COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Finland (07 May Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Residents and citizens can enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• The restrictions on entry into Finland have been extended until 25 May 2021.

• Passengers from the following countries can enter Finland for any purpose, including leisure: the Vatican, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, South Korea, and Rwanda.

• Border controls will continue to be in place for travel between Finland and the following countries, with the exception of pleasure craft travel: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Travellers must have a border crossing permit.

• Border traffic between Finland and the following countries is restricted to essential travel only: Andorra, Bulgaria, Ireland, Croatia, Romania, San Marino, Cyprus, and Monaco. More details can be found here.

• Travel between Finland and third-countries is restricted to essential travel only.

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

• For more details and exemptions visit here.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Transit through the Helsinki Airport is allowed as long as travellers can verify acceptance at their final destination.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• All persons arriving in Finland from high-risk countries will be directed to get tested. Exemptions apply to those who have: (a) a certificate of a negative coronavirus test taken not earlier than 72 hours before the entry, (b) a certificate stating that the traveller has had coronavirus disease less than 6 months earlier.

• Additional health screening measures are in place at all the entry ports including airports.

Is a test certificate accepted?

• Yes

• Test certificates issued outside of Finland are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• No, with exceptions

• For travellers arriving without a certificate for a COVID-19 test taken less than 72 hours prior to arrival, a self-quarantine is recommended regardless of the length of stay in Finland. Travellers can shorten the self-quarantine by getting tested for coronavirus at the point of entry on arrival.

• Pursuant to the recommendation by Finnish authorities, airlines require all passengers travelling to Finland from abroad to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate obtained from a test taken within 72 hours prior to boarding or a doctor’s certificate stating that the traveller has had the coronavirus, within the past 6 months, but is now symptomless and fit to travel.

• It is recommended that travellers who do not live in Finland take a COVID-19 test less than 72 hours before arriving in Finland. A second test can be taken in Finland no earlier than 72 hours after arriving in Finland.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• A 14-day self-quarantine is recommended for travellers from high-risk countries. The updated list of countries with their corresponding risk levels can be found here. Visitors can shorten the quarantine period by taking two COVID-19 tests, one on arrival and one after 72 hours. If the visit lasts less than 72 hours, neither quarantine nor a second test is required.

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

• Travellers may enter Finland without the requirement to enter self-quarantine from Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, South Korea, Australia, and Iceland.

• Cross-border commuters travelling to and from Norway and Sweden can avoid quarantine by presenting a negative COVID-19 test no older than seven days.

• Travellers presenting a medical certificate stating that they have had COVID-19 less than 6 months ago may seek exemption from self-isolation.

• Based on the above restrictions, travellers must be prepared to spend a minimum of zero days in quarantine and a maximum of 14 days in quarantine.

Vaccination required?

• No

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

Insurance required?

• No

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

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 May 2021. More details and exemptions can be found here.

• 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, 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, 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. However, the authorities declared a state of emergency throughout the country. The measures and restrictions during the state of emergency can be found here.

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

Social restrictions

• Moderate

• General gatherings should not exceed more than 50 people.

• General gatherings will be restricted in Helsinki. Only essential events with a maximum of 10 people are allowed.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Public transportation is currently operating.

• 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 operating with limited hours.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars and cafes are open. Bars are ordered not to serve alcohol after midnight and must close by 01:00 (local time).

Museums and heritage sites open?

• Yes

• Museums, sites, and attractions are open.

• Museums in Helsinki are closed.

Events allowed?

• Yes with exceptions

• The local authorities extended the ban on public events and gatherings in Helsinki until 30 April.

Masks required in public?

• No with exceptions

• Wearing a mask is highly recommended, although it is not enforced in most public places, except on flights and in airports.

• Face masks are recommended for people in Helsinki.

Other

• Libraries, theatres, and sports centres are open.

• Adult team and contact sports will remain banned in Helsinki. Some major sports competitions are exempt but social distancing protocols must be maintained.

• Korkeasaari Zoo remains closed.

• 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 practice social distancing and 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.