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22.8.2021 | Intensive efforts are under way to evacuate Finns and Afghans who have been working for the Finnish Government from Afghanistan. Around ten people were evacuated from Kabul on Saturday, and a group of 52 have boarded evacuation flights so far on Sunday. This brings the total number of evacuees to 110 at present. The evacuees are Finnish citizens or permanent residents of Finland, along with other persons who have been working for Finland, the EU and NATO, together with their families.

2.9.2021 | A few changes will be made to the restrictions on entry at external borders based on current incidence rates. The Government adopted a decision on the matter on 2 August and the decision will enter into force on 6 August. The restrictions will continue until 19 September. However, people may still enter Finland from all countries upon presenting an approved certificate of a full vaccine course.

25.11.2021 | Restrictions on external border traffic will continue as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread. Despite the increase in vaccination coverage, there is still a risk that the carrying capacity of the healthcare system will be exceeded. For this reason, the validity of the decision made on 4 November will be extended until 19 December. However, people may still enter Finland from all countries upon presenting an approved certificate of a full course of vaccination.

16.9.2021 | Restrictions on entry will be reinstated for residents of Singapore in traffic arriving in Finland from Singapore. The Government adopted a decision on the matter on 16 September and the decision will enter into force on 20 September. No other changes will be introduced to the restrictions. The existing restrictions on entry at external borders will be extended until 10 October. However, people ...

12.8.2021 | A few changes will be made to the restrictions on entry at external borders based on current incidence rates. The Government adopted a decision on the matter on 12 August and the decision will enter into force on 16 August. However, people may still enter Finland from all countries upon presenting an approved certificate of a full vaccine course.

4.11.2021 | Restrictions on external border traffic will continue. Vaccination coverage is not yet sufficient in Finland, and there is still a risk that the capacity of the healthcare system will be exceeded. For this reason, the validity of the decision made on 14 October will be extended until 28 November. However, people may still enter Finland from all countries upon presenting an approved certificate of a full course of vaccination.

7.10.2021 | Restrictions on entry will be lifted for residents of Kuwait in traffic arriving in Finland from Kuwait. The Government adopted a decision on the matter on 7 October and the decision will enter into force on 11 October. No other changes will be introduced to the restrictions. The existing restrictions on entry at external borders will be extended until 24 October. However, people may still enter Finland from all countries upon presenting an approved certificate of a full course of vaccination.

14.10.2021 | Restrictions on entry will be lifted for residents of the countries and regions on the EU’s green list. In addition, the Vainikkala border crossing point will open to passenger traffic. The Government adopted a decision on the matter on 14 October and the decisions will enter into force on 18 October. Other restrictions on entry at external borders will be extended until 7 November. However, peo...

5.8.2021 | Changes are being made to the restrictions on external border traffic based on COVID-19 incidence rates, as the epidemic continues to spread vigorously in many parts of the world. The Government adopted a decision on the matter on 5 August. The decision will enter into force on 9 August and will remain in force until 22 August 2021. However, people may still enter Finland from all countries upon presenting an approved certificate of a full vaccine course.

19.8.2021 | A few changes will be made to the restrictions on entry at external borders based on current incidence rates. The Government adopted a decision on the matter on 19 August and the decision will enter into force on 23 August. The restrictions will continue until 19 September. However, people may still enter Finland from all countries upon presenting an approved certificate of a full vaccine course.

22.1.2021 | On 22 January, the Government decided to tighten the restrictions on entry into Finland. The new restrictions will enter into force on 27 January and will remain in force until 25 February. The new restrictions aim to reduce cross-border traffic in order to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 variants. The epidemiological situation in Finland differs considerably from that in other Schengen countries.

23.8.2021 | Distinguished Ministers and Heads of Mission, Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to the 2021 Meeting of Heads of Mission! As you can see from the picture, I am here in the familiar Engel Hall in the newly renovated premises of Merikasarmi. While on the face of it this space may appear to be the same as before, the Ritarikatu Hall, where the panel discussions are being held, is not easily recognisable.

23.8.2021 | Distinguished Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen, This year has shown very clearly the importance of foreign policy and the work of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. I do not mean just the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan and the tasks related to it, but all the events of the past few months: the global response to the coronavirus crisis, international efforts to halt climate change, work to promote ...

22.2.2021 | In 2020, the Unit for Consular Assistance provided nearly twice as much guidance compared to the previous year. In the spring, during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, personal guidance and advice were given to tens of thousands of travellers stranded abroad. Thousands of travellers were assisted in returning to Finland after air traffic ground to a sudden halt.

21.12.2022 | Negotiations between the Council of the EU, the European Parliament and the Commission reached an accord 18 December 2022 concerning the Emissions Trading Directive, an MRV Regulation on reporting of maritime transport emissions, and the Social Climate Fund.

21.12.2022 | Negotiations between the Council of the EU, the European Parliament and the Commission reached an accord 18 December 2022 concerning the Emissions Trading Directive, an MRV Regulation on reporting of maritime transport emissions, and the Social Climate Fund.