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