In response to the upcoming visit of US President Joe Biden to Finland on 13 July, the Finnish government announced it will be temporarily reintroducing border control at the country's internal borders. Biden will meet with the leaders of all five Nordic countries in Helsinki on Thursday.
This means that authorities will carry out identity document checks at internal border crossing points. Internal borders refer to the borders between the 27 Schengen countries. The zone includes all EU besides Ireland, as well as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein.
The measure will stay in effect between 8-15 July and will be implemented at specific border crossing points for air and water traffic, as well as Finland's land borders with Sweden and Norway.
The reintroduction of border control will not affect pleasure craft traffic.
Internal borders of Schengen countries can be crossed anywhere, including from Finland to Sweden or Norway, at any location as long as travellers have no goods to declare. Border traffic along Finland's land borders with Sweden and Norway that does not take place through the border crossing points will also be exempt from the increased surveillance.
"The reintroduction of border control at internal borders does not affect the right of freedom of movement laid down in the Constitution of Finland," the Finnish Border Guard said in a release on Friday announcing the decision.
According to the constitution, Finnish citizens cannot be denied entry into the country. They are required however to provide proof of their identity, such as an ID card or passport.
Additionally, all individuals have the right to leave the country, unless they are subject to a travel ban or their travel rights have been restricted in accordance with law.
Regular movement between borders will resume once the temporary measures are lifted after 15 July.
