Foreign Ministry upgrades Iran travel advisory to ‘Avoid all travel’ for Finns

On 21 September the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) raised its travel advisory for Iran to the highest warning level, urging Finnish citizens to avoid all travel and recommending that those already in the country consider leaving as soon as feasible. The move follows renewed air-strikes inside Iran and sporadic nationwide protests earlier this month. The MFA notes that most international airlines have suspended Iran services, leaving only irregular flights by local carriers whose schedules remain uncertain under tightening sanctions. Land borders may close without notice, and internet disruptions hamper communication. The advisory highlights a rising risk of arbitrary detention—particularly for dual nationals—and warns that consular assistance may be severely limited. For Finnish corporates this effectively freezes business-travel programmes to Iran and will complicate rotational staffing for energy-sector joint ventures. Companies with Finnish personnel in Iran should activate emergency-exit plans, verify insurance coverage and instruct staff to register on the MFA’s traveller locator service. The updated notice also impacts freight: insurers are likely to tighten war-risk premiums, and logistics providers may halt Iran routings, affecting supply chains for machinery and medical devices. Finnish citizens needing to remain in Iran are advised to stock two to three weeks of essentials and maintain regular contact with the MFA’s 24/7 duty office.