Finland: Authorities maintain coronavirus disease-related measures as of Jan. 18 /update 11

Finland maintains COVID-19-related measures as of Jan. 18; significant domestic and international entry restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Finland are maintaining measures introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Jan. 18. Commercial flights with the UK, Ireland, and South Africa remain suspended until at least Jan. 25 due to variants of COVID-19 active in those countries. All such arrivals are encouraged to take a COVID-19 test on arrival; testing facilities are available at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL).

Entry restrictions not directly related to the new variants of COVID-19 are to remain in place until at least Feb. 9. There are no restrictions on travel from Vatican City, Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, and Thailand. Travelers arriving from all EU and Schengen Area states, plus Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino are only permitted to enter Finland if they are returning residents, traveling for essential purposes, or arriving for work-related or family reasons. Travel is prohibited from all other countries except for returning residents and persons arriving for critical work-related or essential family reasons.

Authorities recommend all individuals arriving from restricted countries self-isolate for 10 days, though this can be shortened by taking 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.

Travel remains permitted for local border communities along the borders with Sweden and Norway without the need to self-isolate; similarly people are able to travel for work to Finland from Sweden and Estonia without the need to self-isolate. Leisure travel, with the exception of leisure boating, from all the aforementioned countries, is not allowed.

Domestic restrictions vary by region based on the local epidemiological situation. Generally, nonessential businesses, including shops, catering establishments, and cultural institutions, are permitted to open with restrictions on customer numbers and operating hours. Public gatherings are limited to 10 people in areas with higher infection rates, such as Helsinki, though limits vary up to 50 people in areas with lower infection rates, such as Lapland. Health officials recommend the use of masks on public transport.

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.