Cross-border traffic at Salla and Raja-Jooseppi to be restricted

Finland and Russia have agreed that the border crossing points of Salla and Raja-Jooseppi in Northern Finland may only be used by Finnish, Russian and Belarusian citizens and their family members. This restriction, which specifies the provisions of the 1994 Agreement on crossing points at the Finnish-Russian state frontier, aims to prevent organised illegal migration.

The aim is to enhance the effectiveness of measures taken in Finland and Russia in the past few weeks to combat illegal migration and its facilitation.

Finland shares the responsibility for the management of the EU's external border, which is also the Schengen external border. In line with our EU commitments, we strive to prevent the emergence of new routes for illegal migration.

This restriction will only affect a small number of people who legally cross the border via the border crossing points of Salla and Raja-Jooseppi. They may still use other border crossing points between Finland and Russia.

The restriction will come into force on the day following the official exchange of notes. Before that, it will be discussed at government and presidential sessions.

The cross-border traffic will be restricted temporarily up to a maximum of 180 days. The situation and the impacts of actions taken will be constantly monitored, and any further actions decided accordingly.

Further information about the impacts of the restriction: Jaakko Ritola, Colonel, Border Guard Headquarters, tel. +358 295 421 191, [email protected]