Finland intends to keep border with Russia closed until 2028

Why Finland wants to extend the border closure

Since early December 2023 all eight land crossing points on the Finnish‑Russian border have been locked. Helsinki’s government is drafting a bill that would stretch the current “border security act” to 31 December 2028. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen says the risk that Russia will use migration as a pressure tool will stay high for several more years, so the closure is seen as necessary.

How the decision to close came about

The surge of migrants trying to reach Europe via Russian territory became the main trigger for the restrictions. Finnish officials say a large share of those people came from third countries and used the Russian side of the border as a “corridor”. Helsinki blames Moscow for organising the flow, which led to a sharp jump in crossing attempts. In response, the border was declared “indefinitely” closed in April 2024, and in June 2026 the decision was reaffirmed “until further notice”.

What the new bill will change

The draft, already passed to the cabinet and relevant ministries, provides for extending the present restrictions until the end of 2028. In addition, in 2024 the Finnish parliament adopted an “expulsion law” that gives border guards the right to refuse asylum applications at certain sections of the frontier. In practice the law has not yet been used – the border stayed shut, and migrants could not formally pass through control.

Reaction of the European Union

The European Commission warned that the new rules could clash with Finland’s international obligations on refugee protection. In March 2026 human‑rights groups took the case to the EU Court, asking for a review of the law. Finnish authorities, however, insist the measures are needed to safeguard national security and manage migration flows.

What this means for travelers

For tourists and business trips the closure of land points does not create new hurdles, because most travel between Finland and Russia is done by air or sea. Still, when you plan a visit to the region you have to remember that a ground crossing is impossible while the law is in force. If you need to cross, you’ll have to fly via Helsinki‑Vantaa or take a ferry, both of which continue to run on a normal schedule.

How the situation is shifting in neighboring countries

Finland’s steps echo a broader regional trend, with states tightening control over their eastern frontiers. While neighbouring states may impose limits of different scale, the overall message – stronger border surveillance – is the same. That context helps explain why Finland is taking this particular path.

Outlook after 2028

The bill is still being negotiated, and the final decision will depend on how the migration threat is assessed and on political will. If the situation looks different by 2028, the border could be partially reopened or stay shut, depending on how security issues are resolved. For now Finnish officials stress that the closure is temporary but necessary.

Bottom line

Finland plans to keep its border with Russia closed until the end of 2028, relying on the border‑security act and the new asylum‑application rules. The main drivers are fears that migration will be used as a political lever and the need to protect national security. European bodies are watching the compatibility of these steps with international commitments, and travelers are advised to use air and sea routes, as land crossing remains unavailable.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.