Eastern Border Crossings Dropped 90% From 2019 Level

291,000 border crossings were recorded at the border checkpoints in South-East Finland in January-June. In the first half of 2019, more than 3.5 million people crossed the eastern border. That is, the number of border crossings due to the coronavirus pandemic has decreased by 90%.

At the moment, the Vaalimaa and Nuiyamaa checkpoints are open for passenger traffic, and the Imatra checkpoint is only open for freight transport. Passenger rail links with Russia have been suspended. Due to the pandemic, only Finnish citizens and their relatives, citizens of other Schengen countries, as well as citizens of any countries with a residence permit in Finland can cross the border.

The border guard in January-June refused to enter the country 22 travelers. The most common reason for refusal was the restrictions associated with the coronavirus pandemic.