Border crossing and Covid-19

We would like to explain which bus routes you can choose to cross the borders between Finland, Russia and Norway. Our neighboring countries have so much to offer, and together we are a really exciting region. Both we who are so lucky to live here and those who come here.

Unfortunately, the possibilities are very limited now, and for the vast majority of people, border crossings are excluded. We will nevertheless provide an overview of the rules that apply in the respective countries right now, to help those who, for various and necessary reasons, have to cross the borders.

We admit the rules can change quickly, and every person is responsible for obtaining correct and up-to-date information for the relevant area.

Murmansk:

On March 12, 2020, the Russian government decided to temporarily stop the passage to Russia of non-Russian citizens across the Norwegian-Russian border (Storskog / Borisoglebsk).

Russian and foreign citizens entering the country are obliged to notify of their arrival and must be directly sent to the 14-day isolation quarantine. In the absence of symptoms, a covid-19 test must be taken on the 10th day, which must be negative in order to be able to end the quarantine as planned. Foreigners who do not have residence in Murmansk county will be taken for examination / admitted to a hospital.

Russia requires visas for Norwegian and Finnish citizens. Visas cannot be applied for at the border crossing and must be obtained before entering the country. You can apply here.

Should you be in Russia and suspect infection, the telephone of the national COVID-19 helpline in Murmansk is 8-800-2000-112.

It is required that you keep at least 1.5 meters distance from other people in Russia, and it is mandatory to wear a face mask on public transport.

Lapland:

From 27 January to 30 April, entry is only allowed for necessary trips to Finland. The Finnish Border Police has made a list specifying what is considered a necessary travel. Leisure travel is not considered necessary. Business travel is permitted if it is necessary to maintain important societal functions and provide supplies.

The Sami have the right to cross the borders between Norway and Finland to maintain their livelihoods and culture. The Sami can cross the land border on foot and cross the border rivers at places other than at the border crossings. It is not permitted to cross the border with motor vehicles, but exceptions have been made for off-road vehicles. Here you will find a detailed list of the types of entries that are allowed.

Should you be in Finland and suspect infection, the telephone of the national COVID-19 helpline is 0295 535 535.

It is required that you keep at least 1,5 meters distance to people in Finland, and it is recommended that you use a face mask on public transport.

Troms and Finnmark county:

Basically, only foreigners who live in Norway can travel to Norway now. This also applies to EEA citizens. From 29 March, persons, including Norwegian citizens and foreigners residing in Norway, who travel on an unnecessary trip abroad, must also spend the quarantine at quarantine hotels.

Mandatory testing, entry registration, quarantine, quarantine hotels apply to those who can enter Norway. Familiarize yourself with what applies by reading this page, where you can also find the list of exceptions. If you are one of the few who have access to Norway, you can then go to the entry registration.

Should you be in Norway and suspect infection, the telephone of the national COVID-19 helpline is +47 413 90 978

(source: regjeringen.no 12 April 2021)