New health security measures to travel to Finland from 1 October

Finland will introduce new travel-related health security measures from 1 October. 

These are based on the Government's resolution of 11 September. As explained by the Government, it will change from a model of general restrictions to one based on tests and individual quarantines.

"The aim is to ease the conditions for work-related travel in particular," the Ministry of the Interior said in a press release.

From 1 October, two voluntary Covid-19 tests will be recommended for travelers arriving in Finland from countries with a higher incidence and from which entry into Finland is restricted. Finland has set a limit of 25 infections per 100,000 inhabitants in the previous 14 days for unrestricted travel.

An exception is that people from Sweden and Estonia may come to work in Finland without self-isolation or testing. Similarly, residents of border communities at the land borders between Finland and Sweden and between Finland and Norway will not need to self-isolate.

Voluntary Covid-19 tests will allow travelers to shorten the recommended 14-day period of self-isolation.

Second test after 3 days

Residents of Finland returning from countries with higher incidence rates could, at their discretion, shorten the 14-day period of self-isolation by taking a test at the airport or port as soon as they arrive in Finland, followed by a second test in their home municipality after 72 hours at the earliest from taking the first test.

For other travelers arriving in Finland, the recommendation will be to take the first test up to 72 hours (3 days) before arrival. The second test should be taken no earlier than 72 hours (3 days) after entry into the country. Until receiving the result of the second test, persons entering the country should remain in self-isolation at their place of residence.

The self-isolation period will end if the test result is negative. If the test result is positive, the doctor will place the person in quarantine until they have recovered.

Travelers staying in Finland for less than three days (less than 72 hours) will not be required to quarantine or take a second test.