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

Press release of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior

The restrictions on cross-border traffic at the border crossing points of Salla and Raja-Jooseppi in Northern Finland will come into force on Sunday 10 April. The related exchange of notes between Finland and Russia was confirmed today by the President of the Republic. Information about the restrictions was first released on the occasion of the President’s visit to Moscow on 22 March 2016.

The implementation of the restrictions will start on 10 April at 00.00. Cross-border traffic at Salla and Raja-Jooseppi will be restricted temporarily for a maximum period of 180 days.

As from Sunday, the two northern border crossing points may only be used by Finnish, Russian and Belarusian citizens, and their accompanying family members irrespective of their nationality.

The restrictions aim to prevent illegal and uncontrolled migration and related threats, and reduce opportunities for crime. Another 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.

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 restrictions:

Jaakko Ritola, Colonel, Border Guard Headquarters, tel. +358 295 421 191, [email protected]
Vesa Blomqvist, Colonel, Border Guard Headquarters, tel. +358 295 421 102, [email protected]