Finland limits border-crossing hours with Sweden, Norway, Russia

The government on Thursday decided to ease entry restrictions from Iceland, while re-imposing restrictions on entry from Rwanda, said the Ministry of Interior in a press release.

The decisions were taken after reviewing the changed coronavirus situation of these countries and will come into force from 15 February.

Meanwhile, the open hours of certain border-crossing points on the western border in Lapland and the eastern border will be limited. The restrictions will remain in force until 25 February.

From Monday 15 February, the open hours of border-crossing points on the Finnish-Norwegian border and on the Finnish-Swedish border in Karesuvanto, Kolari, Muonio, and Pello will be limited.

The border-crossing points on the Finnish-Norwegian border will remain open from 9.00 AM to 07.00 PM

The border-crossing points on the Finnish-Swedish border in Karesuvanto, Kolari, Muonio, and Pello will remain open at 7:00–21:00 hours.

The limited open hours, however, do not apply to goods transport or to necessary passenger traffic with a justified reason to cross the border outside the open hours. Other border-crossing points will remain open round the clock.

From Friday 19 February, the open hours of border-crossing points on the Finnish-Russian border in Niirala, Nuijamaa, and Vaalimaa will be limited, too.

The limited open hours do not apply to goods transport or to persons with an urgent and necessary reason to cross the border outside the open hours.

Decisions on open hours are made by the head of the administrative unit of the Border Guard in consultation with local and regional health authorities, and, where appropriate, other authorities.