The Government has decided to close the border crossing point of Raja-Jooseppi during the night between Wednesday and Thursday, that is, as of 30 November 2023. The decision means that all border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia will be closed until 13 December.
The import of live animals as well as food and products of animal origin from Russia will stop completely. Vaalimaa has been the only border control post for them on the eastern border.
Due to the closure of the Vaalimaa border control post, transit consignments of animal origin cannot not be exported via Vaalimaa either as long as the border is closed. Border checks of consignments leaving via Vaalimaa will not be carried out at the Vuosaari port border control post during the closure. Exporting products of animal origin through the northern border crossing points is also not allowed.
The import and transit of live plants and fresh plant products through the land border will also stop, as Vaalimaa is the only allowed border control point for them. Exports of plants and plant products that require a phytosanitary certificate from Finland to Russia will also stop.
The Finnish Food Authority will inform about possible further changes.
More information:
Head of Section Kitty Schulman, tel. +358 (0)401 632 531 (animals and animal products)
Director of Unit Sirpa Kiviruusu, tel. +358 (0)400 920 503 (animals and animal products)
Chief Specialist Sari Haikola, tel. +358 (0)40 687 6641 (plants and plant products)
Email: firstname.surname@ruokavirasto.fi
Government announcement 28 November 2023
Finland's entire eastern border to be closed
Government Decision SM/2023/15 (in Finnish)
Valtioneuvoston päätös rajanylityspaikkojen väliaikaisesta sulkemisesta ja kansainvälisen suojelun hakemisen keskittämisestä
Updated 29.11.2023