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Finland and Sweden: one year, two cities, one closed border

In Sweden, the talk was about Finland “closing the border to Sweden”. In Finland, it was called “necessary domestic border controls”. It has been more than a year since the Corona pandemic changed everyday life in the most integrated region of the Nordics – the twin cities of Tornio and Haparanda.
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Border facts
  • The border between Sweden and Finland is 555 kilometres long and mainly runs along rives towards the Three-Country Cairn. That is where Finland’s 736 kilometres long border with Norway in the North begins.
  • The Finnish government’s increased control of traffic into the country came into force on 19 March 2020 and runs until 17 April 2021.
  • Only necessary commuter and goods traffic is allowed across the borders. No one can decide for themselves what is necessary, but it could be work that is critical to the functioning of society.
  • Only official border crossings must be used. Most border crossings are not open overnight without there being a particular reason for them to be. It is allowed to use the ice cover between the countries, but it is not allowed to go ashore on the other country's riverbank.
  • The limitations do not apply to the Sami people's constitutional rights to carry out their trade or culture. They have the right to cross the borders with all-terrain vehicles. 
  • In February 2021 the Swedish government introduced a temporary ban on foreign travellers who could not show a negative Coronavirus test. The ban is valid until (at least) the end of March.
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