Entry restrictions on EU, Schengen countries to end on 31 Jan

The government on Thursday decided to lift the ongoing entry restrictions on all the Schengen and European countries on 31 January, said the Ministry of the Interior in a press release.

The government adopted the decision on the restrictions on border traffic, which was reinstated for traffic between Finland and other countries at the end of December.

The new decision will enter into force on 1 February.

Restrictions on external border traffic, however, will continue until 14 February.

Those arriving in Finland from outside the EU area are required to present a certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of recovery from COVID-19 less than six months prior to entry.

In addition, they are required to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued less than 48 hours prior to entry. This requirement applies to those born in 2006 or earlier.

Certificates 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 arriving in Finland 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.

Passengers must have a vaccination certificate or a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test certificate (less than 72 hours).

Passengers who do not have any of the above-mentioned certificates will be directed to a COVID-19 test at the point of entry.

With certain exceptions, the requirements apply to all those born in 2006 or earlier.

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

Meanwhile, the coronavirus ministerial working group at a meeting late Thursday night decided to ease restrictions on bar and restaurant business and cultural activities.

The meeting decided to extend the opening hours of restaurants for three more hours and resume the cultural and sports activities at the low-risk premises from 1 February.

Hanna Sarkkinen, Minister of Social Affairs and Health presided over the coronavirus ministerial working group meeting as the Chair of the group Minister of Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Krista Kiuru went on sick leave.