Border crossing

Entry into and exit from Finland is allowed via official border crossing points in accordance with the Government Decree on border crossing points and the division of border check duties at them (901/2006 and 534/2008) and Section 13 of the Border Guard Act (578/2005). The internal borders of Schengen countries can be crossed anywhere, provided that you are not carrying goods that must be declared. Therefore you can cross the border from Finland to Sweden or Norway anywhere you wish. If you are crossing the border to enter Norway and carrying goods that must be declared, you have to visit a customs office. These can be found in Kilpisjärvi, Kivilompolo, Karigasniemi, Utsjoki, Nuorgam and Näätämö. Even if carrying goods that need to be declared, you may cross the Swedish border at any location, but you must declare the goods separately by contacting a customs office. International border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia are located in Imatra, Kuusamo, Niirala, Nuijamaa, Rajajooseppi, Salla, Vaalimaa, Vainikkala and Vartius. Information on Automatic Border Crossing Control here. Temporary border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia are Haapovaara, Inari, Karttimo, Kurvinen, Leminaho, Parikkala and Ruhovaara (until 31.3.2011). International border crossing points for pleasure craft in Finland are at the Haapasaari, Hanko, Mariehamn and Suomenlinna Coast Guard Stations and at Santio and at Nuijamaa port. If you are travelling with a pet, you should contact the destination country's embassy or veterinary authorities. For further information contact the Finnish Food Safety Authority: www.evira.fi.

Crossing the border at a point other than an authorised border crossing point

In accordance with Section 13 of the Border Guard Act (578/2005), the Border Guard may issue a permit to cross the external border of the Schengen area at a point other than a border crossing point and at a time other than during the opening hours of the point (a border crossing permit). A border crossing permit is issued if there is a weighty reason and if it does not risk the maintenance of border security. Terms and conditions necessary for the maintenance of border security may be included in the permit. For further information about crossing the external border at a point other than a border crossing point contact the Border or Coast Guard Districts.