FAQ: Travelling and Covid-19

Information and instructions on travel and COVID-19.

Travelling abroad from Finland

Can I travel abroad?

Freedom of movement is a constitutional right in Finland, and no one can be prohibited from travelling abroad. COVID-19 continues to pose a risk, and the situation may change suddenly and unpredictably. Restrictions vary from country to country.

The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has only limited capabilities to assist people in distress abroad during the pandemic. Take out travel insurance and check its coverage taking into account the pandemic.

Read our country-specific travel advice. It is also good to note that many countries continue to restrict inbound passenger travel and that exceptional visa regulations, for example, may be in force. Check the latest entry regulations from the authorities of the country of your travel destination.

It is always up to you to decide whether to travel or not. If you decide to travel, always submit your travel plans and contact details at matkustusilmoitus.fi(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window). This is to make sure that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has information about your whereabouts in the country of destination and can contact you in case of an emergency or crisis.

 

I intend to travel abroad. What should I take into account?

Bear in mind that, due to the pandemic, the restrictive measures imposed by different countries may change rapidly. When travelling abroad, take into account at least the following:

Travel notification

We recommend that you submit a travel notification whenever you travel abroad to make sure that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs can contact you if necessary. You can visit matkustusilmoitus.fi also while abroad and submit your travel details there.

Travel insurance

The Foreign Ministry recommends that you always take out travel insurance. Make sure that the insurance policy provides sufficient coverage even in case of a pandemic.

Entry regulations and country-specific restrictions

It is good to note, that some countries continue to restrict inbound passenger travel, and that exceptional visa regulations, for example, may be in force. Always check the latest entry regulations from the authorities of the country of your travel destination.

The websites of Finnish embassies provide links to the websites of local authorities and offer information on the current COVID-19 situation and the restrictions and regulations in place in the country or countries in question.

You can read about the restrictions in force in different countries for example on the websites of the European Commission:

You can also ask advice from the mission of your country of destination located in Finland. Foreign missions in Finland

Quarantine regulations may be in force in some countries and they must be observed. Countries may use different criteria for their quarantine rules from what are used in Finland. The restrictions on being outdoors may be imposed suddenly, and respiratory protective equipment (face masks) may be compulsory. Airlines and airports may also require that passengers use personal protective equipment. In some countries, airport authorities and airlines may screen passengers’ temperature or require them to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before permitting entry in the airport or the airplane.

Due to the pandemic, many countries may require a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and/or proof of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result before permitting entry. Please note that countries may require a different validity period for your test result. Some countries may also require you to fill in a medical information form prior to entry. Most countries require the certificates to be either in their own language or in English.

Travellers must themselves find out what kinds of certificates they need to enter the country or countries they intend to visit.

Countries may impose internal regulations on air traffic and other public transport. Various conditions and documentary requirements may be in force at airports and for transit traffic.

Anyone violating the restrictions may be imposed sanctions.

Please note that access to services may be restricted in some countries, and restaurants, for example, may require customers to show a COVID certificate or wear a face mask.

Healthcare and health-related regulations

If you fall ill while abroad, it may be difficult to obtain medical care because of the limited capacity of the local healthcare services.

Health checks and other exceptional arrangements may cause delays at airports, border stations and elsewhere. Some countries may require that you use respiratory protective equipment, take a COVID-19 test or stay in quarantine.

I intend to travel abroad. Where can I find information about the entry regulations and COVID-19 restrictions in place in my country of destination?

The websites of Finnish embassies provide links to the websites of local authorities and offer information on the current COVID-19 situation and the restrictions and rules in place in the country or countries in question.

You can read about the restrictions in force in different countries for example on the websites of the European Commission:

You can also ask advice from the embassy of your country of destination located in Finland: Representation of foreign states in Finland.

I will transit through several countries. What should I take into account?

Travel restrictions and regulations vary from country to country, which is why it is important to find out in advance what restrictions and regulations are in force in each country. Since airlines may also have varying requirements, you should check them beforehand both in respect of your country of destination and transit airports.

Travelling to Finland from abroad

I am planning to travel to Finland. Where can I find information about Finland’s current entry regulations?

Pre-pandemic practices have been reinstated in entry into Finland. Check the documents required for entering Finland at the website of the Finnish Border Guard:

Compensation matters and quarantine

Will insurance cover my costs if I miss my trip?

In insurance claims matters, you must turn to your own insurance company. The terms and conditions of insurance vary, and it is particularly important now that you make sure your insurance policy provides sufficient coverage.

In the event that your journey is cancelled or interrupted, reimbursement is a matter to be solved between you and your insurance company. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is not in a position to comment on the matter nor to give any documents.

Although tour operators and travel insurance providers use the Foreign Ministry's travel advice in their own cancellation and refund policies, it is important to note that the Foreign Ministry does not issue travel advice for these purposes.

Read about basic information on travel insurance at the website of the Finnish Financial Ombudsman Bureau(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window).

I am on holiday abroad and I was infected with/was exposed to the coronavirus during my journey. When can I return to Finland?

If you fall ill, follow the guidance and instructions of the local authorities and do not travel when ill. Please note that you may need to present a negative COVID-19 test result to board a flight, depending on the airline’s and the country’s requirements. If necessary, contact your travel organiser or insurance company.

If you are exposed, follow the guidance and instructions of the local authorities. Please note that you may be placed in quarantine. If necessary, contact your travel organiser or insurance company.

Can the Finnish authorities help if a Finnish traveller is placed under quarantine abroad?

If you fall ill, follow the guidance and instructions of the local authorities and do not travel when ill. Please note that you may need to present a negative COVID-19 test result to board a flight, depending on the airline’s and the country’s requirements. If necessary, contact your travel organiser or insurance company.

If you are exposed, follow the guidance and instructions of the local authorities. Please note that you may be placed in quarantine. If necessary, contact your travel organiser or insurance company.

Questions about the travel notification (matkustusilmoitus.fi)

I have submitted a travel notification and returned to Finland. Should I inform the Ministry that I have come home?

If you have entered your return date on the travel notification form and have returned to Finland according to plan, the notification will be removed from the system automatically and there is no need to do anything.

If your date of return is not mentioned on the travel notification form or if you return earlier than planned, please, remove the notification from our system. This is to let us know that you are not abroad any longer and we will not send you any queries or information.

If you have registered at matkustusilmoitus.fi, you can edit your details yourself. If you have not registered, please send an email to KPA-10@formin.fi and ask them to remove your details from the system. 

I cannot return home as planned. How can I make changes to my travel notification?

If you have submitted a travel notification and your stay abroad lasts longer than planned, you should enter a new return date on the travel notification form. This way we get to know that you are still staying abroad and can send you both information and queries.

If you have registered at matkustusilmoitus.fi, you can edit your details yourself. If you have not registered to the system, submit a new travel notification at matkustusilmoitus.fi(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window). If necessary, send an email to KPA-10@formin.fi.