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Finland first reopened for tourism to EU countries mid-2020, but due to second and third waves through Europe, has been closed for most of 2021.
Currently, as of mid-May 2021, very few visitors can enter Finland for leisure, as mostly only essential travelers are permitted to enter. This even extends to most EU residents, as higher-risk countries are not currently allowed to enter for the purposes of tourism, however this is expected to change in June/July 2021.
Essential Travel From Within The EU
While ‘tourism’ is not a current reason for entering Finland from 90% of EU nations, essential travel is. Here is what the government of Finland considers to be ‘essential’:
- work that is significant for the functioning of society or supply security, the implementation of which requires the work performance of a person or persons coming from another country and the work cannot be delayed
- health care and rescue service personnel (including first aid) and elderly care professionals during assignments as well as in internal border traffic authorative personnel performing essential work tasks
- transport and logistics personnel during assignments
- diplomats, staff of international organisations, military personnel and humanitarian aid workers in the exercise of their duties
- state representatives participating in international negotiations and persons engaged in work for international NGOs
- persons studying in Finland
- persons with a Finnish residence permit and EU/Schengen citizens who have registered their right of residence
- persons travelling for family matters (e.g. meeting a relative, relationship, funerals, weddings, illness)
- a relative refers to a spouse, children, parents, grandchildren, parents-in-law and grandparents
- persons in need of international protection or who are travelling for other humanitarian reasons
- other necessary and justified reason (e.g. necessary or otherwise justified personal reasons, representatives of foreign media, scheduled air services at airports, property, residence or secondary residence in Finland, property arrangements in Finland and in internal border traffic pursuit of the Sámi livelihood and culture).
Below we have compiled a guide with everything you need to know about travelling to Finland, which countries are allowed to visit, all entry requirements, and any other rules you need to know about.
Which countries are allowed to travel to Finland?
Below you will find 2 lists. One with the EU countries that can visit Finland, and one of third-party countries outside the EU that can now visit Finland.
EU Nations
All EU nations can enter Finland for essential reasons, but only a few low-risk nations can enter for the purposes of tourism.
- Iceland
- Vatican City
Third-Party Countries Allowed into Finland
A list of ‘approved safe’ countries was suggested by the EU to all EU members on June 30, 2020. This list is still being updated frequently in 2021
The third-party nations now allowed entry into Finland without restrictions are:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Thailand
Leisure travel is allowed as long as the tourist comes on a direct flight from their country of residence.
Testing Required For Entry
Travelers will need to bring proof of a negative COVID-19 test result no older than 72 hours. Then, upon arrival in Finland, visitors from these countries are placed in quarantine for 72 hours after which they need to take a second test. After a second negative COVID-19 test result, the person can move around in Finland freely
Can the United States or Canada travel to Finland?
The USA and Canada are currently not permitted into Finland.
Is entry into Finland based on physical location for the last 14-days, residency or nationality?
Finland bases entry by “Residency + Location”, meaning they would like you to be a resident of an approved country, coming from that country.
Finnish citizens returning home
Finnish citizens always have the right to return to Finland, and everyone has the right to leave Finland if they wish, unless the right is restricted by law.
However, the government continues to recommend avoiding unnecessary travel to countries other than those for which restrictions on entry have been lifted.
Anyone leaving Finland must also take into account any restrictions on the destination country for persons arriving from Finland.
Are masks mandatory in Finland?
Wearing of masks is encouraged but not Mandatory in Finland.
A government statement reads:
“The government does not make a general recommendation on the use of face masks, but believes the masks can be used to protect other people in places and situations where it is not possible to avoid close contact. Such situations can arise, for example, in public transport during peak times, where distances cannot be arranged and where longer times are spent.”
Summary: Masks are recommended. Use a mask when social distancing isn’t possible.
What is open in Finland?
- Many hotels and accommodation facilities have reopened
- Museums and other places of culture
- Restaurants, pubs and bars are open
- Liquor can be sold from 9:00 am until 12:00 am
Finland Making Exceptions for Separated Couples
As of August 6th, Finland is now making exceptions for couples who have been split up due to Covid-19 travel bans. They will now recognize un-married couples and allow the foreign partner to come to Finland, as long as one partner is:
- A Finnish citizen living in Finland
- OR an EU/Schengen citizen living in Finland
- OR a third-country national living in Finland with a Finnish residence permit
Any couples wanting to take advantage of the exception should contact local authorities.
Disclaimer: Finland reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling
Sources: Finland Government Visit Finland
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Originally published in summer 2020 with updates
Paul Hayes
Tuesday 20th of July 2021
Greetings. I am affiliated with a Carmelite Monastery in Carmel,Ca. There are two nuns in Helsinki who must leave Finland due to health reasons. One is a US citizen and the other a citizen of Kenya. My question has two parts: 1.What should the nuns be preparing for a potential departure in September. What documents, vaccines etc. 2. If the nuns can't both travel to the US given immigration status, a US citizen will need to travel to Helsinki to assist and accompany the one nun who is a US citizen given her health status. Appreciate your guidance. Thanks. Paul
Kashlee Kucheran
Wednesday 21st of July 2021
Hi Paul, September is a very long time away in 'covid time' as it pertains to travel rules. I would wait until about 10-14 days before departure to research any rules, as they change almost daily.
Joyce
Monday 7th of June 2021
Will US citizens be permitted entry into Finland in January of 2022? Is a negative covid test required upon entry or is the "vaccine passport" the vaccination card acceptable for entry?
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 7th of June 2021
January 2022 is much to far ahead to make any predictions, as things change very fast in this situation. Americans should be granted access before then
Miranda
Sunday 15th of November 2020
So my boyfriend will be living in Finland for school. There are still flights coming from Los Angeles to Finland and it’s so hard to tell how I can enter. On their boarder patrol site it seems to say unmarried couples can enter but there is no way to be sure. Any info on how I would go? Just buy my flight and show up? Ahhh so confusing lol
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 16th of November 2020
Hi Miranda - Having flights go in and out does not mean entry is possible. Take my country (Canada) for example. Flights come in daily from all over the USA, but American's are not permitted to enter at this time.
For Finland, you will not be permitted entry. If you show up at the airport they will likely not even let you board.
To apply for unmarried couples exceptions, you will have to contact the consulate and get direction from them.
Good luck!
Mae ramirez
Wednesday 4th of November 2020
Is phillippines cOuntry can entire into finland for tourism?
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 5th of November 2020
No not at this time
Floyd
Monday 28th of September 2020
As a Canadian do you know if Finland is allowing Canadian tourists as of Sept 19? There seems to be some conflicting information out there.
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 28th of September 2020
Hi! I actually know exactly what you are talking about! We had a reader send in a tip that Canadians were now allowed, but I am seeing conflicting information online. In the 2 government sources I checked, it looks like Canada is NOT permitted at this time. However, you can always check with border police if you have doubts