Restrictions on entry into the country to be tightened due to COVID-19

On 8 October, the Government adopted a decision on restrictions on entry into the country, which will enter into force on 12 October. Restrictions on entry will be reintroduced for traffic between Finland and Cyprus, Latvia and Liechtenstein. All existing restrictions on entry will continue until 10 November.

The decision applies the limit value of a maximum of 25 new cases of the disease per 100,000 persons in the previous 14 days. Differences in the epidemiological situation in Finland and other European countries, as well as the new acceleration in the spread of infections, require internal border controls to remain in place until the new health security measures are made available to the extent necessary.

Restrictions on internal border traffic from 12 October

Internal border traffic refers to traffic between Finland and other Schengen countries. Starting from 12 October, internal border control will be reinstated for traffic between Finland and all Schengen countries.

As a result of the Government’s decision, restrictions on internal border traffic will be in force from 12 October for traffic between Finland and Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, apart from certain exceptions. 

Day-to-day travel will still be permitted for local border communities at Finland's land border with Sweden and Norway. People will be able to come to work in Finland from Sweden and Estonia without a 10-day self-isolation period. Leisure boating from the EU and Schengen countries to Finland will not be restricted either. 

At the internal borders, restrictions on entry allow only return traffic to Finland, transit traffic, work-related travel and travel for other essential reasons, apart from the above-mentioned exceptions. A 10-day period of self-isolation is recommended for travellers arriving in Finland. Travellers can shorten their self-isolation period at their discretion if they take two voluntary COVID-19 tests.

Restrictions on external border traffic from 12 October

External border traffic refers to traffic between Finland and non-Schengen countries. Starting from 12 October, external border traffic will be permitted only for traffic arriving in Finland from the Vatican, and for traffic between Finland and Australia, Japan, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, New Zealand and Uruguay for residents of these countries.

In addition, people may come to Finland from the following European countries for work or another essential reason: Andorra, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Monaco, Romania, San Marino and the United Kingdom. A 10-day period of self-isolation is recommended for travellers arriving in Finland. Travellers can shorten their self-isolation period at their discretion if they take two voluntary COVID-19 tests.

For all other non-Schengen countries, restrictions on entry allow only return traffic to Finland and other EU and Schengen countries, transit traffic at Helsinki Airport and other essential traffic. In addition, a 10-day period of self-isolation is recommended for travellers arriving in Finland. Travellers can shorten their self-isolation period at their discretion if they take two voluntary COVID-19 tests. 

Changes to health security measures from 12 October

Finland introduced new travel-related health security measures in early October. Starting from 12 October, the recommended 14-day period of self-isolation will be shortened. A 10-day period of self-isolation is recommended for travellers arriving in Finland from a higher incidence country. Travellers can shorten their self-isolation period at their discretion if they take two voluntary COVID-19 tests. If a traveller is staying in Finland for less than 72 hours, they do not need to self-isolate or take a second test.

Rights of Finnish citizens and residents of Finland

Under section 9 of the Constitution of Finland, Finnish citizens and residents of Finland always have the right to return to Finland, and everyone has the right to leave Finland if they so wish, provided that there is no legal impediment to this. However, the Government still recommends avoiding unnecessary travel to other countries, except for countries for which the restrictions on entry have been lifted.

Travellers must be aware of the current entry and quarantine regulations of their country of destination and they must take into account the quarantine and testing recommendations for those returning to Finland. 

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