Finland Border Guard reveals surge in human-smuggling cases through intra-Schengen routes
Finnair opens one-off Muscat–Helsinki rescue flight after Dubai cancellations
Foreign Ministry charters Oman–Helsinki flight to repatriate Finns caught in Gulf airspace crisis
Latest News
Lapland Border Guard reports record airport traffic and security incidents in February
Lapland Border Guard’s 5 March report shows February passenger checks up 37 % year-on-year, driven by record winter-tourism traffic. Officers handled entry refusals, a forged-passport case and minor land-border incidents. Businesses should plan for longer airport processing times, tighten document checks for seasonal staff and ensure tour guides respect restricted zones.
Finland sets June 2026 deadline for Russian travellers to carry biometric passports
Finland will refuse entry to holders of old Russian passports from 1 June 2026, accepting only biometric e-passports. A short grace period and limited exemptions apply, but businesses are urged to verify staff documents well in advance. The measure harmonises Finnish border practice with Baltic neighbours and supports upcoming EU Entry/Exit System biometric checks.
Finland tightens seasonal-work visa checks for Thai berry pickers
From the 2026 harvest, Finnish embassies will refuse seasonal-work visas for berry pickers if past inspections show an employer broke labour laws. The stricter screening follows trafficking cases involving Thai workers and is meant to ensure fair pay and safe housing. Agribusinesses must tighten compliance or risk a labour shortfall.
Official gazette confirms Schengen-wide ban on non-biometric Russian passports at Finnish border
An official communiqué details how Finland will enforce the 1 June 2026 ban on non-biometric Russian passports, leaving virtually no exemptions and bringing the country into line with Baltic neighbours. Companies must identify affected travellers now to avoid refusals and carrier penalties.
President Stubb begins state visit to India, signalling deeper mobility and trade ties
President Alexander Stubb’s 4–7 March state visit to India puts mobility on the table: both sides want faster multiple-entry business visas, smoother researcher exchange and mutual skills recognition. Closer travel frameworks are expected to underpin rising bilateral trade, already worth €3 billion.
Finnish missions in India close on 4 March for Holi, delaying visa processing
Finland’s embassy in New Delhi and consulate in Mumbai were closed on 4 March for the Holi holiday, pushing all visa and consular appointments to later dates. Employers are urged to pad schedules as Indian public holidays can extend Schengen-visa lead times.