Finland Border Rules and Russian Vehicle Restrictions Explained for North American Travelers
Finland has been adjusting how borders are managed in response to sanctions, and these changes affect travelers who arrive by private car or on a bus. Diplomats, EU citizens, family members, and refugees with Russian license plates have been allowed entry by private car and may also travel by bus, according to updates reported through Finnish customs authorities.
Customs officials in Finland have noted that even as sanctions remain in place, people in these groups can bring personal items essential for daily life. Typical items include mobile phones, laptops, clothing, and jewelry. When a car registered in the Russian Federation attempts to enter Finland, customs historically did not automatically seize the vehicle or its contents. Rather, authorities have often returned the vehicle to Russia after confirming that entry requirements are met.
Over the recent weekend of September 16–17, customs did not permit entry for 37 vehicles with Russian plates. After the entry restriction for Russian-registered cars was introduced, cross-border traffic slowed noticeably. The usual daily flow of border crossings ranges from 600 to 700 people, but on that weekend it dropped to about 95 travelers on Saturday and 40 on Sunday, illustrating the immediate impact of the policy change.
The ban on vehicles with Russian license plates entering Finland was scheduled to take effect on September 16. Vehicles already present in Finland with Russian plates were required to depart by March 16, 2024, under the new rules. The Russian Embassy has advised citizens planning trips to Finland to avoid using vehicles with Russian license plates. By mid-September, neighboring Baltic states Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia had already begun implementing similar measures against Russian-registered vehicles.
There has been discussion about whether additional countries, such as France, might follow suit in restricting entry for cars registered in the Russian Federation. At the time of reporting, there was no confirmation of an imminent ban in France. The evolving policy landscape reflects a broader regional approach to sanctions compliance and border management in Europe and nearby regions.
For travelers in Canada and the United States who plan visits to Finland or who operate vehicles with foreign registrations, staying informed about the latest border rules and exemptions is important. Officials stress the need to check official communications before departure and to understand how sanctions-related policies may affect entry, vehicle export deadlines, and permissible personal items at the border. Market observers note that the situation could continue to evolve as sanctions regimes are adjusted and as national authorities align enforcement with international guidelines. [Citation: Finnish Customs; press releases and government notices]