Changes in the travel advice for some hospital districts in Finland

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now advising against non-essential travel to the South Karelia Hospital District in Finland. From midnight on Sunday 21 February, anyone arriving in Norway from this area, and who satisfies the criteria for entry to the country, will be required to go into quarantine for 10 days. For more information about entry rules, see here: Norway introduces its strictest entry rules since March 2020. As a general rule, only foreign nationals who have residency in Norway will be allowed entry to the country.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has recommended removing the quarantine requirement for travellers from the following hospital districts in Finland: Central Ostrobothnia Hospital District, Etelä-Savo Hospital District, Kainuu Hospital District, Pohjois-Savo Hospital District and North Karelia Hospital District. These areas will therefore be excepted from the Ministry’s global travel advice and will change from ‘red’ to ‘yellow’ on the map showing the status for quarantine on entry to Norway from Europe.   

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining its global advice against non-essential travel to all countries apart from those for which an exception has been made. This travel advice currently applies until 15 April 2021. For an updated overview of countries in the Schengen area/EEA and the Nordic countries and regions that are excepted from the travel advice, see the Institute of Public Health’s map showing the status for quarantine on entry to Norway from Europe and the Ministry’s travel information.

The new changes will apply from midnight on Sunday 21 February. The infection situation and local restrictions can both change very quickly. Anyone who is considering travelling abroad should think carefully about whether it is necessary for them to travel, and make sure that they know what the situation is in the country they are planning to visit.

People who have returned to Norway from a country or area that becomes ‘red’ after their return must monitor their health for symptoms of Covid-19. It is very important that they get themselves tested if they experience any symptoms, and that they practise good hand hygiene and maintain a distance of at least one metre from other people.

As of 1 January 2021, the UK is no longer a member of the EU. Subsequently, the UK will no longer be included in the Institute of Public Health’s assessment process and will be subject to the same quarantine requirements as other countries outside the Schengen area/EEA (third countries).