Cross-border traffic resumes partly

The restrictions and recommendations on cross-border traffic will be gradually dismantled starting from 00.00 hours on Thursday until further notice, said a government press release.

In line with the government’s hybrid strategy, Finland is now beginning the controlled dismantling of the restrictive measures put in place to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis.

Starting on 14 May, cross-border commuting for employment and commissions and other essential traffic will be permitted across the Schengen internal borders.

International passenger flights will continue to arrive only at Helsinki, Turku and Mariehamn airports.

In all transports, passengers must remember to avoid physical contacts, maintain a safe distance from other people and observe good hand and respiratory hygiene. When leaving the airport or harbour, using one’s own car or taking a taxi is recommended.

Ticket sales for maritime passenger traffic will be reopened. Anyone having the right of entry may buy the tickets. The conditions for entry will be verified at the port.

Persons arriving from abroad to work in Finland must be prepared to prove their work-related grounds for entry in connection with border checks.

These restrictions and those decided on earlier concerning external border traffic will remain in force until 14 June.

Every citizen of Finland has always the right to return to Finland and everyone has the right to leave the country. Recreational travel abroad is not recommended for the time being.

Written guidelines from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) on the recommendations and regulations related to entering the country will be distributed to those arriving in the country. These guidelines will also be communicated through announcements, notices and signs at entry points.

It is recommended that persons arriving in the country self-isolate for a period of 14 days. During this period, unnecessary physical contacts should be avoided and movement outside the home should be restricted to essential travel for work or, for example, to go shopping.

The travel restrictions put in place to prevent the coronavirus pandemic from spreading are being relaxed gradually.