Finland: Authorities extend coronavirus disease-related international entry restrictions until at least Feb. 9 /update 9

Event

Authorities are extending entry restrictions implemented to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). The existing measures will remain in place until at least Feb. 9. Travelers arriving from all Schengen Area countries, plus Andorra, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Monaco, Romania, San Marino, are only permitted to enter Finland if they are returning legal residents, traveling for essential purposes, or arriving for work-related or family reasons.

Authorities also advise that arrivals from the above locations self-isolate for 10 days upon entering the country. Travel remains permitted for local border communities along the border with Sweden and Norway; people are able to travel for work to Finland from Sweden and Estonia without a 10-day self-isolation period. Leisure travel, with the exception of leisure boating, from all the aforementioned countries, is not allowed.

Authorities previously relaxed entry restrictions for travelers arriving from Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, Thailand, and the Vatican City; such arrivals can enter without restrictions if residents of these countries. Travel is prohibited from all other countries except for returning residents and persons arriving for critical work-related or essential family reasons; authorities recommend that these arrivals also self-isolate for 10 days. Authorities are reviewing all entry restrictions on a weekly basis.

Authorities advise that travelers can shorten the necessary self-isolation period by undertaking two voluntary COVID-19 tests. Travelers should take the first test up to 72 hours before arrival, or at the airport upon arrival for Finnish citizens and residents, and the second test no earlier than 72 hours after entry into the country. Such individuals should remain in self-isolation until the result is known. If the test result is negative, the self-isolation period ends; if the test result is positive, the person will be placed in quarantine until they have recovered.

Tighter entry restrictions remain in effect for travelers from the UK as of Jan. 7 as part of Finland's response to a new strain of COVID-19 discovered primarily in the southeast of England, including London. Authorities have suspended all passenger flights between the two countries, and have barred all travelers from the UK who are not Finnish citizens or residents from entry.

Domestic restrictions remain in effect. In Helsinki and the wider Uusimaa region, all indoor and outdoor public events are banned until Jan. 10. Residents of the capital region are advised to refrain from traveling outside the region. Cultural venues and most leisure facilities are closed until Jan. 10. Authorities have also tightened COVID-19 measures for catering establishments in some areas, including Southwest Finland, North Karelia, Lapland, and South Savo, ahead of an anticipated spike in tourism over the festive season. The restrictions will remain in force until at least Feb. 28. All bars and restaurants may only serve alcohol 0700-2200. Bars may only operate at 50-percent capacity and must close by 2300. Restaurants may operate at 75-percent capacity.

Authorities have permitted most nonessential businesses to reopen, including shops, catering establishments, cultural institutions, and educational facilities, though authorities recommend they implement strict social-distancing and hygiene requirements; businesses must stop serving alcohol after 2400. Tighter restrictions will likely apply in areas of higher COVID-19 activity.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel plans and business appointments. Carry proper identification and other necessary travel documents to present at security checks. Plan for processing delays if traveling or routing cross-border freight. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.