Finland is open for visitors, no vaccination required
Americans are once again allowed to visit Finland, as the country has reopened its borders to vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers alike as of July 26, the Visit Finland tourism board confirmed.
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Vaccinated travelers from all countries, including the U.S., are now permitted to enter Finland, so long as they have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days prior to arrival in Finland. The Finnish government will accept vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency and/or World Health Organization. Acceptable vaccination certificates include the EU Digital COVID Certificate as well as those written in English, Finnish or Swedish.
Although there are no testing or quarantine requirements for vaccinated visitors, unvaccinated travelers must provide results of a negative COVID-19 test or recent recovery from COVID-19 within the preceding six months, followed by another COVID-19 test taken on days three to five of being in Finland, during which period you are expected to isolate until receipt of negative test results. The same applies to those who have received one dose of a two-dose vaccine at least 14 days prior to arrival in Finland: You will be subjected to a COVID-19 test three to five days after arrival, during which period you are directed to self-isolate until receipt of negative test results. COVID-19 testing locations can be found here.
Read more: Reopening Europe: When can you visit again? A country-by-country guide
Travelers under the age of 15 are exempt from travel requirements, as well as travelers coming from countries designated as low risk. As of Aug. 9, neither a vaccination certificate nor COVID-19 test is required for entry to Finland for persons from the following countries:
- Albania.
- Australia.
- Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- Hong Kong.
- Hungary.
- China.
- Macao.
- Poland.
- Romania.
- Taiwan.
- New Zealand.
- The Vatican.
- The Norwegian municipalities of Storfjord, Kafjord, Nordreisa, Kautokeino, Karasjok, Tana, Nesseby and Sor-Varanger.
As of Aug. 12, nearly 40% of the Finnish population is fully vaccinated, per data from the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, which also noted that approximately 5,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported from Aug. 2-8, compared to just over 4,600 the week before.
"In Finland, around 68 per cent of the population have received at least their first vaccine dose and 39 per cent of the population have received a full COVID-19 vaccine course, i.e. they have received the second vaccine dose," the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health said in a press release on Aug. 12. "Among those in need of hospital care in Finland, the number of young adults and unvaccinated patients is currently notable. The overall burden on specialised healthcare has reduced slightly, but the need for intensive care has increased compared to the situation a week before."
Pandemic-related health and safety measures remain in place in Finland, including social distancing and required face masks on public transportation in large cities. Restrictions were increased on Aug. 8 in high-risk areas, including closing restaurants, bars and cafes at 11 p.m. Otherwise, restaurants, cafes and bars are open indoors and out, with socially distanced seating.
Most tourist attractions and accommodations are open, but the tourism organization encourages travelers to double-check with establishments before booking.
Related: 5 tips for booking flights to Europe this summer when the EU reopens to vaccinated Americans
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
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- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
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Rewards Rate
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees