Finland’s eastern border to remain closed until further notice

The Government has renewed its decision on the closure of border crossing points on the eastern border. On 4 June 2026, the Government decided that the border crossing points on the eastern border would remain closed and the submission of applications for international protection would continue to be centralised. The decision will remain in force until further notice.

The Government’s decision on the closure of the border has been in force under the same conditions for a little over two years. The Government regularly assesses the content of the decision and its preconditions. The new decision repeals a similar decision made by the Government on 16 April 2025.

The border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia have been closed since 15 December 2023 by virtue of a series of government decisions. Applications for international protection may be submitted at other border crossing points at Finland’s external borders that are still open for air and maritime traffic.

The above government decisions have achieved their intended effect, and instrumentalised migration has ceased for now at Finland’s eastern border. Instrumentalised migration is one way that Russia can put pressure on and affect the security and social stability of Finland and the EU.

Based on information available to the Finnish authorities, the risk that instrumentalised migration will resume and expand as seen previously remains likely, if the border crossing points were reopened. If the phenomenon were to continue, it would pose a serious threat to Finland’s national security and public order.

The Government regularly assesses the content and scope of the decision as the situation develops, in cooperation with the Finnish Border Guard and other public authorities. The decision will be repealed or amended if it is no longer essential for preventing a serious threat to national security or public order.

Inquiries:
Anne Ihanus, Senior Adviser for Legislative Affairs, tel. +358 295 421 608, [email protected]