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Finnair to Accept Vaccination Certificates OR Negative Test Results

Starting in May, travelers who have been vaccinated at least three weeks before flying can nix the test

April 26, 2021

Photo: Courtesy of Finnair

From next month customers travelling with Finnair to Finland will have the option to show Covid-19 vaccination certification before boarding their flight.

Travelers are currently required to present either a negative Covid-19 test result, or “an immunity/recovery certificate” as a prerequisite for boarding.

But from May 11 Finnair will accept “a Covid-19 vaccination certificate from the first vaccination dose”, providing it is on the list of vaccines approved by the World Health Organization or the European Medical Agency, and has been administered at least 21 days before the date of travel.

The certificate must include the customer’s name, date of birth, the name of the vaccine producer, the time and place the vaccine was administered, as well as the issuer of the certificate.

The carrier notes that “Many countries have their own requirements for pre-departure testing or vaccination certificates, so travelers are advised to refer to their local authority’s website prior to departure, to ensure smooth entry”.

In addition the airline said that “as of May 11, there is no requirement for children under the age of 16 to present a health certificate, but Finnair recommends children between 12 and 15 years of age arrive with proof of a negative test result”… “to speed up the arrival procedure at Helsinki Airport, where passengers with a negative test result are exempt from testing on arrival”.

“Vaccines have proven their power in fighting the pandemic, and vaccination certificates will play a key role in the upcoming EU Digital Green Certificate to ensure the health and safety of travelers,” said Kimmo Ketola, Medical Director at Finnair. “The likelihood of a vaccinated person being infected and transmitting COVID-19 is very small.”