Finland
Last update 17 April 2025Diplomatic missions
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Extending indefinitely the validity of the land border crossing ban between the Republic of Finland and the Russian Federation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs Bulgarian citizens that the ban on crossing the land border between Finland and the Russian Federation remains in force for an indefinite period, with all border crossing points remaining closed. The restrictions also cover maritime traffic through the Haapasaari archipelago (Port of Santio) and the port of Nuyamaa on the Saimaa Channel. Exceptions can only be made for cargo ships in exceptional cases, with the vessels concerned being directed to the port of Nuyamaa.
Republic of Finland
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Finland
Address: Kuusisaarentie 2B, 00340 Helsinki
Telephone: +358 9 458 40 55 (central); +358 9 458 40 35 (central)
Fax: +3589 458 45 50
Opening hours of the Consular Office: Mon – Fri, 10:00 – 13:00
Out-of-hours hotline: +358 44 055 0547
To contact the Consular Office [email protected]
Working hours of the Embassy: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 16:00 (except public holidays and weekends in Bulgaria and Finland) E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/finland
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Finland
mrs. Ieva Salmela
Turku, Consular District - Varsinais-Suomi and Satakunta Regions
Address: Linnankatu 34, 2100 Turku, Finland
Telephone: +358 456370927
E-mail: [email protected]
Embassy of the Republic of Finland in Sofia, the Republic of Bulgaria
Address: 1000 Sofia, 26—28 Bacho Kiro St., 5th floor
Telephone: +3592 810 21 10 Fax: +3592 810 21 20
E-mail: [email protected]
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Finland in the Republic of Bulgaria
mr. Krasimir Ganchev
Office: 9000 Varna, 12 Prezvetier Kozma St.
GSM: +359 888 336 457
General information
IMPORTANT!!! As of 00:00 on November 18, 2023, the Republic of Finland closes the following border crossings with the Russian Federation: Vaalimaa, Nujamaa, Imatra and Niirala. The checkpoints at Vartius, Kuusamo, Salla and Raja-Jooseppi will be open for transit. The restriction applies to absolutely all crossings, including official and government officials and diplomats.
We recommend that Bulgarian citizens, if necessary to cross from Finland to the Russian Federation or vice versa, use an alternative route through the border crossing between Estonia and the Russian Federation.
Security level:
In the Republic of Finland, the crime rate is low. Visitors should take the usual security precautions.
Healthcare:
The Republic of Finland has a well-developed and highly decentralised public health system. There are no contagious diseases that require mandatory vaccination for both short and long term travel.
Customs requirements:
Information on the import-export regime of the countries, as well as on the quantities of goods and cash you can import or export from Bulgaria, can be found at HERE.
Road traffic:
On 16 April 2025, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Finland extended indefinitely the land border crossing ban between Finland and the Russian Federation. All border crossing points remain closed. Restrictions on maritime traffic through the Haapasaari archipelago and the ports of Nuyamaa and Santio remain in place. Exceptions are allowed only for cargo ships in exceptional circumstances, and they are directed to the port of Nuyamaa.
The rest of Finland's border crossing points function normally. The police have the right to carry out random document checks on passengers arriving from other Schengen countries.
Vehicle traffic in Finland is in the right lane. Bulgarian driving licences are valid in Finland.
In accordance with Art. 11 of Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament, the Consular Office with the Embassy does not accept applications for the reissue of driving licences from Bulgarian citizens with ‘habitual residence’ in Finland.
‘Habitual residence' should be taken to mean the place where a person usually lives, i.e. for more than 185 days in a calendar year. According to the above-mentioned Directive, the driving licence is issued by the authorities of the relevant EU Member State.
Further information on issuing a driving licence in Finland can be found at HERE.
Standard speed limits (km/h) unless otherwise indicated by road signs:Highways 100 / 120 (120 only in summer and not everywhere);
• Outside settlements 80 / 100 (80 — in general and 100 — exceptionally, rarely in winter. Signs are changed twice a year on main roads to indicate summer and winter speed limits);
• In settlements 40/50 (40 on most streets)
Standard blood alcohol content limit — 0.5 [mg/ml]
1. Daytime running lights - Mandatory
2. Winter tyres - Mandatory (for passenger cars, light trucks and trailers between 750 and 3500 kg from 1 December to 28 February). Studded winter tyres are permitted.
Safety accessories:
3. Reflective vest - optional (Pedestrians must wear reflectors when it is dark outside);
4. Safety triangle - mandatory;
5. First aid kit - optional;
6. Fire extinguisher - optional.
Safety accessories for cyclists:
7. Reflective vest - optional;
8. Bicycle helmet - mandatory for all cyclists, everywhere and at all times.
Practical advice:
Detailed information and tips for air travellers can be found on the Sofia Airport website from HERE and Vantaa Airport's from HERE.
Travel papers and visas
Bulgarian citizens can travel to Finland with valid passports or identity cards. Visas are not required. There is no requirement for a minimum remaining validity period of the identity card or passport.
There is an obligation to register with the Police for foreigners once the period of residence exceeds 90 consecutive days.
For stays exceeding three months, administrative formalities require citizens to register with the relevant authorities. For more information, see HERE.
The Local Register Office shall issue a certificate of current registration containing the name and address of the registrant and the date of registration. Failure to comply with the registration requirement may result in proportionate and non-discriminatory sanctions being imposed on the person concerned. A valid identity card or passport, confirmation of employment by the employer or proof of employment, or proof of being self-employed; proof of enrolment in an accredited educational institution, and proof of comprehensive health insurance.
Consular service
Bulgarian identity documents:
The Embassy in Finland accepts applications for passports, identity cards and Emergency Travel Documents, as it has the equipment to take biometric data (fingerprints and a picture of the iris of the eye).
Certifications and legalizations:
In order for a document issued by the Finnish Civil Registry to be recognized in Bulgaria, and vice versa, for a Bulgarian document to be recognized in Finland, it must be legalized with a special Apostille certificate and translated. The translation must be carried out by a translator who has a contract with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to carry out official translations.
In Finland, civil status certificates (extract from the population information system in Finland) are issued and legalized with a special Apostille certificate by the Registration Office (more information can be found at HERE).