Traveling to Finland – COVID19 Updates

Traveling to Finland – COVID-19 Updates

Ranked #1 as the happiest country in the world, Finland is a Northern European nation where much of its residents enjoy extensive healthcare benefits, low levels of corruption, free education, and a sense of freedom. Although Finland isn’t the largest or most powerful nation globally, the country offers tourists to experience wild beauty and world-class cities. 

Camping, hiking, boating, and skiing are a few activities that attract tourists to Finland every year. In the winter, especially, viewing the Northern Lights is a popular tradition.

Unfortunately, travlling to Finland in the midst of COVID-19 comes with many restrictions. Finnish society and economy took an unpredictable hit similar to other countries during the pandemic. 

As a result, the Finnish government took drastic measures to prevent the spread of the virus. 

The Schengen Zone

Citizens from countries in the Schengen zone are restricted from entering Finland. The Finnish government reviewed this policy on 22 April, determining the restrictions will continue until 25 May 2021. Iceland, however, is the only country allowed entry for essential purposes. 

The countries in the Schengen Zone are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. 

Finland & the U.S.

Currently, the country is closed to U.S. residents. As of Jan. 26, 2021, anyone two years or older who wants to travel to the U.S. from Finland must show a negative viral COVID-19 test. 

The following also applies:

• The test must be taken 72 hours within the departure 
• Documents from a licensed healthcare provider proving having recovered from COVID-19 90 days before traveling (an alternative to the test)

High versus Low-risk Countries

Finland allows citizens from low-risk countries to visit. They will be tested when they enter the country and will not be subject to quarantine.

Low-risk countries include:

• New Zealand
• Australia
• Rwanda
• South Korea

On the other hand, traveling from a high-risk country is only allowed for essential purposes. Travelers are required to take a COVID-19 test and complete a health check regardless if they are vaccinated. Following this, they must self-isolate for 14 days and test negative three days after arriving. 

High-risk countries are:

• Portugal
• Poland
• Afghanistan
• Russia

For a complete list of low and high-risk countries due to COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website. 

Recommendations

Although Finland permits entry given its restrictions, the government advises avoiding unnecessary travel abroad. While the number of COVID-19 cases has been declining, there is still a rise in new cases. 

In other words, the situation in Finland remains unstable. Any contact between infected and non-infected could destabilize the country. 

Tests are available within 24 hours, costing around 200 to 400 euros, and results are delivered via text or email. Vaccines have been approved and available for travelers to retrieve. 

Everything depends on the government for the particulars of public transportation options, movement, and quarantine information. For regular updates, it is better to visit the Finnish website on COVID-19.