Border control reinstated at Finland's internal borders for a week in July

The Border Guard will enhance border security at Finland's external and internal borders on 8–15 July. The Government made a decision on the matter on 6 July 2023.

President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö will host United States President Joe Biden's visit to Finland and the US-Nordic Leaders’ Summit in Helsinki on 13 July 2023. Border control will be reinstated temporarily at Finland's internal borders due to the visit. Internal borders are the borders between countries in the Schengen Area. 

Border control will not be carried out on all passengers, but targeted according to the authorities' assessment.

Those crossing the internal border must be prepared for border checks at border crossing points. The decision does not change the obligation to carry travel documents. When travelling within the Schengen area, you must always carry a passport or an identity card. 

The Schengen Area covers 27 European countries, which normally do not have travel restrictions or border controls between them. The countries applying the Schengen acquis control the common external border, which contributes to ensuring the security of the area of free movement (Schengen Area).

Internal border control has been temporarily reinstated in connection with earlier high-level visits or events, too.

Inquiries:

Major General Matti Sarasmaa, Chief of the Border and Coast Guard Division, The Border Guard, tel. +358 295 421 101, [email protected] (Thursday 6 July 2023)

More information on border crossing during internal border control: 

Border Guard Communications, media service number +358 50 456 2862, viestinta(at)raja.fi (on weekdays at 8.00–16.00)