Travellers from the risky countries can come to visit Finland with a negative corona test and stay maximum one week without quarantine. Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) suggests that government’s double test model for inbound travellers to Finland may not be necessary. The Finnish Government yet to decide about these new possible changes of travel restrictions very soon.
Monday (5 October) Economic Affairs Minister Mika Lintilä said that the government will decide about the changes of the travel restrictions according to the new suggestions.
According to THL, visitors could take one coronavirus test at the border if they already have a negative test result from the country of origin, which would allow a week’s visit without quarantine requirements.
According to Yle News (opens a link), the THL plans to propose changes to the Infectious Diseases Act that would allow tourists to visit for five to seven days. This would however require a negative Covid-19 test at the border combined with risk reduction based on tour operators’ safety arrangements.
On 5 October Economic Affairs Minister Mika Lintilä and Foreign Trade Minister Ville Skinnari visited Kittilä, Lapland and discussed about the crisis in the Lapland tourism with the tourism professionals and local entrepreneurs.
Double corona test decisions
The new possible changes will replace the governments earlier decision of double corona tests for the travellers coming to Finland. According to the current government decisions, starting from 23 November, travellers arriving in Finland, have to take the first corona negative 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. Travellers staying in Finland for less than three days (less than 72 hours) will not be required to quarantine or take a second test.
On 24 September, the Government adopted a decision on restrictions on entry into Finland.
Mask recommendation in Lapland
Last Friday (2 October) health officials in Lapland recommended to wear masks in tourist attractions and restaurants, bars. According to the recommendation, employees and customers should wear masks inside restaurants and at indoor tourist destinations. Those working in customer service and those who are in contact with customers should wear a mask if they don’t have protective plexiglass.
