Travellers entering Finland will face new rules from 12 July

The government has outlined a set of different requirements based on COVID vaccines, immunity, and tests

On Tuesday 6 July, the Finnish government announced that new rules for travellers arriving in the country will come into force on Monday 12 July. These measures will be taken to ensure that the summer holidays and the rise in tourism do not result in a surge of COVID infections.

3 distinct categories have been outlined

Rules will vary depending on whether or not travellers have had their COVID vaccines or if they have recovered from the disease. More specifically, the government has outlined 3 distinct categories of travellers, each of which will have to follow a different set of rules.

As of 12 July, people arriving in Finland who can present proof of full vaccination will be allowed to enter the country without having to take a COVID test. This rule will also apply to those who have recovered from COVID in the past 6 months.

Travellers who have taken the first dose of the vaccine at least 2 weeks before arrival and others who have tested negative for COVID will be required to take a test 3-5 days after entering the country. In addition to this, they must avoid contact with people and remain in their accommodation until negative results have been confirmed.

The third and final group of people is those who have no proof of immunity, vaccination, or a COVID test. In this case, travellers must undergo two tests, one upon arrival and a second 3-5 days after entry.

Free entry for passengers travelling from certain countries and cities

It must be noted that the above rules will not apply to people arriving from countries with low rates of infections. According to a press release by the government, these countries are Australia, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, China, Macao, Malta, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, New Zealand and the Vatican. This is also true for the Norwegian municipalities of Storfjord, Kåfjord, Nordreisa, Kautokeino, Karasjok, Tana, Nesseby and Sør-Varanger.

Failure to comply with the above measures is a punishable offence.