Government decided on restrictions on border traffic starting from 15 June

On 12 June, the Government decided that border control will continue partially at internal borders and external border traffic will continue to be restricted until 14 July 2020. The restrictions will continue to the extent that they are considered mandatory due to a serious threat posed by the epidemiological situation.

These proposed decisions are part of the Government's hybrid strategy, according to which the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 epidemic will be lifted gradually on the basis of the epidemiological situation and social and economic considerations. Movement of people and traffic will be facilitated primarily between countries with a similar epidemiological situation. The Government will review the situation in two weeks' time. The Government considers it important that the matter be coordinated at the EU level. 

Changes to internal border control

Border control at internal borders will change in Finland on 15 June so that controls at internal borders will be lifted for certain countries and modes of transport. Internal border control will be abolished from 15 June: 

• at the land border between Finland and Norway 
• for air traffic and regular ferry services between Finland and Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
• for pleasure craft, i.e. tourism by private persons on their own boat.

Internal border control will continue for traffic between Finland and other Schengen countries than those mentioned above. This means that internal border control will continue, for example for traffic between Finland and Sweden. 

Insofar as internal border control continues at internal borders, return traffic to Finland, commuting and other essential traffic will be allowed at internal borders. This may include, for example a family reason, a personal reason or travel to a property, private residence or holiday residence in Finland. Return traffic refers not only to Finnish citizens, but also to all citizens of the EU and Schengen States living in Finland and their family members, and to third-country nationals staying in Finland with a residence permit. Commuting is possible for citizens of the EU and Schengen States and the United Kingdom. 

The aim is to enable unrestricted travel from Sweden to Finland as quickly as the epidemiological situation allows. The situation is constantly being examined. Close friendships and trade relations are important for Finland and Sweden has a special status in Finland's bilateral cooperation.

Read more