban of large gatherings of more than 500 people until 31 July 2020, at least. It also set out temporary relaxations on driving and rest time rules, which apply from 26 April until 31 May and are as follows: · Maximum daily driving time of 11 hours · Maximum weekly driving time of 60 hours · Maximum fortnightly driving time of 120 hours · Minimum daily rest period of 9 hours · Minimum weekly rest period of 24 hours, every other week, without compensation · 45 minutes rest period every 5,5 hours of driving time, which may be split into a 30 minutes before and 15 minutes after · Regular weekly rest in the cabin allowed, as long as the vehicle is stationary and it has suitable sleeping facilities. Source: SKAL
16.04.2020 On 16 April, the Finnish Government issued new decrees that bring into force special agreements on the transport of dangerous goods. The decrees enter into force on 17 April. With the special agreements (M326, M327 and RID 4/2020), the periodic inspections of pressure receptacles, UN tanks and UN-MEG containers, that would expire during the coronavirus situation, will exceptionally remain in force with special arrangements in Finland and other signatory countries of the agreement. The special agreements may be applied to transport by road and rail that are mostly used for the carriage of dangerous goods.The agreements will be available on the website of the Transport and Communications Agency - Traficom. The Agency will provide information in Finnish and Swedish. For additional information, members can consult the following webpages: UNECE and OTIF. Source: SKAL
15.04.2020 On 15 April, the Finnish Government lifted the temporary restrictions on movement to and from the Uusimaa region which were enforced on 28 March. This will enter into force immediately following the Government’s plenary session, which is scheduled for 13:00 local time. All other measures, including those on external borders, social distancing, restaurants and schools, etc. remain applicable. Source: SKAL
07.04.2020 On 7 April, the Finnish Government decided to prolong the validity of the temporary reintroduction of border controls at the borders and the restrictions on traffic; border controls will be performed until 13 May 2020. Related decrees will be issued to Parliament for approval tomorrow (8 April) and are expected to be approved during this week. Controls aim at further reducing movement at the main commuting border crossing points with Sweden, Norway and Estonia; only work travel that is strictly necessary will be permitted, and employees must carry an employer’s certificate stating that the work is essential. Maritime passenger transport is prohibited: companies operating from Sweden, Estonia and Germany to Finland are requested to suspend the sale of tickets for ships departing on or after 11 April 2020. The provision does not apply to goods and freight transport operations. Regarding the Åland Islands, air passenger transport is permitted only on scheduled flights from Stockholm, Helsinki and Turku to Mariehamn. Passengers travelling from Åland with the destination of mainland Finland are also permitted to travel. People entering Finland are obliged to remain under quarantine-like conditions for 14 days. Such requirements do not apply to essential border crossings of emergency medical services and rescue service personnel or to freight transport. Regarding traffic between Finland and non-Schengen countries (i.e. Russia), Finnish Border Guard officials allow the entry/exit of the following: - Return to Finland: Finnish nationals and their family members; nationals of other EU and Schengen countries and their family members who are residing in Finland; third country nationals residing in Finland with residence permit. - Returning transit traffic to other EU or Schengen countries or via them: nationals of EU and Schengen countries and their family members, third country nationals residing in another EU or Schengen country with residence permit. - Exit of third country nationals. - Necessary traffic, which is: a) Healthcare and rescue service professionals/personnel, health researchers, and elderly care professionals. b) Transport personnel and other transport staff to the extent necessary. Companies should be aware that, despite additional controls the borders remain open and functional; previous restrictions are still in place. c) Diplomats, staff of international organisations, military personnel and humanitarian aid workers carrying out their work. d) Necessary transit and return trips. e) Passengers travelling for imperative family reasons. f) Persons in need of international protection or for other humanitarian reasons. g) Other necessary and justified traffic (e.g. maintenance works that require a specific maintenance team or person arriving from another country and whose work cannot be postponed). The restrictions set by Russia on the Finland-Russia border apply until 1 May 2020. Source: FinMobility
03.04.2020 The Finnish Parliament have approved the extension of the deadline of the measures currently in force. These measures will remain applicable until 13 May 2020. The Finnish Government is restricting traffic at external borders. Inbound passenger transport operations have been suspended, with the exception of citizens and residents returning to Finland. In this case, people returning to Finland from another country are required to quarantine for 14 days. Finnish citizens and residents are strongly advised not to travel abroad. Preparations are currently underway to restrict the flow of traffic across the northern and western borders. Border surveillance has been increased and all passenger sea transport is now extremely limited. Freight transport is however exempt from restriction measures at Finnish ports. All current restrictions in the Uusimaa region remain applicable and in force until 19 April 2020. Detailed information on the current situation in Finland is available on our consolidated document on IRU Flash Info webpage. Source: SKAL
02.04.2020 On 2 April, the Finnish Government issued a decree with the aim to ensure continuity of dangerous goods transport operations. Current exceptional circumstances may make it impossible to provide training and tests related to professional qualifications in the transport of dangerous goods, or scheduled and interim inspections of tanks, or vehicle inspections for the carriage of dangerous goods. Therefore, the validity of licences, approvals and certificates which will expire in the near future can, on an exceptional basis, be further extended in 2020. Source: FinMobility
28.03.2020 From 28 March (00:00), the Finnish government has closed Uusimaa region (Greater Helsinki Capital region). Thus, in practice, a temporary internal border has been established to separate Uusimaa from the rest of the country. The restrictions apply to movements to and from the Uusimaa region, and will remain in force until 19 April 2020. The purpose of this new restrictions is to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) infections and to slow the spread of the epidemic from Uusimaa to other parts of Finland. Indeed, one third of the Finnish population lives in this region, and the vast majority of COVID-19 cases in Finland has been registered there. - Goods and freight transport services should continue as usual, but delays are expected due to the restrictions on movements. There are some 30 crossing points to and from Uusimaa, but no Green Lanes for trucks have been put in place yet. - Public transport services will not stop. However, the use of the services has already decreased and will continue due to the restrictions on movements. - Restrictions on people’s movements do not apply if movements are necessary for: (a) official activities; (b) travel for work, whether as an employee or as an entrepreneur or self-employed person, for studies or in connection with a societal position of trust; (c) the performance of military service or any other statutory obligation; (d) the need for care, risk of death or death of a family member, the right of access to a child, or for any other similar compelling personal reason. The police will monitor compliance with the movement restrictions. If requested by the police, people must provide an account of the reason of their journey. More information can be found on the following links: - Information released by Finnish Ministry of Internal Affairs. - Q & A on the restrictions by Police of Finland. - Information released by Finnish Ministry of Transport. Source: FinMobility
26.03.2020 On 26 March 2020, the Government issued a decree on extending the driving times and shortening the rest periods of drivers of buses and heavy goods vehicles due to the coronavirus pandemic. The exemption would be applied to road transport from 27 March to 25 April 2020, allowing a shortening of the daily rest period of drivers to 9 hours and weekly rest period to 24 hours. The Government also proposes that the required minimum rest period of 45 minutes be allowed to be more freely split into periods of 15 and 30 minutes within a period of four and a half hours. The full press release can be found here. Source: Ministry of Transport and Communications
19.03.2020 The Finnish Government is restricting traffic at borders from 19 March 2020, 00:00. People returning to Finland will be subject to 14 days quarantine. Inbound passenger transport operations are suspended, except for citizens and residents returning to Finland. Finnish citizens and residents must not travel abroad. Necessary travel for work and to access other necessary services will be permitted across the northern and western borders. Freight and goods traffic will continue as usual. Updated situation at borders:
Although cross border commuting is not prevented, the reduction in air and sea traffic will make it significantly more difficult for foreign workers to enter Finland from abroad. In the case of EU citizens and people with a permanent residence permit in another EU country who are returning to their home country via Finland, such travel will be allowed, taking into account the person's state of health. Detailed measures are available here. Source: FinMobility
18.03.2020 The Finnish government is restricting traffic at the borders from 19/3, 00.00. People returning to Finland will be subject to 14 days quarantine. Inbound passenger transport operations are suspended, except for citizens and residents returning to Finland. Finnish citizens and residents must not travel abroad. Necessary travel for work and to access other necessary services will be permitted across the northern and western borders. Freight and goods traffic will continue as usual. Detailed measures are available here. Source: FinMobility |