Finland Opens Borders: Travel Allowed With Precautions

As of 2021, Finland was allowing travel to and from some countries, while internal restrictions were gradually being lifted. Anyone arriving from the EEA, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, the UAE, and Uruguay could travel to Finland for leisure. Fully vaccinated travellers from other countries could also enter Finland.

There was no requirement to quarantine upon arrival in Finland. However, arrivals who had only received one vaccine dose may have been required to quarantine for three days. All unvaccinated travellers from the EEA and permitted countries had to present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival and would be tested again between days 3-5. Vaccinated travellers could present proof of vaccination instead. Arrivals from outside the EEA and permitted countries, regardless of vaccination status, had to present proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival.

Finland's COVID-19 travel restrictions

As of December 27, 2021, Finland is allowing travel to and from some countries, while internal restrictions are gradually being lifted. Finland is part of the Schengen area, which means that in some situations travellers can enter Finland without a visa. However, entry and exit conditions can change at short notice, so it is important to check the latest advice before travelling. Finland has closed all land border crossings with Russia indefinitely, and the train service between St Petersburg and Helsinki is suspended.

Anyone arriving from the EEA, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, the UAE, and Uruguay can travel to Finland for leisure. Fully vaccinated travellers from other countries may also enter. There is no requirement to quarantine upon arrival in Finland. However, arrivals who have only been vaccinated once may be required to quarantine for 3 days.

All unvaccinated travellers from the EEA and permitted countries must present a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours, and will be tested again between days 3-5. Vaccinated arrivals may present proof of vaccination instead. Arrivals from outside the EEA and permitted countries, regardless of their vaccination status, must present a negative PCR or antigen test, taken no more than 48 hours before their arrival.

Finland's internal travel restrictions

As of April 2024, Finland's land and maritime border crossing points with Russia are closed. This decision was made to prevent instrumentalised migration and the associated dangers to those seeking to enter Finland. The Finnish government is also communicating to people in countries of origin that they should not seek to travel to Finland, as they are at risk of exploitation if they do so.

In March 2020, Finland stopped cross-border commuting for Estonians working in Finland but permanently residing in Estonia. Only persons with a registered place of residence in Finland were allowed entry, and all persons returning to Finland from other countries were subject to a mandatory 14-day period of self-isolation.

Finland is allowing internal travel, with public transportation operating at a reduced capacity. Non-essential businesses and attractions are open, under social distancing regulations. In high-risk areas, some non-essential businesses may be closed.

The wearing of masks is encouraged but not mandatory. Masks are recommended when social distancing cannot be maintained.

Finland's entry requirements

Finland is allowing travel to and from some countries, while internal restrictions are gradually being lifted. Those arriving from the EEA, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, the UAE, and Uruguay can travel to Finland for leisure. Fully vaccinated travellers from other countries may also enter.

There is no requirement to quarantine upon arrival in Finland. However, arrivals who have only had one vaccine dose may be required to quarantine for 3 days. All unvaccinated travellers from the EEA and permitted countries must present a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours, and will be tested again between days 3-5. Vaccinated travellers may present proof of vaccination instead. Arrivals from outside the EEA and permitted countries, regardless of vaccination status, must present proof of a negative PCR or antigen test, taken no more than 48 hours before arrival.

In addition to a visa, you will need to produce a valid passport or travel document, an insurance document for the duration of your stay, and supporting documents. You must also prove that you have enough funds (EUR 50 per day) to support yourself for the duration of your stay and return trip. If you have a valid return ticket, the amount of funds you need is reduced.

You must not have an entry ban to the Schengen area, and your entry may be refused if you are considered a danger to public order, security, or health, or Finland's international relations. Your entry may also be refused if there is reason to suspect you intend to earn money by dishonest means.

Finland's visa requirements

Finland is part of the Schengen Area, which means that residents of other countries in the area can travel to Finland without a visa. Residents of countries without a visa agreement with Finland will need a Schengen visa.

• A valid passport that was issued within the last ten years, and will remain valid for 3 months after you return from Finland.
• A recent identity picture following the Schengen visa photo guidelines.
• The Finland Visa Application Form.
• Schengen Travel Insurance to cover expenses up to €30,000 for medical expenses and emergencies.
• An invitation letter, if you've been invited by a friend or family member. This should include important information such as your name, date of birth, address, and relationship.
• Sufficient funds to finance your trip. Finland requires a minimum of €30 per day.
• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings, rental agreements, or Airbnb reservations.
• A detailed travel plan, including departure and return dates, flight numbers, and the duration of your stay.
• Copies of previous Schengen visas, if applicable.
• A cover letter stating your reasons for visiting and how long you plan to stay.
• Civil status documents, such as your birth certificate, marriage license, divorce license, or adoption papers.
• A document proving that you are a legal citizen in your current country of residence.
• Permission from a legal guardian if a minor is travelling unaccompanied, or with only one parent/legal guardian.

The standard fee for a Finland Schengen visa application is €80, but there are exemptions for certain applicants, such as most student visas and visas for children under the age of 6. The visa fee can be paid in cash or via bank transfer. Applicants will also need to pay a separate, non-refundable service charge.

The processing time for a Finland visa application is typically 15 days, but it's recommended to apply at least 15 days before the date of travel, and no earlier than 6 months before.

Finland's quarantine requirements

• Finland has imposed a 14-day self-isolation period for travellers arriving from high-risk countries who do not take the required COVID-19 tests or who test positive.
• Finnish authorities recommend that travellers arriving from countries subject to internal or external border control, such as Sweden and Russia, self-isolate for 14 days. This recommendation does not apply to those arriving from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Denmark, or Iceland.
• Quarantine is not mandatory but is advised for those who have been in close contact with someone infected with COVID-19. This is to protect others from potential infection.
• Children aged 15 and under are generally exempt from quarantine and testing requirements.
• Finland recommends avoiding non-essential travel and maintaining social distancing in public.
• Finland has closed its land border crossings with Russia indefinitely, including the suspension of the train service between St. Petersburg and Helsinki.
• Finland allows travel to and from some countries while gradually lifting internal restrictions.
• Finland does not require vaccinated travellers to quarantine upon arrival. However, those who have been vaccinated once may need to quarantine for three days.
• Unvaccinated travellers without a negative test result, proof of recovery, or a certificate of the first vaccine dose will need to test within 3-5 days of arrival and may need to quarantine.
• Finland has specific entry requirements for travellers from high-risk countries, which may include proof of vaccination, a negative test, or self-isolation.
• Quarantine rules and testing requirements may vary depending on the regional area within Finland.

Frequently asked questions