Entry restrictions continue until 31 Jan

The government on Thursday decided to continue the ongoing tighter entry control from the European Union and Schengen area until 31 January against the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak in the country, said the Ministry of the Interior in a press release.

Earlier, the government on December 21 imposed the stricter entry restrictions, which entered into effect on December 28.

Some exemptions, however, will be made for people who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasons. They may enter Finland if they have a medical certificate indicating this, along with a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken less than 48 hours prior to entry.

The decisions will enter into force on Monday.

Entry restrictions and health security measures were tightened so that, apart from a few exceptions, all passengers arriving in Finland from abroad will be required to present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months, along with a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken less than 48 hours prior to arrival. This requirement applies to those born in 2006 or earlier.

As an exception to the above, residents of border communities at Finland’s land border with Sweden and Norway as well as persons travelling between the Swedish municipality of Norrtälje and the province of Åland may enter Finland if they have proof of full vaccination with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, proof of recovery from COVID-19 less than six months prior to entry, or a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than seven days prior to entry.

A negative COVID-19 test result will not be required from Finnish citizens, foreign nationals residing permanently in Finland, or persons who have an essential reason for entry, such as compelling family matters or another compelling personal reason.

However, all passengers are required to present certificates laid down in the Communicable Diseases Act and comply with the decisions made by the Regional State Administrative Agencies on compulsory health examinations.

Finnish travellers are allowed to enter Finland without a test, other countries and airlines may have their own testing requirements.