04 Apr 2024 | 07:56 PM UTC
Finland, Russia: Helsinki indefinitely extends border crossing closures as of April 4 /update 7
Finland extends border closure with Russia indefinitely as of April 4. Cross-border freight, passenger transport disruptions to continue.
Finnish authorities have indefinitely extended the closure of the country's border crossings with Russia as of April 4. The move nullifies any previous plans for reopening the border crossings and migrant policies, such as a measure that allowed applications for international protection at any Finland-Russia border crossing point. Officials may modify or rescind the border measures on short notice.
Given the existing reciprocal airspace closures and other travel restrictions between Russia and many European nations due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the continued closure of the Finno-Russian ground border will further complicate freight and passenger transport between the two countries.
Consider alternative options if planning to travel or ship goods between Finland and Russia for the duration of the border closure. Strictly heed all instructions from Finnish authorities.
Finland originally closed all border crossings with Russia on Nov. 30, alleging that the Kremlin was backing a wave of migration targeting Finland. The border crossing points of Vaalimaa and Niirala were briefly reopened on Dec. 14 before being closed again at 20:00 Dec. 15 following Finnish allegations that Russia had once more attempted to direct migrants into Finland.
