Finnair to Accept Proof of First COVID19 Vaccine Dose as Alternative to Test Result

Finnair will start accepting a COVID19 vaccination certificate from the first vaccination dose as an alternative to a negative test result or a certificate of a previous COVID19 infection, on flights to Finland from 11 May 2021.

Since late January, Finnair has required that all passengers travelling to Finland - excluding transfer passengers - present either a negative test certificate or an immunity/recovery certificate as a prerequisite for boarding.

In addition, from 11 May, children under the age of 16 will no longer be required to present a health certificate, but Finnair recommends children between 12 and 15 years of age arrive with proof of a negative test result. This is 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 travellers,” said Kimmo Ketola, Medical Director at Finnair. “The likelihood of a vaccinated person being infected and transmitting COVID19 is very small.”

Finnair will accept vaccination certificates for all COVID19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation or the European Medical Agency.

The vaccine needs to be administered at least 21 days before the travel date. The certificate needs to 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.

As an alternative to the vaccination certificate, customers can present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result or a certificate of a previous COVID19 infection.

Many countries have their own requirements for pre-departure testing or vaccination certificates, so travellers are advised to refer to their local authority’s website prior to departure, to ensure smooth entry.

See also: What is the IATA Travel Pass, and what does it mean for travellers, airlines and the global travel industry? Exclusive video interview with Vinoop Goel.

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