Situation at Finland’s eastern border

The border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia will remain closed until further notice. It is not possible to submit applications for international protection at any border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia at this time. In addition, the border crossing points for maritime traffic at Haapasaari, the port of Nuijamaa and Santio is closed to leisure boating as of 15 April.

Since the beginning of August 2023, more than 1,300 third-country nationals have arrived in Finland from Russia without a visa. According to the authorities, it was clear that foreign authorities or other actors were facilitating instrumentalised migration. This phenomenon and the risk of its escalation posed a serious threat to national security and public order in Finland.

The closed border crossing points at Vaalimaa and Niirala were reopened for traffic on Thursday 14 December 2023. The aim was to gradually lift the restrictions on cross-border traffic at the land border between Finland and Russia and to monitor the effects of lifting the restrictions. Instrumentalised migration to the eastern border resumed once the restrictions were lifted, and the decision was made to close the entire eastern border again. In its sessions on 11 January and 8 February, the Government decided to keep the border closed.

In its session on 4 April, the Government decided that Finland’s eastern border would remain closed until further notice. Based on the information available to the authorities, the risk that instrumentalised migration could resume remains likely.

The restrictions on entry are based on the Border Guard Act. The content and scope of the decision will be regularly assessed as the situation develops. The decision will be repealed or amended if it is no longer necessary in order to ensure public order and national security. 

Government's border decisions (available in Finnish)

• Decision on 16 November to close the border crossing points at Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra and Niirala starting on 18 November

• Decision on 22 November to also close the border crossing points at Kuusamo, Salla and Vartius starting on 24 November

• Decision on 28 November to close the remaining open border crossing point, Raja-Jooseppi, starting on 30 November

• Decision on 12 December to reopen the border crossing points at Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra and Niirala starting on 14 December

• Decision on 14 December to close the entire eastern border again

• Decision on 11 January to keep the eastern border closed

• Decision on 8 February to keep the eastern border closed

• Decision on 4 April to keep the eastern border closed until further notice