Dear Friends,

In the current circumstances, the Embassy of Ireland is operating on a restricted basis until further notice. For queries or appointments, please contact us via the website Contact form.

Travel Advice

Update 06 January 2022:

Entry to Finland:

• Since 21 December passengers aged 16 and older arriving from outside the EU and the Schengen area will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued less than 48 hours before their arrival, in addition to proof of a full course of vaccination. The results of both PCR and Antigen tests are accepted. The test requirement does not apply to Finnish citizens or permanent residents of Finland returning to Finland. This restriction is valid until 16 January 2022.
• From 28 December, all passengers aged 16 and older will be required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test which has been taken within 48 hours of entering the country. In addition to having a negative COVID-19 test, arrivals will be required to present certificates showing proof of being fully vaccinated or having recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months. The test requirement does not apply to Finnish citizens or permanent residents of Finland returning to Finland. This restriction is valid until 16 January 2022. 
• All passengers aged 16 and older are required to present certificates (COVID-19 Certificate) and comply with the decisions made by the Regional State Administrative Agencies on compulsory health examinations (undergo a COVID-19 test if necessary certificates are not provided). All passengers aged 16 and older are also recommended to take a COVID-19 home test upon arrival in the country if they have not been tested upon entry at the border. 
• All passengers aged 16 and older who in the last 14 days have stayed in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini (Swaziland), Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Denmark or Norway are subject to compulsory COVID-19 test upon entering Finland. Alternatively, if a passenger from these countries can present a negative COVID-19 test result taken less than 48 hours before arrival, they do not have to participate in a test at the border. This restriction applies also to Finnish citizens and permanent residents of Finland. This restriction is valid until 31st January 2022.
• It is recommended to use the FINENTRY web service before you travel to Finland.
• In the Lapland health care district, the corresponding service is LAPLANDENTRY.

The Finnish Border Guard provides more information for travellers entering Finland here.

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare provides guidance on health security measures here.

More information on travelling to Finland is also available on the DFA travel website here. 

Entry to Ireland:

• Passengers must fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before departure.
• As of 06 January 2022, travellers aged 12 and older who have proof of vaccination or recovery are no longer required to present evidence of a pre-departure COVID-19 test.
  • if passenger does not have a Digital COVID-19 Certificate based on vaccination or recovery, they have to show a negative ('not detected') RT-PCR test which was carried out no more than 72 hours before they arrive in Ireland.
  • if passenger has proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19, they are required to present evidence of a valid Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) or other acceptable proof of vaccination/previous infection prior to travel;
  • any individual that develops COVID-19 symptoms should follow the HSE guidance in relation to isolation and undertaking antigen or RT-PCR testing as appropriate.
• All passengers aged 12 and older arriving in Ireland are now advised to conduct antigen testing on a daily basis for a period of 5 consecutive days commencing on day of arrival, as per the new Government health measures announced on 17th December and listed here.
• More information on the new rules for travelling to Ireland can be found here.
• Please note that pre-departure tests in Finland should be booked through private providers. It is advisable to book well in advance of travel and to consider costs, which are comparatively high. You can find the different providers here.

More information on the Government of Ireland advice on international travel can be found here.

We advise all Irish citizens when travelling abroad to remain vigilant and follow the instructions and advice from the local authorities.

Visas

The Department of Justice has announced the resumption of visa services from 13 September 2021.

If you wish to apply for an Irish visa, further information can be found on the website of the Irish Immigration Service. 

To submit an application please see our Visa Information for application guidelines.

Passports

All passport applicants are required to apply or renew online.

Appointments

Appointments for Consular matters, when necessary, can be made by calling +358 9 682 4240 or sending a message through the website Contact form.

Emergencies

Emergency Consular assistance continues to be provided and any Irish citizens in need of assistance should call +358 9 682 4240 and leave a message clearly stating their name, phone number and issue. The mailbox is monitored regularly and the Duty Officer will call you back as soon as possible.

Registration

In addition, you can register your contact details on Citizens’ Registration, which allows us to contact you and provide assistance in the event of an unforeseen crisis or family emergency while you are overseas: https://www.dfa.ie/travel/citizens-registration

The Helsinki Embassy Team