Changes to travel recommendations: exercise special caution when travelling to the EU and the Schengen area

The COVID-19 pandemic remains a major global risk to travel safety, and the situation may deteriorate abruptly and unpredictably in any country or region. Travellers may face limited access to healthcare, quarantine and restrictions on being outdoors. The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has limited capacity to assist travellers in distress during the pandemic.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foreign Ministry’s general travel advice is to exercise special caution when travelling to the EU and the Schengen area. With regard to countries outside the EU and Schengen area, the general advice is to avoid all non-essential travel except to countries for which the restrictions on entry have already been lifted. In addition, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs still recommends avoiding all travel to Brazil, South Africa and India.

The Foreign Ministry also recommends avoiding all travel to certain countries due to their general security situation or leaving such countries immediately. Country-specific travel advice (in Finnish)

Finnish citizens always have the right to leave Finland if they wish to do so, provided that there is no legal impediment to this, and Finnish citizens and people with a permanent residence in Finland always have the right to return to Finland.

 

If you travel, act responsibly

If you decide to travel, you must act responsibly and follow the recommendations and regulations issued by the authorities.

If you are planning to travel, it is important to remember that all countries may impose restrictions on entry at their own borders, and it may not be possible to travel to all countries. Before travelling, always check the current entry regulations in your destination from the authorities of the country in question, e.g. by contacting the nearest mission of the country. Note that countries may also impose entry restrictions on transit traffic.

An increasing number of countries are not permitting entry unless travellers show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, proof of recovery from COVID-19 or proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Most countries require the certificates to be either in their own language or in English. Travellers are responsible for finding out what kinds of certificates they need to enter the country or countries they intend to visit.

Before you travel, check the validity and coverage of your travel insurance. Especially now, it is important to make sure that the insurance policy provides sufficient coverage even when the pandemic situation is taken into account.

• We always recommend submitting your travel plans and contact details to the Ministry at matkustusilmoitus.fi 
• Please also consult the Ministry’s frequently asked questions before you travel. 

 

Restrictions on foreigners’ entry into Finland from the EU and Schengen countries to be eased from 21 June

The restrictions on entry into Finland from EU and Schengen countries are being eased so that entry will be allowed for those who have received an approved COVID-19 vaccination series and those who have recovered from COVID-19 less than six months prior to entry. Entry into the country will also be allowed for those travelling from EU and Schengen countries because of their work. The changes will enter into force on 21 June. 

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare is responsible for providing appropriate health security instructions to all travellers arriving in Finland. Visit the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare website for the latest health security guidelines and recommendations for self-isolation: Travel and the coronavirus pandemic