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Travel restrictions are further relaxed but non-essential travel should still be avoided

Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Publication date 9.7.2020 14.27 | Published in English on 10.7.2020 at 13.10
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Finland allows recreational travel to Finland from those European countries where the number of coronavirus infections is at a sufficiently low level. People are able to travel to these countries and to return to Finland from them without self-isolation. On 15 June, the restrictions on non-essential travel were lifted for Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway and will be lifted on 13 July for Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Malta, the Netherlands, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, and the Vatican.

Coronavirus and its spread continue to pose a global risk. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs continues to advise against non-essential travel abroad. The general advice against non-essential travel abroad does not apply to the countries listed above. It is good to be aware of the possibility that these countries may have their own restrictions on entry into the country. Before travelling, always check the current entry regulations in your travel destination from the authorities of the country of destination, for example from the nearest mission of the country in question.

Additionally, as of 13 July, Finland will allow work-related travel and other essential traffic from the following non-EU countries: Algeria, Australia, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay and China.  However, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs maintains its general advice against non-essential travel to these countries.

Non-essential travel means, for example, recreational travel. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs may issue country-specific travel advice in which the recommendations may be even more rigid than the normal advice against non-essential travel due to a war or other reasons affecting the security situation. However, everyone has the right to leave the country unless their right to travel has been legally prohibited; the ultimate decision to travel or not is always made by the traveller.

Questions concerning border control and border crossings should be addressed to the Border Guard

The pandemic may lead to abrupt and unpredictable changes in any country or region

If your travel abroad is essential, bear in mind that the restrictive measures imposed by different countries may change rapidly and come as a surprise: local quarantine regulations, restrictions on movement, disruption of traffic, restrictions on leaving the country, reduced availability of healthcare services, closures of services, including limited availability of food services, concern everyone. Your country of destination may have imposed restrictions on entry in its territory, which is why you should always check the most recent entry regulations from the local authorities, for example, the nearest mission of the country in question.

There is also the risk that reserved flights and other connections may suddenly be cancelled and travel to and especially return from the country may be prevented. All travellers can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus epidemic by complying with the travel recommendations and hygiene instructions. Travellers must always follow the guidance issued by the authorities and travel operators, such as instructions applying to masks covering the nose and mouth. 

Finland’s missions abroad keep their own websites and social media channels updated on current information on the impact of the coronavirus situation on travel and tourism.

The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has only limited capabilities to assist Finnish citizens in difficulty abroad during the pandemic. The Foreign Ministry recommends that travellers always take out a comprehensive travel insurance. It is particularly important now to make sure that the insurance policy provides sufficient coverage in case of a pandemic.

People returning to Finland from countries other than the ones mentioned above are recommended to self-isolate for 14 days. Observe the instructions of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, also in case you show symptoms of a respiratory tract infection after your travel and if you suspect that you have contracted coronavirus.

If you decide to travel, always remember to submit a travel notification at matkustusilmoitus.fi. This means that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is aware of your whereabouts in the country of destination and can contact you in case of an emergency or crisis.

 
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