Finland eases entry restrictions for fully-vaccinated travellers

The government on Tuesday decided to ease restrictions further on people arriving in Finland from 12 July.

The government brought temporary amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act and on a model for preventing the spread of COVID-19 infections to Finland from abroad, said the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in a press release.

From 12 July 2021 onwards, people arriving in Finland will be required to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or of recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months. Those who show proof of one of the above will not be subject to other health security obligations upon arrival in Finland.

All other persons must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken before entering the country or proof of a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine received at least 14 days prior to entry. In both of these cases, the person must also take a COVID-19 test 3–5 days after arriving in the country. They must avoid contact with others and remain at home or in their place of accommodation until they receive confirmation of a negative test result.

If a person arriving in Finland does not have proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, recovery from COVID-19, a negative test result or a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine received at least 14 days prior to arrival in Finland, they must be tested for COVID-19 as soon as they arrive in Finland and a second time 3–5 days after arrival.

The obligation to show proof or be tested for COVID-19 does not apply to people arriving in Finland from countries or regions where the incidence of COVID-19 or the prevalence of virus variants does not pose a particular risk.

The Government has issued a decree on these countries and regions. The countries are: Australia, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, China, Macao, Malta, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, New Zealand and the Vatican, and the Norwegian municipalities of Storfjord, Kåfjord, Nordreisa, Kautokeino, Karasjok, Tana, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger. The decree will be amended if the epidemiological situation so requires.

The obligation to be tested for COVID-19 applies to people over 16 years of age. The amended Act also specifies exceptional categories of people who are not subject to this obligation.

Under the Communicable Diseases Act, neglecting to undergo the required COVID-19 tests is a punishable offence.

The temporary amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act will remain in force until 15 October 2021. The decree will remain in force until 31 August 2021.