Finland starts laying-off border staff as Russia crossings stay shut
Finnish ministers push returns and Schengen security at EU Justice & Home Affairs Council
Finnair suspends Doha and Dubai services until 28 March amid Middle-East air-space warnings
Latest News
Finland confirms 1 June deadline for biometric passports as part of tighter Russia border policy
Finland has set 1 June 2026 as the date after which only biometric Russian passports will be accepted. Non-chip passports will lead to automatic refusal of entry or transit, with few exceptions. Carriers face fines for non-compliance, and travellers—including dual nationals—are urged to renew documents well in advance.
Finland Border Guard reveals surge in human-smuggling cases through intra-Schengen routes
A 5 March 2026 Border Guard bulletin shows 71 human-smuggling investigations in 2025, most involving migrants who entered Finland through internal EU borders rather than the Russian frontier. Authorities estimate at least 560 clandestine arrivals via Sweden, Estonia and intra-Schengen flights. The trend is likely to prompt tougher identity checks and legislative changes that global mobility teams must track.
Finnair opens one-off Muscat–Helsinki rescue flight after Dubai cancellations
A Finnair bulletin dated 05 March 2026 offers passengers whose Dubai flights were cancelled an alternative Muscat–Helsinki service on 10 March, arranged with the Foreign Ministry. Seats are prioritised for vulnerable travellers; normal in-flight services are suspended. Employers should update routing, visa and insurance guidance for staff transiting the Gulf region.
Foreign Ministry charters Oman–Helsinki flight to repatriate Finns caught in Gulf airspace crisis
Finland’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on 5 March 2026 that it will operate a user-pays charter from Muscat to Helsinki to evacuate citizens affected by widespread Gulf flight cancellations. Roughly 2,000 Finns in the UAE can buy a €2,300 seat; consular staff will help with permits but travellers must reach Oman independently. Companies should review duty-of-care, funding and visa arrangements for staff in the region.
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.