Finland has officially lifted the COVID-19-related restrictions at its borders today, July 1, the Border Guard has announced.
Such a decision means that all persons arriving from other countries will be exempted from additional entry requirements, such as the requirement to present valid proof which shows they have completed the vaccination process or a COVID-19 test result, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
At the same time, the onsite border crossing COVID-19 testing requirement will also be abolished.
The new changes will affect travellers coming from countries outside the European Union and Schengen Zone countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Russia, as well as Turkey.
According to the figures provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Finland has registered a total of 1,145,610 cases of COVID-19 infection and 4,875 deaths since the start of the Coronavirus.
Besides, the same source shows that as of June 19, a total of 11,853,659 vaccine doses have been administered in this country.
However, authorities in the country have estimated that the epidemiological situation permits the abolishment of the restrictions imposed to contain the virus’ further spread.
In addition, the Border Guard agency said that the number of international arrivals would mark a notable increase soon after the lifting of restrictions, especially at the country’s eastern border.
The head of the border inspections unit, Tuomas Laosmaa, also said that the country is expecting an increase in the number of arrivals from non-EU countries, especially Schengen visa holders who enter Finland for shopping and for transiting to other Schengen Zone countries.
In an interview with national radio Yle, Laosmaa said that the number of border crossings into Finland would reach half of the pre-pandemic levels in a few months; however, a complete return to the 2019 volumes would take longer.
In addition, authorities in Finland also announced the Imatra border crossing point between the Nordic country and Russia has reopened today after remaining closed for over a year.
Besides, it was also reported that starting from today, Vaalimaa in Virolahti and Nuijamaa in Lappeenranta will also be open to passengers around the clock.
Recently, the Ministry of Interior of Finland emphasised the fact that the number of those entering from third countries would increase significantly.
“The lifting of restrictions is expected to increase traffic from third countries. Traffic may increase at the eastern border,” the statement of the Ministry reveals.
However, the Ministry confirmed that the Border Guard would continue to monitor the border closely to ensure security and safety.