Finland Seals Off Two Border Posts With Russia After Years of Disuse

"No entry" road sign mounted on a pole in an urban setting with background elements including vehicles and hanging lanterns.
Image by Indra Abdurrahman via Pixabay

The Finnish Border Guard shut down two border crossing points with Russia, marking a permanent end to these transit routes. Border officials from both countries agreed to close the temporary checkpoints in Parikkala and Lieksa this month.

Southeast border posts stand silent

Traffic through these southeastern checkpoints stopped long before the official closure. The Lieksa station halted operations in November 2021, while Parikkala followed suit in April 2022. Russian wood export restrictions sparked the initial closures.

“The decision does not change the prevailing situation in any way and does not affect local residents,” said Samuli Murtonen, deputy commander of the North Karelia Border Guard.

Border authorities have started practical steps to implement the closure. Workers will remove signs and markings that once guided travelers through these crossing points. 

The Finnish government will update its border regulations to strike these stations from official documents.

(Image courtesy of Finnish Border Guard)

Broader border tensions shape policy

This closure fits Finland’s broader border strategy amid rising tensions with Russia. 

Finnish officials closed all eastern border crossings indefinitely last spring after detecting instrumentalized migration.

They accused Russian authorities of directing undocumented asylum seekers to cross the Finnish border as a pressure tactic.

What new border rules mean

The permanent closure of these checkpoints adds another layer to Finland’s strict eastern border policy.

Short-term visitors and migrants must use other approved entry points when reopening. This aligns with Finland’s recent law allowing border authorities to block asylum seekers and deny appeal rights in cases of instrumentalized migration.

The permanent closure of these checkpoints will also complicate Finland’s border management as the European Union (EU) prepares to launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025.

Once the ETIAS takes effect, non-EU travelers must obtain travel authorization before entering Finland through any operational border crossing.

This system will work alongside existing Schengen visa requirements, adding an extra layer of security screening for visitors planning to enter through Finland’s remaining border stations.

(Image courtesy of Alexey Ivanov via Wikimedia Commons)

Russian frontier under scrutiny

Finland’s approach signals a firmer stance on border control and immigration.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated in August that Finland has no plans to reopen its eastern border soon. This policy shift reflects growing concerns about border security and migration management in the European Union’s northeastern frontier.

The Border Guard continues to investigate suspected organized illegal migration cases as Finland maintains its enhanced security measures along the Russian border.

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