The Vaalimaa and Niirala border crossing points were opened for traffic on Thursday 14 December 2023. The other border crossing points on Finland's eastern border will remain closed. The Government decided the matter at an extraordinary session on 12 December 2023. The decision will remain in force until 14 January 2024. Goods transport by rail through Vainikkala will continue.
The closure of border crossings has affected the transport of animals, products of animal origin and plants. As the Vaalimaa and Niirala border crossing points have been opened, they now conduct normal border checks of animals and animal products as well as of plants and plant products.
The Government and authorities are closely monitoring the situation at Finland’s eastern border. The Finnish Food Authority will inform about any further changes relevant to its field of operations.
More information:
Head of Section Kitty Schulman, tel. +358 (0)401 632 531 (animals and animal products)
Director of Unit Sirpa Kiviruusu, tel. +358 (0)400 920 503 (animals and animal products)
Chief Specialist Sari Haikola, tel. +358 (0)40 687 6641 (plants and plant products)
Email: firstname.surname@ruokavirasto.fi
Import and export on the Finnish Food Authority website
Government press release 12 December 2023: Finland to continue restrictions at eastern border to manage the situation – Government prepared to take further measures