Restrictions on entry remain largely unchanged until 31 January

Internal border control will continue and the restrictions on entry will remain largely unchanged until 31 January. However, some exemptions will be made for people who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasons. The Government decided on these changes at its session on 13 January and they will enter into force on 17 January 2022.

Internal border control was reinstated for traffic between Finland and all Schengen countries as of 28 December. In addition, entry restrictions and health security measures were tightened so that, apart from a few exceptions, 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. This requirement applies to those born in 2006 or earlier.

Exemptions for people who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasons

The decision on internal border control adopted at the end of December will be amended so that people who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasons may enter Finland if they have a medical certificate indicating this, along with a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken less than 48 hours prior to entry.

The decision on external border traffic will also be amended so that entry into Finland from non-Schengen EU countries would be permitted for people who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasons if they hold the above mentioned certificates. With regard to third countries, restrictions on entry will continue in line with the previous decision.

External border traffic refers to traffic between Finland and non-Schengen third countries.

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, foreign nationals 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 [email protected].

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.