Tomorrow 19 March, Finland closes its borders, and travel and shuttle migration between Estonia and Finland in its current form will be suspended. Today 18 March is the last chance to go to Finland from Estonia without having to self-isolate. When coming from Finland to Estonia, you should keep in mind that the obligation to self-isolate is already in force.
Starting from tomorrow, Finland will grant entry to Finnish citizens and those with a registered right of residence in Finland. All others, including Estonians who go to Finland to work but are not in this category, will not be allowed into the country in line with the decision of the government of Finland.
“You must be aware that everyone wishing to go to Finland can still do so today, however, starting from tomorrow, only Finnish citizens and those with a registered right of residence in Finland are admitted. For example, if an Estonian citizen is working in Finland but has no registered right of residence there, starting from tomorrow, they will not be allowed to enter Finland. Those with a registered right of residence must keep in mind that as of tomorrow, the obligation to self-isolate applies to everyone arriving in Finland,” Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said.
If you have plane tickets to Estonia from a more distant location (and a right to enter Estnonia) and wish to travel through Finland, as of now, the citizens of Estonia and other European Union member states can transit through Finland. More details about the practical circumstances of transit after border closures are currently being clarified.
The international transport of goods between Estonia and Finland will continue and it is exempt from restrictions on movement, however, you must be aware of delays and have patience. More information is available on the websites of Finnish authorities (Border Guard and government).
Starting from tomorrow 19 March, Sweden will also suspend non-essential entries into the country; however, this does not apply to citizens of the European Union. Therefore, if you are returning from a more distant location, you can travel through Sweden, but please keep in mind that regular ferry traffic between Stockholm and Tallinn has been suspended. You can come to Estonia from Stockholm with a special Tallink ship, from Kapellskär to Paldiski or with a Tallink or Viking Line ship from Stockholm to Turku and then to Tallinn.
We ask you to contact shipping companies for enquiries about tickets. As of now, Tallink ferries continue to operate between Estonia and Finland on a changed schedule, however, we ask you to make sure you have the right to enter the country before purchasing tickets. Please also refer to the websites of Tallink, Eckerö Line or Viking Line.
Additional information:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Communication Department
[email protected]
https://vm.ee/en/news/urgent-travel-advice-estonians-can-no-longer-travel-finland-tomorrow