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    Is the border between Finland and Russia open?

    What is closed, what still operates and where asylum can be applied for.

    Answered at: Checked at:

    Short answer

    No. The Finnish Government closed all land border crossing points with Russia from 15 December 2023, and on 4 June 2026 it decided to keep them closed until further notice. Passenger traffic cannot cross at Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra, Niirala, Vartius, Kuusamo, Salla or Raja-Jooseppi.

    Visas and Entry Regulations (Schengen)

    Why

    1. The government decision of 4 June 2026 continues the closure of the crossing points and is valid until further notice.
    2. Finnish Customs lists Kuusamo, Salla, Vartius, Vaalimaa, Imatra, Niirala, Nuijamaa and Raja-Jooseppi as temporarily closed, while freight trains at Vainikkala continue.
    3. According to the government, international protection cannot be applied for at the land crossing points on the Russian border.

    Details

    The Haapasaari, Nuijamaa harbour and Santio sea crossing points are also closed to pleasure boats. The government reviews the decision regularly.

    Tip

    Check the Finnish Government page on the eastern border before any trip that depends on crossing it, as the decision can be changed.

    What may differ

    Travel between the EU and Russia is still possible via other countries and by air through third countries, but Finland's land border is not a route.

    Common misconception

    The border is open for people with a valid visa.

    What actually happens

    The crossing points are closed to all passenger traffic, so a visa does not help.

    People also ask

    • Can you cross from Finland to Russia?
    • When will the Finnish eastern border open?
    • Is Vaalimaa border open?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Entry rules can change, so check the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and the Finnish Border Guard before you travel.

    Visas and Entry Regulations (Schengen)
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