Skip to content
  • Finnish Government
    • Prime Minister's Office
    • Ministry of Defence
    • Ministry of Transport and Communications
    • Ministry for Foreign Affairs
    • Ministry of Finance
    • Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
    • Ministry of Justice
    • Ministry of Education and Culture
    • Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
    • Ministry of the Interior
    • Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
    • Ministry of the Environment

Valitse kieli:

This page is in Finnish. Go to the English site »

Or choose language:

Den här sidan är på finska. Gå till den svenska versionen av sidan »

Eller välj språk:

Dát siidu lea suomagillii. Sirdás davvisámegielat siidduide »

Dahje vállje giela:

Язык этого сайта финский. Перейти на русскоязычный сайт »

Или выберите язык:

Cette page est en finnois. Aller sur le site en français »

Ou choisir la langue:

Diese Seite ist auf Finnisch. Wechseln Sie zur deutschen Version »

Oder wählen Sie Ihre Sprache:

Tämä sivu on englanniksi. Siirry suomenkieliseen sivustoon »

Tai valitse kieli:

Choose language:

Den här sidan är på engelska. Gå till den svenska versionen av sidan »

Eller välj språk:

Язык этого сайта английский. Перейти на русскоязычный сайт »

Или выберите язык:

Dát siidu lea eŋgelasgillii. Sirdás davvisámegielat siidduide »

Dahje vállje giela:

Cette page est en anglais. Aller sur le site en français »

Ou choisir la langue:

Diese Seite ist auf Englisch. Wechseln Sie zur deutschen Version »

Oder wählen Sie Ihre Sprache:

Tämä sivu on ruotsiksi. Siirry suomenkieliseen sivustoon »

Tai valitse kieli:

This page is in Swedish. Go to the English site »

Or choose language:

Välj språk:

Язык этого сайта шведский. Перейти на русскоязычный сайт »

Или выберите язык:

Dát siidu lea eŋgelasgillii. Sirdás davvisámegielat siidduide »

Dahje vállje giela:

Cette page est en suédois. Aller sur le site en français »

Ou choisir la langue:

Diese Seite ist auf Schwedisch. Wechseln Sie zur deutschen Version »

Oder wählen Sie Ihre Sprache:

Tämä sivu on pohjois-saameksi. Siirry suomenkieliseen sivustoon »

Tai valitse kieli:

This page is in North Saami. Go to the English site »

Or choose language:

Den här sidan är på nordsamiska. Gå till den svenska versionen av sidan »

Eller välj språk:

Язык этого сайта северосаамский. Перейти на русскоязычный сайт »

Или выберите язык:

Vállje giela:

Cette page est en same du Nord. Aller sur le site en français »

Ou choisir la langue:

Diese Seite ist auf Nordsamisch. Wechseln Sie zur deutschen Version »

Oder wählen Sie Ihre Sprache:

Tämä sivu on venäjäksi. Siirry suomenkieliseen sivustoon »

Tai valitse kieli:

This page is in Russian. Go to the English site »

Or choose language:

Den här sidan är på ryska. Gå till den svenska versionen av sidan »

Eller välj språk:

Dát siidu lea ruoššagillii. Sirdás davvisámegielat siidduide »

Dahje vállje giela:

выберите язык:

Cette page est en russe. Aller sur le site en français »

Ou choisir la langue:

Diese Seite ist auf Russisch. Wechseln Sie zur deutschen Version »

Oder wählen Sie Ihre Sprache:

Tämä sivu on ranskaksi. Siirry suomenkieliseen sivustoon »

Tai valitse kieli:

This page is in French. Go to the English site »

Or choose language:

Den här sidan är på franska. Gå till den svenska versionen av sidan »

Eller välj språk:

Dát siidu lea fránskkagillii. Sirdás davvisámegielat siidduide »

Dahje vállje giela:

Язык этого сайта французский. Перейти на русскоязычный сайт »

Или выберите язык:

Choisir la langue:

Diese Seite ist auf Französisch. Wechseln Sie zur deutschen Version »

Oder wählen Sie Ihre Sprache:

Tämä sivu on saksaksi. Siirry suomenkieliseen sivustoon »

Tai valitse kieli:

This page is in German. Go to the English site »

Or choose language:

Den här sidan är på tyska. Gå till den svenska versionen av sidan »

Eller välj språk:

Язык этого сайта немецкий. Перейти на русскоязычный сайт »

Или выберите язык:

Cette page est en allemand. Aller sur le site en français »

Ou choisir la langue:

Wählen Sie Ihre Sprache:

  • Valitse kieli Suomi
  • Välj språket Svenska
  • Select language English
Media
Go to Sisäministeriö site frontpage
  • Frontpage
  • Areas of expertise
    • Police
    • Rescue services
    • Emergency response
    • Border management
    • Migration
    • National security
    • Civilian crisis management
    • Flag and arms of Finland
  • Current issues
  • Projects and legislation
  • Publications
  • Ministry
  • Contact
  • News
  • Sign up for news
  • Ukraine
  • Situation at the eastern border
  • Work Help Finland
suomiLue artikkeli suomeksi svenskaLäs artikeln på svenska English

Government decides on new COVID-19 restrictions – vaccinations still the key to controlling the epidemic

Government Communications DepartmentMinistry of Education and CultureMinistry of Social Affairs and HealthMinistry of the Interior
Publication date 21.12.2021 23.38 | Published in English on 22.12.2021 at 13.39
Type:Press release 745/2021
Prime Minister Sanna Marin

In its negotiations on Tuesday 21 December, the Government discussed the COVID-19 situation and decided on new restrictions and other necessary measures. In addition to increasing vaccination coverage, effective national and regional measures to limit close contacts are needed to slow down the spread of the epidemic. This will allow more time for giving people third vaccine doses.

It is essential to increase the vaccination coverage and protection against COVID-19 disease. The Government emphasises the importance of third doses and the need to accelerate vaccination in municipalities. It is also important that people take their first and second vaccine doses. There are still almost 600,000 *) unvaccinated adults in Finland.

The Government recommends that the authorities, based on their assessment, take extensive measures under the Communicable Diseases Act to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

Restrictions on the use of COVID-19 passports in areas in the community transmission phase

The Government also decided that the use of COVID-19 passports is to be restricted for a period of three weeks starting from 28 December 2021. A government decree to this effect will be urgently drafted under section 58 subsection i of the Communicable Diseases Act.

These restrictions will apply to moderate and high risk events and premises in community transmission areas. Events and premises identified as having a high risk of infection include bars, karaoke bars, nightclubs and mass events with no assigned seats. Events and premises identified as having a moderate risk of infection include choir singing events with more than 10 people, outdoor spectator stands with no assigned seats, and fairs with no special arrangements for avoiding close contact. Use of COVID-19 passports would be permitted at low risk events.

COVID-19 passport restrictions affect the opening hours of restaurants, cafés and bars

COVID-19 passport restrictions will affect opening hours in restaurants, cafés and bars. Starting from Friday 24 December, alcoholic beverages will not be served after 21.00 and closing time will be at 22.00.

Starting from Tuesday 28 December, alcohol will not be served after 17.00, and businesses that primarily serve alcoholic beverages will be required to close at 18.00. Restaurants will also be required to stop serving alcohol at 17.00, but opening hours for customers with a COVID-19 passport could be extended to 18.00-20.00.

Customer seats in restaurants that primarily serve alcoholic beverages will be restricted to 50 per cent and in restaurants serving food to 75 per cent of their normal number of customer seats. All restaurants in Finland will be entitled to require customers to present a COVID-19 passport at all hours.

Distance learning recommended in higher education institutions, liberal adult education, basic education for adults and basic education in arts for adults.

The Government recommended switching to distance learning in universities and universities of applied sciences, liberal adult education, basic education for adults and basic education in arts for adults until 16 January 2022. The recommendation does not apply to necessary contact teaching. 

The recommendation on distance learning does not apply to primary and lower secondary education, vocational education and training, or general upper secondary education. The Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare will update their earlier recommendations for education and training providers.

Internal border control reinstated for traffic between Finland and all Schengen countries as of 28 December

The Government decided to reintroduce internal border control at Finland’s borders starting from 28 December. Due to the rapid spread of the new coronavirus variant, measures taken under the Communicable Diseases Act are not sufficient to safeguard the capacity of the healthcare system. The Government will decide on new restrictions at its session on Tuesday 28 December 2021, and the decision will enter into force immediately. The decision will remain in force until 16 January 2022.

Internal border control is reinstated for traffic between Finland and all Schengen countries. Those arriving in Finland are required to present a certificate of a full vaccine course or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 disease less than six months prior to entry, and a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued less than 48 hours prior to entry. Until 31 December 2021 this requirement will apply to those born in 2005 or earlier, and as of 1 January 2022, to those born in 2006 or earlier. 

A negative test result will not be required of Finnish citizens, foreigners residing permanently in Finland, or persons who have an essential reason for entry, such as compelling family matters or another compelling personal reason. However, all passengers are required to present certificates laid down in the Communicable Diseases Act and comply with the decisions made by the Regional State Administrative Agencies on compulsory health examinations.

As an exception to the above, residents of border communities at Finland’s land border with Sweden and Norway as well as persons travelling between Norrtälje municipality and Åland may present a certificate of completed and approved COVID-19 vaccine course, a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 disease less than six months prior to entry, or a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 7 days prior to entry.

Internal border control was previously in place due to the COVID-19 epidemic from 19 March 2020 to 25 July 2021.

Compensation for costs arising from restrictions

The Government is preparing to compensate for the direct and necessary costs arising from restrictive measures. Decisions will be made quickly on the forms of compensation, especially with regard to legislation on support for business costs (closure compensation, limited business cost support), unemployment security, and the cancellation of events (including culture and sports). In addition, direct costs arising from the COVID-19 situation to the authorities will continue to be compensated in full.

New ministerial working group to coordinate COVID-19 measures

The Government decided to establish a new ministerial working group to coordinate the COVID-19 measures taken in different sectors of administration and to ensure efficient exchange of information. The working group will be appointed shortly.

As a preparatory body, the ministerial working group will discuss policy decisions and Government positions, as well as matters that will be decided at a government plenary session, and cross-administrative matters that will be decided in the relevant ministry. The ministerial working group will be chaired by Krista Kiuru, Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services.

Inquiries: 
Pasi Pohjola, Director of Strategic Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, firstname.lastname@gov.fi Link to an external website
Taneli Puumalainen, Director General, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, firstname.lastname@gov.fiLink to an external website
Ismo Tuominen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, firstname.lastname@gov.fiLink to an external website (restaurants)
Tuomas Laosmaa, Head of Unit, Ministry of the Interior, tuomas.laosmaa@raja.fiLink to an external website (internal border control)

*) Correction 22 December 2021 at 6.45 p.m: the right number is almost 600 000 (599 000), not almost 800 000.

Pääministeri Marinin mediatilaisuus neuvottelun jälkeen 21.12.Link to an external website
Emergency brake to be introduced to tackle COVID-19 – aiming to slow down the spread of the epidemic | Ministry of Social Affairs and Health's press release 22.12.Link to an external website
Ravitsemisliikkeiden anniskeluun ja aukioloon rajoituksia – koronapassin käyttöä rajataan | STM:n tiedote 22.12.Link to an external website
Updated recommendations for early childhood education and care, school education and vocational education and training to prevent the coronavirus epidemic | Ministry of Education and Culture's press release 22.12.Link to an external website
government
Schengen area border security boundaries communication coronaviruses counties culture decisions eating and drinking establishments education and training informal cabinet meeting internal borders ministerial working groups ministers negotiations pandemics restrictions vaccines working groups Åland

MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR
Sisäministeriö | Inrikesministeriet

Kirkkokatu 12, Helsinki
PO Box 26, FI-00023 Government
Tel. 0295 480 171 (switchboard)
registry.sm@gov.fi

About the site
Accessibility statement
Data protection
Sitemap
Questions and feedback

X (Twitter)
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube

Search page
  • Frontpage
  • Areas of expertise
    • Police
      • Government Programme measures in the police sector
      • Crime in Finland
      • Organised crime
        • Fight against organised crime
      • Counter-terrorism
        • Counter-terrorism measures in Finland
      • Violent radicalisation
        • Action plan monitoring
      • Hate crime
        • Online targeting and shaming
      • Human trafficking
      • Economic crime and the shadow economy
      • Cybercrime
        • Tackling cybercrime
      • Firearms
        • Firearms legislation
      • Gambling
      • Fundraising
      • Public order and security
      • Private security sector
      • Agencies and responsibilities
    • Rescue services
      • Government Programme measures in rescue services
      • Rescue operations
        • Maritime search and rescue
        • Emergency warnings
      • Accident prevention
        • Chimney sweeping
        • Smoke alarms and other fire safety equipment
          • Smoke alarm
          • Responsibility for smoke alarms to change in 2026
          • Carbon monoxide and heat detectors
          • First-aid extinguishing equipment
          • Fire safety systems of buildings
          • Systems connected to the ERC
          • Supervision of fire safety equipment
          • Frequently asked questions about smoke alarms
        • Emergency plan
        • Fire safety
      • Preparedness
        • National risk assessment
        • Civil defence
        • Civil defence shelters
        • Preparedness guide
      • International assistance
        • International cooperation in civil preparedness
        • Civil Protection Mechanism
      • Rescue Services Strategy
      • Rescue service agencies and responsibilities
    • Emergency response
      • Emergency response centres
      • Services
    • Border management
      • Government Programme measures to reform border security
      • Border surveillance
      • Maritime search and rescue
      • Fight against environmental damage in sea areas
      • Smart Borders
      • Frontex cooperation
      • Agencies and responsibilities
    • Migration
      • Government Programme measures to reform migration policy
        • Stricter conditions for permanent residence permits
      • Agencies and responsibilities
        • Preparing for large-scale influxes of migrants
      • Migration and asylum policy
        • Family reunification
      • Refugees and asylum seekers
        • Quota refugees
      • EU migration and asylum system
      • Voluntary and forced return
        • Readmission agreements
      • Nationality
        • Preconditions for and effects of acquiring Finnish citizenship
        • Expatriate Finns
      • Combating irregular entry and stay
    • National security
      • Government Programme measures to reform national security
      • What is national security?
        • Critical Infrastructure Protection and Crisis Resilience Act
      • Civilian intelligence
        • Questions and answers about civilian intelligence legislation
      • Hybrid threats
      • Cyber security
    • Civilian crisis management
      • Finland's objectives
      • Finnish experts serving in operations
      • Recruitment and training
      • Agencies and responsibilities
      • Legislation
    • Flag and arms of Finland
      • Flag days
        • Flagdays 2025
        • Proposals for flag days
      • Flying the flag at half mast
      • Flying the EU flag
      • Order of precedence
      • About the flag
        • History of the flag
      • Arms of Finland
      • The flag and coat of arms in commercial activities
  • Current issues
    • News
      • News archive
    • Sign up for news
    • Ukraine
      • Civilian material assistance to Ukraine
        • Laptops for Ukraine
        • Civilian assistance sent from Finland
      • Helping Ukrainians
      • Temporary protection
      • Frequently asked questions
    • Situation at the eastern border
    • Work Help Finland
      • Accessibility statement
      • Privacy policy
  • Projects and legislation
    • Reform of legislation on civilian intelligence
    • Passport project
    • Strengthening crime prevention
      • Answers to questions about biometric data regulation
    • Reform of the gambling system
      • Questions and answers on gambling system reform
    • Shooting ranges project
    • Reform of the Citizenship Act
      • Frequently asked questions
    • Interoperability of data within EU information systems for security
    • Secure satellite communication services
  • Publications
  • Ministry
    • Tasks and objectives
    • Management and organisation
      • Minister of the Interior
      • Permanent Secretary
      • Departments and units
    • Branch of government
    • Joint strategy for the Ministry's administrative branch
    • Operations and finances
    • Government Report on Internal Security
      • Government Report on Internal Security 2021
        • Abstract of the Report in easy-to-read language
    • International and EU cooperation
      • Priorities in EU and international affairs
      • Sub-committees on EU affairs
      • Finland and Nato
    • Oversight of legality
      • Oversight of legality at agencies within the Ministry’s branch of government
    • Research
      • Sentimentti data tool
      • Strategic foresight
    • Funds
    • Ministry as workplace
      • Personnel
      • Responsibility
      • Ministry’s pay system
      • Applying for a job
      • Traineeships
    • Whistleblower protection
    • History of the ministry
  • Contact
    • Submissions for consideration
      • Submission form
    • Request for information
      • Information request form
    • Contact information of the management, departments and units
    • Communications Unit
    • Data protection
      • Information on cookies
    • Accessibility statement
    • Feedback