The Finnish government announced on December 12 that it will reopen two border crossings with Russia later this week, after closing an entire 1,340-kilometer border two weeks ago due to concerns over weaponized migration from Moscow.
Gradual Reopening Starting Thursday
The border crossing points at Vaalimaa and Niirala will reopen at midnight on December 14 and 8am on December 15 respectively.
They will remain the only two crossings open until at least January 14, 2024.
The decision was made based on both national security concerns and the need to allow some cross-border travel, according to Colonel Mikko Lehmus of the Finnish Border Guard during a press conference.
Without easing travel restrictions, it would be difficult to determine if the situation improves, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo explained.
“If the phenomenon [of weaponized migration] continues, we’ll close these border-crossing points,” Orpo stated.
Preventing Hybrid Threats
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen emphasized that Russia continues to pose hybrid threats to Finland through destabilization efforts and influence campaigns.
“The objective of this activity has been, and continues to be, to de-stabilize public security in our country and create divisions in our society," Rantanen said.
The government stands ready to either reopen more border crossings or once again seal the entire border, depending on migration patterns in the coming weeks.
Influx of Close to 1,000 Migrants
Authorities reported that nearly 1,000 migrants without proper documentation arrived at the Finnish border from August until late November.
Over 900 entered in November alone, which officials described as remarkably high numbers.
Most hailed from Syria, Somalia, and Yemen, while smaller groups originated from other countries like Afghanistan, Eritrea and Iraq.
Travel Impacts for EU Visitors
The border closures and reopening will have limited impacts on European Union (EU) visitors traveling to Finland in the short term, though tensions with Russia raise general concerns.
Finland is part of the Schengen Area, so travelers with valid Schengen Visas can still enter through other borders.
However, when the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) program launches in May 2025, applications will ask about previous travel to Russia.
Having Russian entry stamps could prompt further screening of ETIAS applications.
For long-term travelers or immigrants like families, investors, and students, Finland’s response underscores geopolitical tensions that may influence decisions about studying or relocating there.
The cautious border policies also restrict entry for Russian nationals, including those with ties to Finland.
Testing EU Adaptability
Finland’s fluctuating border controls will test the adaptability of the EU’s borderless Schengen Area in responding to rapidly evolving, security-related crises between member states and external nations.
As an EU external border, extra scrutiny of those crossing from Russia into Finland allows other member states to balance intra-EU freedom of movement with identifying potential security threats.
If other Scandinavian countries implemented further restrictions, it would also affect eligibility for cross-border worker schemes under the expanded ETIAS system.
The crisis highlights the complexity of maintaining internal EU mobility while assessing and reacting to hybrid threats from abroad.
Finland’s experience will inform discussions about balancing security, immigration policy and open borders across the continent.
Joining NATO Seen as Trigger
Finland became a NATO member in April 2023.
Many citizens believe Moscow views increased migration as a retaliation for Helsinki joining the alliance.
The government hopes its cautious reopening of two border crossings will discourage weaponized migration, while still allowing necessary cross-border travel.
Officials continue will continue to monitor the situation closely.