Finland extends entry restrictions

Finland has extended restrictions on movement across the border until December 19, RIA Novosti writes with reference to the press service of the country's Cabinet of Ministers. “The epidemic of the infectious disease covid-19 continues. Despite the increase in vaccination coverage, there is still a risk of exceeding public HEALTH capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to extend the decision from November 4, 2021 until December 19, 2021,” the agency said in a press release. The restriction will not affect only citizens vaccinated with vaccines approved by WHO or the European Medical Regulator. There are no Russian vaccines among them.

Recall that the Finns made a similar decision in early November - at that time, restrictions on entry into the country were extended until November 28. It was reported that entry was allowed for Russians who are family members of Finnish citizens and permanently reside in the country, as well as diplomats, holders of official passports or travel certificates. Those with a residence permit, students of Finnish educational institutions and those who have urgent family circumstances can also freely cross the border. These include the birth of a child, a serious illness of a close relative, marriage and meeting with relatives. Entry is also allowed for owners of real estate in Finland.

The restrictions are being extended despite plans to resume passenger rail service between RUSSIA and Finland from December 12. Such plans, as RBC Petersburg wrote, were announced in mid-November. Russian Railways reported that the launch of the Allegro train was scheduled for December 12, as "Finnish authorities have allowed railway communication towards Russia through the Vainikkala point."