Finland's eastern border to remain closed until further notice

The Government has renewed its decision on the closure of border crossing points on the eastern border. On 16 April 2025, the Government decided that the border crossing points on the eastern border remain closed and the submission of applications for international protection continue to be centralised. The decision will remain in force until further notice.

The Government’s decision on the closure of the border has been in force under the same conditions for about a year. This is why it was reasonable to reassess the content of the decision and its preconditions. The new decision repeals a similar decision made by the Government on 4 April 2024.

The border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia have been closed since 15 December 2023 by virtue of a series of government decisions. The most recent decision entered into force on 15 April 2024. Applications for international protection may be submitted at other border crossing points at Finland’s external borders that are still open for air and maritime traffic.

The above government decisions and the enactment of the ‘Border Security Act’ have achieved their intended effect, and instrumentalised migration, which began in November 2023, has ceased for now. Instrumentalised migration is one way that Russia can put pressure on and affect the security and social stability of Finland and the EU.

Based on information available to the Finnish authorities, the risk that instrumentalised migration will resume and expand as seen previously remains likely. If the phenomenon were to continue, it would pose a serious threat to Finland’s national security and public order.

The Government will regularly assess the content and scope of the decision as the situation develops in cooperation with the Finnish Border Guard and other public authorities. The decision will be repealed or amended if it is no longer necessary to prevent a serious threat to national security or public order.

Inquiries:
Anne Ihanus, Senior Adviser for Legislative Affairs, tel. +358 295 421 608, anne.ihanus@raja.fi