Incoming passengers need negative coronavirus test result

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) recommends that all transport companies and shipping companies transporting passengers require a negative coronavirus test result from all passengers coming to Finland from abroad.

The certificate should be presented to the operator before the journey begins. It is recommended that a negative test certificate be required at the latest from 23 February onwards, said the THL in a press release on Thursday.

This recommendation applies to all passengers arriving in Finland who are aged over 12.

A corresponding certificate is also recommended for 6-12-year-olds but not as a requirement.

If the traveller holds a medical certificate confirming that they have recovered from COVID-19 disease and they completed their recovery less than 6 months ago, no negative coronavirus test certificate is required.

“The aim of the recommendation is to prevent the spread to Finland of coronavirus variants observed in Britain, Brazil, and South Africa and to reduce the number of infections that come to Finland through passenger traffic. It is, therefore, necessary to prevent the risk of infection associated with tourism as effectively as possible,” said THL Director Mika Salminen.

‘It is also worth remembering that even where a negative test certificate is a prerequisite for travel on a particular means of transport, this does not annul the restrictions related to entering the country, such as the 14-day period of self-isolation,” added Salminen.

This recommendation does not affect the existing travel restrictions at the EU’s internal and external borders and the conditions for entry are not affected by a negative test result.

The recommendation that has now been made replaces the recommendation on these matters that was previously provided to air carriers by the THL.