Internal border control reinstated for traffic between Finland and all Schengen countries from 28th December – requirements for entry to Finland will be tightened

23. December 2021

Due to the rapid spread of the new coronavirus variant, the Finnish government has decided to reintroduce internal border control at Finland’s borders for traffic between Finland and all Schengen countries starting from 28 December. The decision will remain in force until 31 January 2022.

Foreign citizen passengers arriving in Finland are required to present both a certificate of a full vaccine course or a certificate of recovery from covid-19 disease less than six months prior to entry, AND a negative covid-19 test certificate issued less than 48 hours prior to entry.

Until 31 December 2021 this requirement will apply to those born in 2005 or earlier, and as of 1 January 2022 to those born in 2006 or earlier.

A 48h negative test result will not be required of Finnish citizens, foreigners residing permanently in Finland, or persons who have an essential reason for entry, such as compelling family matters. However, all passengers are required to comply with the Communicable Diseases Act and the decisions made by the Regional State Administrative Agencies, i.e. are required to present a certificate of a full vaccine course or a certificate of recovery from covid-19 disease less than six months prior to entry, or a negative covid-19 test certificate issued less than 72 hours prior to entry.

Now you can also prove the recovery from covid-19 disease with a doctors certificate instead of EU covid-certificate, and if you are not able to take the vaccin due to medical reasons, you are required to have a doctors certificate of this and a a negative covid-19 test certificate issued less than 48 hours prior to entry.

As an exception to the above, persons travelling between Norrtälje municipality (Kapellskär) and Åland may present a certificate of completed and approved COVID-19 vaccine course, a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 disease less than six months prior to entry, or a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 7 days prior to entry.

The restrictions are not subject to cruise passengers, that have not been ashore in another country. Seafarers and logistics personnel who are vital to the security of supply, are allowed to travel without restrictions.

More detailed information about travel restrictions can be found at the Finnish Boarder Guard website that will be continually updated. Please follow communication given by the authorities.