Internal border control to be reinstated for traffic between Finland and the Schengen countries on 28 December – same restrictions now apply to all passengers arriving in Finland

Internal border control will be reinstated at Finland’s borders starting on Tuesday 28 December. There will also be other changes to the restrictions on entry, and as of 28 December, the same restrictions will apply to everyone arriving in Finland from abroad. The Government decided on the new restrictions today. The decision will enter into force on 28 December at 15.00 Finnish time and will remain in force until 16 January 2022. 

Internal border control will be reinstated for traffic between Finland and all Schengen countries. In addition, entry restrictions and health security measures will be tightened so that from Tuesday 28 December onwards, all passengers arriving in Finland from abroad will be required to present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months, along with a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken less than 48 hours prior to arrival.

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.

Exceptions for residents of border communities and people arriving in Åland

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 the Swedish municipality of Norrtälje and the province of Åland may enter Finland if they have proof of full vaccination with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, proof of recovery from COVID-19 less than six months prior to entry, or a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than seven days prior to entry.

Finnish citizens not required to present a negative test result

A negative COVID-19 test result will not be required from 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.

Finnish travellers should note that while they are allowed to enter Finland without a test, other countries and airlines may have their own testing requirements.

Inquiries:
The Finnish Border Guard gives advice on cross-border traffic by phone and email. The service is available in Finnish, Swedish and English on weekdays between 8.00 and 16.00 at +358 295 420 100. Questions can also be sent by email to rajavartiolaitos@raja.fi.
  
If you have any questions about approved vaccines or quarantine or testing requirements, please call the Government COVID-19 helpline at +358 295 535 535 or visit the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.