More stringent controls placed on people arriving from abroad

The measures being taken at the airport to guide people safely home or into quarantine have been tightened considerably.

All individuals arriving in Finland from abroad are now required to fill in a form assessing their situation already at the border control stage. Passengers must complete the form before proceeding to the border check counter, where the form will be inspected by the border guard. Based on the information provided in the form, the person will either be instructed on making their way home or directed to a health checkpoint or a service point for making transport arrangements. 

People at the health checkpoint who are experiencing symptoms will be directed to sampling and brought to hotel accommodation to wait for the results. If the sample is negative, they will continue their normal quarantine either at the designated accommodation or at home. If the result is positive, they will be transferred to healthcare. A quarantine order will be issued for travellers who do not consent to self-quarantine. People who do not have a place to spend their quarantine in Finland will be provided with accommodation for 14 days. Quarantine accommodation will be provide primarily at the passenger's own expense.

People arriving at the airport will not be able to leave using public transport, but they can leave using their own car. If a returning traveller does not have their own vehicle and is unable to arrange transport home, a charter bus or taxi may be provided. Transport via charter bus began this afternoon.

The control arrangements will enter into force immediately.

Concerning the measures at the airport, the primary actors include Finavia, the Ministry of the Interior, which is responsible for border formalities, and the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which is responsible for transport matters. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for healthcare measures.

Inquiries: On airport operations and opening hours, transport arrangements and instructions for passengers at airports: Finavia Customer Service, [email protected]

The national telephone helpline at +358 295 535 535 answers general questions about the coronavirus at 8–21 on weekdays and 9–15 on Saturdays. The number does not provide health advice.