Viking Line's traffic between Helsinki and Stockholm has been at a standstill since March 2020. From 21 June 2021, the government of Finland will ease entry restrictions so that leisure and business travellers are again allowed for everyone within Schengen and the EU who meets the remaining conditions.

On July 6, GABRIELLA makes its first trip according to the regular timetable from Helsinki. Viking Line then offers departures from Helsinki via Mariehamn to Stockholm on dates during the summer when GABRIELLA does not make special cruises to other destinations. Thereafter, the ship will continuously depart from Stockholm to Helsinki every other day.

"Considering that the pandemic situation has now eased, we gratefully accept this official decision. We look forward to starting normal traffic between our neighboring countries after travel has been suspended for such a long time. Many of us have missed this natural traffic connection," says Jan Hanses, CEO of Viking Line.

For the time being, the shipping companies require, according to THL's recommendation, a certificate of at least one dose of Coronavirus vaccine, a certificate of a negative Coronavirus test, or a certificate that they have already had a Coronavirus infection of all passengers traveling to Finland. Cruise passengers, who have not been ashore in another country, and under 16-year-old children do not need a certificate.

When internal border controls are in force, the authorities carry out health checks at the border. Two Coronavirus vaccinations or a certificate that you have already had a Coronavirus infection are released from all coronary tests. Passengers who have a pre-test certificate, or have a certificate of having received a dose of vaccine taken at least two weeks before, do not need to be tested at the border. The use of Finentry is recommended to make entry smoother the ports. Via Finentry, you can fill in your travel information 24 hours before the trip and book an appointment for a free corona test in Finland.

To be able to enter Finland without special reasons, one of the following is required from 21 June 2021:

Two vaccination doses no later than two weeks before departure.

Documented completed Covid infection no later than 6 months before departure.

Travellers under the age of 16 can travel without fulfilling the above conditions.

It is always the traveller's responsibility to ensure that the necessary conditions for entry into Finland are met. For details on what conditions and documents are required, see our pages, information from the Finnish Ministry of the Interior and information from the Finnish Border Guard.