COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Finland (20 July Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Residents and citizens can enter Finland.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Requirements for entry into Finland are complex and very detailed. The restrictions depend on the traveller’s country of origin and the countries that the traveller may have spent time in prior to arrival in Finland. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in collaboration with other public institutes has created the FINENTRY platform which provides the traveller with the specific requirements that would apply to that travellers' unique itinerary. Restrictions on travel to Finland from different countries can be found at this link.

• Passengers from the following categories will be permitted to enter Finland until 25 July:

• People may enter Finland from the EU and Schengen areas if the incidence rate in the country they are arriving from is below 25, or if they have proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or have recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months.

• People may enter Finland from other EU and Schengen countries for essential or work-related reasons.

• People may enter Finland from third countries on the EU’s green list if the incidence of COVID-19 in the country in question is below 25. Entry from third countries other than those on the green list is allowed only for essential reasons.

• Diplomats and holders of official and service passports are allowed entry in the exercise of their duties.

• For more details and information on exemptions, please check this link. The list of countries and associated rules for permitted travel to Finland can be accessed here.

• Effective 26 July, travellers from all countries will be granted entry to Finland, provided that they present a valid vaccination certificate after having received a full vaccine series of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine prior to arrival (no less than 14 days from the last dose). Residents and/or citizens of EU and Schengen countries will be also granted entry to Finland provided that they can present a certificate of having been infected with (and recovered from) COVID-19 within the six months prior to arrival.

• Effective 26 July cruise ship passengers arriving in Finland from other EU or Schengen countries may also disembark the ship for a restricted time.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Transit through Finland for persons residing in another EU or Schengen country is allowed only by air. This restriction does not apply to Finnish citizens living in other countries.

• Transit through Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is permitted - no health and safety measures are required for transit, but the requirements of the destination country must be met.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• Travellers arriving in Finland without proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 must be tested as soon as they arrive in Finland and a second time within 3–5 days.

• Travellers arriving from high- risk countries with a negative COVID-19 test certificate from a test performed up to 72 hours prior to arrival or a first vaccine dose received at least 2 weeks prior to arrival in Finland must undertake a test within 3-5 days after their arrival.

• Travellers arriving from low-risk countries will not be directed to a health check at the point of entry and do not need to be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival.

• Exemptions from test-on-arrival apples to the following travellers:

• (a) Those who have received a full vaccination series (1 dose or 2 doses depending on the vaccine) and at least 2 weeks have passed since the last dose of vaccine;

• (b) Those who have had COVID-19 less than 6 months ago. More information for exemptions can be found here.

• Travellers may be given a coronavirus test as part of either a mandatory or voluntary health examination at the entry point. The test is free of charge.

Is a test certificate accepted?

• Yes

• Test certificates issued outside of Finland are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Travellers can use the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health FINENTRY platform to plan their travel. The service provides travellers instructions to follow after they arrive in Finland and provides travellers with information and instructions on coronavirus testing and self-quarantine.

• All travellers arriving from high- risk countries must present proof of one of the following:

• (a) Full vaccination certificate (1 dose or 2 doses depending on the vaccine) and at least 2 weeks have passed since the last dose of vaccine;

• (b) a negative COVID-19 test carried out up to 72 hours prior to arrival or a first vaccine dose received at least 2 weeks prior to arrival in the country, in that case, another test is required within 3-5 days of arrival;

• (c) recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months.

• A certificate or COVID-19 test is not required for those entering Finland from the following low-risk countries: Australia, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, China, Macao, Malta, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, New Zealand and the Vatican; The municipalities of South Varangi, Kaarasjoki, Kaivuono, Koutokeino, Omasvuono, Raisin, Teno and Uuniemi in Norway.

• Travellers are advised to contact their airlines to reconfirm the entry requirements before travelling to Finland.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• Travellers can use the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health FINENTRY platform to plan their travel. The service gives travellers instructions to follow after they arrive in Finland and provides travellers with information and instructions on coronavirus testing and self-quarantine.

• Until 25 July, travellers arriving from low-risk countries (countries where the COVID-19 incidence level is less than 25 cases per 1,00,000 inhabitants) are exempted from the requirement to enter quarantine on arrival in Finland.

• Travellers presenting documentary proof of having been fully vaccinated at least 14 days before their trip to Finland or a medical certificate stating that they have had COVID-19 less than 6 months before their trip to Finland may seek exemption from quarantine on arrival.

• Travellers who arrive only with a certificate for a negative COVID-19 test performed no earlier than 72 hours before arrival may take another test between 72-120 hours after their arrival. With a negative test result, the traveller can end self-isolation.

• Based on the above restrictions, travellers may either be exempted from quarantine or required to enter quarantine for 14 days, depending on their origin of travel and other conditions.

Vaccination required?

• No, with exceptions

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not mandatory for entry into Finland.

• Visitors from the EU and Schengen countries as well as from Andorra, Ireland, Croatia, Cyprus and Monaco countries are permitted to visit Finland for leisure travel if they produce proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to arrival. Fully vaccinated travellers will also be free from PCR tests and quarantine on presenting a valid vaccination certificate.

• Approved vaccines include those that are listed as approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the United States Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK, and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The presented certificate must be in Finnish, Swedish or English.

Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Entry form required?

• No

• Entry form is not required. However, FINENTRY platform is an optional online application for facilitating travel to the country which provides the traveller with the specific requirements that would apply to that travellers' unique itinerary

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• The Koronavilkku smartphone app is recommended. The app can be found here.

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• Airports are open.

• Commercial international and domestic flights are operating.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Entry restrictions will remain in effect at least until 25 July for internal borders and until 22 August for external borders. More details and exemptions can be found here.

• Finland Foreign Ministry recommends avoiding all travel to Brazil, South Africa and India.

• Eligible travellers can enter via air, maritime, and approved land borders.

• The opening hours of border crossing points on the Finnish-Norwegian border and on the Finnish-Swedish border in Karesuvanto, Kolari, Muonio, Ylitornio and Pello have been limited. The border crossing points on the Finnish-Norwegian border will be open from 09:00 to 21:00. The border crossing points on the Finnish-Swedish border in Karesuvanto, Kolari, Muonio, Ylitornio and Pello will be open from 07:00 to 21:00. The limited opening hours do not apply to goods transport or to necessary passenger traffic with a justified reason to cross the border outside the opening hours. Other border crossing points will remain open around the clock.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• There is no nationwide curfew in effect.

• Restrictions and measures may vary in different districts, and details may be found at this link.

Social restrictions

• Moderate

• Participants and parties must avoid close contact with others when there are more than 10 people indoors and more than 50 people in enclosed outdoor spaces.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Public transportation is currently operating. There may be restrictions on the number of passengers on public transport.

• Travel within Finland is allowed as long as health and safety guidelines relating to coronavirus are observed.

• Ferry services are operating.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Most non-essential businesses and shops are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open. Restrictions on opening hours and customer numbers may vary across regions and be enforced as required by the epidemiological situation in the area. Restaurant restrictions by province can be found here.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars and cafes are open. Restrictions and measures may vary in different provinces, and details may be found at this link.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• Yes

• Museums, sites, and attractions are open.

Events allowed?

• Yes

• Events are allowed with limited capacity. However, restrictions and measures may vary in different districts, and details can be found here.

Masks required in public?

• Yes with exceptions

• Wearing a mask is highly recommended.

• Face masks are recommended for travellers in Helsinki.

Other

• Libraries, theatres, and sports centres are open.

• The Korkeasaari Zoo is now open.

• More details on current recommendations and restrictions in Helsinki can be found here.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practise social distancing, maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.