Finland has today changed the entry requirements that allow fully vaccinated tourists to enter freely, as long as they can enter the Schengen area or hold a visa.

Also, the internal border checks from Schengen countries are no longer in place. Still, there are health checks to ensure that passengers comply with the entry rules of having been vaccinated, have a recent negative Covid-19 test result, or have recovered from the covid not more than six months ago.

You can access FinEntry here, Finland Border Guard’s page for entry requirements here, and THL’s information about health requirements here.

Note that even the internal border checks have been removed from Schengen arrivals; there is a health check in place for those arriving from countries that are deemed high risk (most of Europe).

Even if there is no health check on the border, the arriving person must hold the necessary documents and fulfill the Covid-19 test requirements if not fully vaccinated. They are now actually in the law.

I would encourage everyone not fully vaccinated to use the FinEntry service that also allows you to book the free Covid-19 tests that may be required.

Vaccines Accepted

Finland accepts vaccines approved by EMA and WHO, including the Chinese. The only bigger one missing is the Sputnik V.

Information from the Border Guard

Guidelines for border traffic during pandemic as of 26 July 2021

The instructions of the Finnish Border Guard to passengers regarding entry to Finland

These instructions of the Finnish Border Guard based on a Government decision provide information on the changes that apply to entry to Finland as of 26 July 2021. The decisions are valid until 22.8.2021.

These instructions regarding entry to Finland issued by the Finnish Border Guard for travellers during the coronapandemic use the following terms:

• Border traffic returned to normal
• Restriction category 1
• Restriction category 2.

The purpose of the country based classification is to make these instructions more reliable and understandable for the citizens. These restriction categories reflect which border traffic restrictions and entry requirements are observed for passengers arriving from various countries to Finland or the citizens of these countries. Instructions are based on latest decisions of the Finnish Government.

Health safety instructions (concerning for example coronavirus tests and certificates, and recommendations regarding avoiding social contacts):

In addition to restrictions regarding entry to the country, persons arriving in Finland are bound by the instructions and obligations stated in the Communicable Diseases Act.

A vaccination certificate or proof of having had COVID-19 will also have an impact on the health security measures applied upon the person’s entry into Finland. The health authorities will assess any certificates as part of border health security measures.

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is responsible for these health security measures and provides health and safety instructions for passengers arriving in Finland (including the aforementioned certificates and recommendations regarding avoiding social contacts). See THL’s guidelines for up-to-date health and safety recommendations related to travel: Travel and the coronavirus pandemic – Infectious diseases and vaccinations – THL

• It is recommended to log in to the Finentry Web service before you travel: Home – Finentry.
• In the Lapland health care district, the corresponding service is Laplandentry:  Laplandentry – Covid-19 | lshp.fi

1. General

According to section 9 of the Constitution of Finland, Finnish citizens must not be prevented from entering Finland, and everyone has the right to leave Finland. However, limitations on the right to leave the country may be provided by law if they are necessary for the purpose of safeguarding legal proceedings or for the enforcement of penalties or for the fulfilment of the duty of national defence.

Every person travelling from Finland to another state must check for themselves the restrictions on entry into the destination country. Destination countries may have in force their own restrictions and conditions on entry for travellers.

Internal border traffic, or traffic crossing the internal border, refers to traffic crossing the border between Finland and another state that is a member of the Schengen area. The Schengen countries include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Spain, and of the non-EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

External border traffic, or traffic crossing the external border, refers to traffic between Finland and a state that does not belong to the Schengen area. To traffic crossing the border between Finland and another state, the guidelines concerning border crossing apply, if the other state does not belong to the Schengen area. This also applies to non-Schengen EU member States. Of the EU member states, Bulgaria, Ireland, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania are not part of the Schengen area.

2. Border traffic turned to normal

This section applies to:

• All internal border traffic within Schengen countries, which are: Austria, Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
• EU countries that are not a part of the Schengen area. These are: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania. 
• External border traffic to Finland from the following European countries: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican City State.
• External border traffic between Finland and Azerbaijan, Albania, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, Kosovo, Macau, Moldova, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan for the residents of the listed countries or regions, when arriving to Finland from their place of residence (only direct flights).

2.1 Internal border traffic without restrictions

The border controls in internal border traffic have been discontinued as of 26 July 2021. However, all persons arriving in Finland are still bound by the obligations stated in the Communicable Diseases Act as well as the instructions provided by the health authorities. See THL’s guidelines on their webpages: Travel and the coronavirus pandemic – Infectious diseases and vaccinations – THL

Recreational boat traffic between Schengen countries is unrestricted by border control, and recreational boats are not obliged to enter a border checkpoint. In addition to the sea areas, it is also possible to enter the country on a recreational boat via transboundary waterways between Finland and Sweden as well as Finland and Norway.

2.2 External border traffic without restrictions

Traffic between Finland and EU countries outside of the Schengen area is allowed without restrictions. These countries are Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania. In addition, traffic between Finland and Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican City State is allowed without restrictions.

The entry of residents of Azerbaijan, Albania, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hong Kong, Brunei, Japan, Canada, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macau, Moldova, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan into Finland, when arriving from an above-mentioned country or territory, is unrestricted while taking into account the provisions on the entry of foreign nationals into Finland.

In principle, those travelling with a passport from the above-mentioned countries can be expected to reside in the country or region in question. If necessary, the traveller may be asked questions during the border check to determine his or her country or region of residence. As a rule, authorities assume that the traveller’s own notification of their country or region of residence is correct. If necessary, place of residence can be confirmed by presenting, for example, an ID or driving licence issued by the third country or region in question or another document demonstrating residence. In addition, residence and work permits of the countries or regions concerned indicate a person’s residence in those countries or regions. Other official documents that confirm the traveller’s residence may also be used to establish residence in the country or region in question.

Entry into Finland from these countries or regions for persons other than those living in these countries or regions is permitted under the same restrictions as under Restriction category 2.

2.3 Entry of persons who have received the approved series of Covid-19 vaccinations or who have had Covid-19

Although traffic from the above-mentioned countries and regions is allowed without restrictions, all persons arriving in Finland are still bound by the obligations stated in the Communicable Diseases Act as well as the instructions provided by the health authorities. See THL’s guidelines on their webpages: Travel and the coronavirus pandemic – Infectious diseases and vaccinations – THL

The right of entry is granted for example to persons who can provide a certificate of having received a complete vaccination series of a valid covid-19 vaccine, with the last dose having been administered at least 14 days prior to arrival. A list of vaccines accepted in Finland is provided by the Finnish institute for health and welfare here: Which vaccines are accepted at the points of entry into the country? – Infectious diseases and vaccinations – THL

The certificate presented in connection to arrival in the country must include the name and birthdate of the person who has received the vaccine series or who has been infected with the covid-19 virus, as well as the vaccine type in question, the date of each received vaccine series dose, the place and date of issue of the certificate, the signature of the issuer and a stamp or other corresponding confirmation of authenticity. The certificate presented must be written in Finnish, Swedish or English. In the Sápmi region, the certificate may also be written in Sámi. The certificate may also be a certified translation or a digital covid certificate issued by the European Union.

Also note:

• EU and Schengen country residents, who can provide the aforementioned certificate, may also enter Finland without restrictions by way of the external borders.
• A person who can provide the aforementioned certificate may enter the country accompanied by an under-age child of whom they have permanent custody. The health security measures of the under-age child are determined according to the health safety guidelines that are in force at the time.
• In addition, residents of EU and Schengen countries who have been infected with the covid-19 virus less than six months prior to arrival may enter the country without restrictions.

3. Restriction category 1

Since the control of internal borders has been discontinued, Restriction category 1 is no longer in use. For the countries belonging to this category, border traffic is back to normal.

Although traffic from the above-mentioned countries and regions has returned back to normal, all persons arriving in Finland are still bound by the obligations stated in the Communicable Diseases Act as well as the instructions provided by the health authorities. See THL’s guidelines on their webpages: Travel and the coronavirus pandemic – Infectious diseases and vaccinations – THL

4. Restriction category 2

Restriction category 2 applies to all external border traffic which has not yet returned to normal (see section 2). This category includes, for example, entry from Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Turkey. These restrictions are valid until 22 August 2021.

4.1 Permitted traffic in restriction category 2: third countries, for example Russia and the United States

• Persons with an approved covid-19 vaccination series
  • Persons from all countries may enter Finland, provided they carry a certificate of having received a complete vaccination series of an approved covid-19 vaccine before arrival in the country, with the last dose having been administered at least 14 days prior to arrival. A list of vaccines accepted in Finland is provided by the Finnish institute for health and welfare here: Which vaccines are accepted at the points of entry into the country? – Infectious diseases and vaccinations – THL
• Persons who have been infected with the covid-19 virus
  • Citizens or residents of other EU or Schengen countries may enter Finland, provided they carry a valid certificate of having had the covid-19 virus less than six months prior to arrival.
• Return to Finland
  • Finnish nationals and their family members
  • nationals of EU and Schengen countries residing in Finland and their family members
  • third-country nationals residing in Finland with a residence permit
  • UK citizens and their family members residing in Finland who the Withdrawal Agreement applies to
• Return to or through other EU and Schengen countries
  • nationals of other EU and Schengen countries and their family members
  • third-country nationals residing another EU or Schengen country with a residence permit
  • UK citizens and their family members residing in Finland who the Withdrawal Agreement applies to
• Essential reason
  • work that is significant for the functioning of society or supply security, the implementation of which requires the work performance of a person or persons coming from another country and the work cannot be delayed
  • health care and rescue service personnel (including first aid) and elderly care professionals during assignments as well as authorative personnel performing essential work tasks
  • transport and logistics personnel during assignments
  • diplomats, staff of international organisations, military personnel and humanitarian aid workers in the exercise of their duties
  • state representatives participating in international negotiations and persons engaged in work for international NGOs
  • Persons travelling on a Finnish residence permit
  • persons in need of international protection or who are travelling for other humanitarian reasons
  • pressing family matters or other pressing personal reasons
  • other necessary and justified transport such as representatives of the foreign media; transit of scheduled air services at airports and the arrival of a family member of a Finnish citizen living abroad, the picking of natural products based on the invitation from a company that is committed to a letter of intent, property, residence or secondary residence in Finland.
• Special groups (such as representatives of culture, sports and business life)

Necessary reasons are evaluated case by case on the basis of the report received during the border control.

In addition to diplomats, holders of service and official passports are allowed entry in the exercise of their duties.

Information from the THL

Rapid changes in the COVID-19 epidemic situation are still possible. For this reason, THL calls for extra caution when travelling to the EU and Schengen area or to countries for which the Government has lifted entry restrictions.

We also continue to recommend avoiding unnecessary travel outside the EU and Schengen areas, except for countries for which the Government has lifted entry restrictions.

Entry to Finland as of 26.7. (Border Guard)

In addition, we continue to recommend that all travel to Brazil, South Africa and India should be avoided due to the COVID-19 variants that have spread in these countries.

This page contains valid instructions and recommendations, which apply to both Finnish and non-Finnish citizens born in 2005 or earlier.

The instructions and recommendations below apply to passengers who have entered Finland through a Finnish Border Guard checkpoint.

On this page

• From which countries and under what conditions can passengers enter Finland?
• Are you arriving to Finland from a low-risk or high-risk country?
• Health security measures that are applied to all persons arriving in Finland from a high-risk country
• COVID-19 test as part of a health examination
• When is voluntary distancing from other people recommended?
• Who are not subjected to health security measures at the point of entry?
• Can I travel abroad?
• Questions and answers about travelling

From which countries and under what conditions can passengers enter Finland?

The Government decides on the control of Finland’s internal and external borders as well as restrictions on entry. Restrictions on entry into Finland have been tightened to prevent the spread of the coronavirus epidemic and the new virus variants.

The Finnish Border Guard carries out border checks and decides in connection with the border inspection whether the passenger is allowed entry to Finland. According to the Constitution, citizens and residents of Finland always have the right to return to Finland.

The Border control officials can assess whether a person who is not a citizen of Finland or a permanent resident meets the conditions of entry if they lack a COVID-19-related certificate. The Finnish Border Guard website offers information on who may enter Finland and under what conditions.
Entry to Finland as of 26.7. (Border Guard)

The Finnish Border Guard advises citizens on border crossing by telephone and email. The service is available in Finnish, Swedish and English on weekdays at 8–16 at 0295 420 100. You can also send questions by e-mail to rajavartiolaitos(at)raja.fi.

Are you arriving to Finland from a low-risk or high-risk country?

If you arrive from a country with a low risk of COVID-19, you do not need to undergo health security measures on entry.

Low-risk countries are defined in a Government decree. No certificate or COVID-19 test is required for persons arriving in Finland from the following countries our municipalities as of July 26th: Australia, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, China, Macao, Malta, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Taiwan, New Zealand and the Vatican, and the municipalities of South Varanger, Kaarasjoki, Kåfjord, Kautokeino, Storfjord (Omasvuono), Nordreisa, Teno and Nesseby.

Press release: Health security at Finland’s borders: Government decides on requirements for persons arriving in Finland from abroad

Remember to maintain adequate safety distances, wash your hands and use a face mask in accordance with current recommendations also when arriving from a low-risk country. If you have symptoms indicating COVID-19 before, during or after the trip, go take a COVID-19 test and avoid contact until you receive a negative test result. This helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Symptoms of COVID-19 disease

If you arrive from a high-risk country and you were born in 2005 or earlier, you will be subjected to health security measures at the point of entry. Risk countries are all those which have not been deemed countries with the low risk of COVID-19 in the Government decree.

Updated information on the incidence rates of different countries is available in English on the website of ECDC. At the moment, THL does not maintain a separate table on incidence rates.
COVID-19 Situation Dashboard (ECDC)

We recommend the use of the FINENTRY service before entering Finland. With the service you can, for example, book an appointment for a COVID-19 test in Finland. Use of the service, an appointment for a COVID-19 test made through the service, and the test itself are all free of charge.
FINENTRY service

Health security measures that are applied to all persons arriving in Finland from a high-risk country

The recommendations related to health examinations on entry into the country were abolished on 12 July 2021 when temporary amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act took effect. According to temporary amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act,  persons arriving from risk countries must present on demand certificates related to COVID-19 disease and/or take a compulsory coronavirus test. The arrangements vary among the different points of entry.

Officials at the point of entry are in charge of health security measures and provide instructions to persons arriving in the country. Coronavirus tests on entry may also be taken in the municipality where you live or where you are visiting.

Communicable Diseases Act (Finlex)

Health security measures on entry into the country

If you were born 2005 or earlier and arrive from a risk country, on entry

• your corona-related certificates may be checked
• you may be tested for covid-19 virus and
• your contact details may be collected.

Under the temporary amendment to the Communicable Diseases Act on entry into the country border officials may check whether you have a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test, proof certifying that you have had the disease and/or a vaccination certificate. Residents of EU countries may present the EU COVID-19 certificate on entry. Finnish residents get the EU COVID-19 certificate from My Kanta.

• COVID-19 certificate (My Kanta)
• COVID-19 certificate – frequently asked questions
• See a list of approved vaccines

When arriving from a risk country with a certificate of an approved full-course COVID-19 vaccination (no less than 14 days from the last dose) or laboratory confirmation of having been infected with COVID-19 within the past 6 months, you do not need to take the COVID-19 test.

If you have a certificate of having tested negative for the coronavirus no more than 72 hours before arrival in Finland or of having received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine course at least 14 days before arrival in Finland, you will be referred to the test within 3–5 days (72–120 hours) of arrival in Finland.

If you do not have any of the above-mentioned certificates, you will be referred to the COVID-19 test at your point of entry and within 3–5 days of arrival in Finland.

If you have taken a COVID-19 test at your point of entry when arriving from a risk country, you must take another test within 3–5 days of arrival in Finland.

If the point of entry cannot carry out a COVID-19 test, you will need to take the test within 24 hours and again within 72–120 hours (3–5 days) after arrival.

Please note that under the temporary amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act COVID-19 tests are mandatory on entry into Finland. Even if you are not referred to the tests, you are required to take them. The tests are free of charge. If you refuse to take a mandatory COVID-19 test and you are of age, you may be fined.

Please note that, by decision of the communicable disease control physician and on the basis of individual assessment, you can be referred to a health examination or placed in isolation or quarantine regardless of  where you are arriving from and how old you are, if these measures are necessary to prevent the spread of the Sars-CoV-2 virus. Furthermore, the Regional State Administrative Agencies can order all passengers to participate in a compulsory health examination (Communicable Diseases Act 2016/1227).
Communicable Diseases Act (Finlex)

We recommend that all transport and shipping companies require any of the above-mentioned certificates from all passengers arriving in Finland.

• COVID-19 incidence figures help evaluate travel risk
• See a list of approved vaccines
• See also: Frequently asked questions on travel (Finnish Government)

COVID-19 test as part of a health examination

If you come from a high-risk country and do no not have a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test, proof of having had the disease or a vaccination certificate, you may be tested for COVID-19on entry into the country. This test is mandatory.

If you do not have a certificate proving prior illness or vaccinations, we recommend that you take the first test before arriving in Finland. We also recommend the use of the FINENTRY service before entering Finland. With the service you can, for example, book an appointment for a test in Finland.

Use of the service, an appointment for a coronavirus test made through the service, and the test itself are all free of charge.
FINENTRY service

You can also check the website of municipality where you live or where you are visiting how to book a time for a compulsory COVID-19 test, and where tests are taken. If you are not a resident in Finland, you will be instructed at the point of entry or contacted later. The tests are free of charge in public health care services.

Even if you are not referred to the test, you are required to take it.

When you have a certificate of a test taken 72 hours before arrival from a risk country, but not a certificate proving prior illness or full completion of a COVID-19 vaccination course, you must take the test 3 to 5 days (72–120 hours) after arrival in the country. This test is mandatory.

Health officials may ask for your contact information if you need to take a COVID-19 test 3–5 days after arriving in the country. This will enable the communicable disease control physician of the municipality where you live or where you are visiting to control that you have taken the test, and your information can be used for tracing infections. Providing contact information is mandatory.

When travelling from the border crossing point to your home or accommodation and you are required to take a test within 3–5 days, use your own car or taxi as a first choice. If you are forced to use public transportation, remember to maintain distance from other people, use a face mask and take care of your hand hygiene.

When is voluntary distancing from other people recommended?

We strongly recommend that you avoid contact when

• you are waiting for a test result at a point of entry or within 3–5 days (72–120 hours) of taking a test at a point of entry and/or
• you are required to go to a COVID-19 test within 3–5 days after arriving in the country.

This recommendation should also be followed by persons born in 2006 or later who arrive to Finland, even though they do not need to be tested on entry.

We recommend that you avoid contact with people other than those living in the same apartment or place of accommodation. Avoiding contact is voluntary. It is, nevertheless, especially important to prevent the spread of variants of the coronavirus.

• We strongly recommend remaining inside and avoiding using public transport, going to your workplace, a shop or going anywhere else outside your home. It is a good idea to agree with your employer on how to avoid contacts.
• We also recommend that children who have travelled do not return to early childhood education and care, pre-primary education or school until the adults in the family have received a negative result from the COVID-19 test taken 3–5 days after arrival.
• If you have dealings with other people, keep a sufficient safety distance and use a face mask according to current recommendations. Follow instructions given by health officials in other respects as well.

Regardless of the recommendations, you may deal with essential business, such as medical appointments. Remember to maintain safe distances and to wear a face mask even then.

• Read instructions on good hand and coughing hygiene
• Transmission and protection

Who are not subjected to health security measures at the point of entry?

According to the temporary amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act, the following persons do not present certificates or take a COVID-19 test at the point of entry:

• Passengers arriving to Finland from a country or region where the incidence of COVID-19 disease or the prevalence of a mutated virus strain is such that it does not cause a particular risk of spreading the epidemic. These countries and regions are determined by a Government decree. You can check the up-to-date list of countries by clicking the link below
  Are you arriving to Finland from a low-risk or high-risk country?
• Children and youths born in 2006 or thereafter.
• Persons arriving from risk countries who are holding a certificate of an approved full-course COVID-19 vaccination or laboratory confirmation of having had COVID-19 within the past 6 months.
  Which vaccines are accepted at the points of entry into the country?
• Employees of foreign government missions or members international intergovernmental organisations who have personal immunity and their family members as well as holders of diplomatic or official passports accredited outside Finland when travelling through Finland to a place of employment or their home country.
• Passenger or freight transport drivers or logistics sector personnel, crews on ships, aircraft or trains performing their duties and replacement crew when transferring to work or duties.
• Persons whose entry is based on the prevention of a sudden risk to the infrastructure of society threatening health or safety.
• Passengers travelling by air when they do not leave the airport.
• Customs authorities at the Finnish and Norwegian border in their essential official duties.
• The Sámi people who practise their livelihood or culture in the Sámi Homeland.

According to temporary amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act, other people from high-risk countries will be subjected to health security measures.
Communicable Diseases Act (Finlex)

Conclusion

Even when the internal Schengen border control is now finally removed after being in place for far over a year (only allowed to be temporary under the EU rules), the arriving passengers need to fulfill the requirements set by the recent law in Finland when it comes to vaccination, testing or recent Covid-19 testing or coming from one of the few countries where anyone can enter without any requirements.

It is pretty confusing that you need to check both the websites of Finland’s Border Guard and THL to get the proper view of the situation, and you may be required to do the Covid-19 tests even when you are not inspected at the border or otherwise you are in violation of the law and can be fined.

When I arrived last week from Spain via Germany, it was the first smooth sailing through the airport because the control from Germany was no longer in place last week, but there should be a health check in place from today.

I had done the FinEntry and booked a Covid-19 test in Kamppi for early Thursday afternoon. The negative result from the PCR-RT test came back in eight hours.