Temporary border crossings in Parikkala and Inari, Finland closed due to timber export restrictions

Temporary border crossing points in Parikkala and Inari, Lieksa have been closed, as announced by the Border Guard. Traffic through both crossing points has been halted for an extended period. Inari’s crossing closed on November 1, 2021, and Parikkala’s on April 19, 2022, due to restrictions related to timber exports from Russia. Inari is located in North Karelia, while Parikkala is in South Karelia.

The decision to close the temporary border crossings was made unanimously in October by the heads of the Finnish Border Guard and the Russian Border Service. The Southeast Finland Border Guard and the North Karelia Border Guard will now take practical steps to implement the decision, which includes removing signage related to the crossing points.

The potential reopening of these temporary crossings in the future is possible according to the border crossing agreement between Finland and Russia. The closure of these crossings is not viewed as a violation of the agreement. According to this agreement, the necessary number of temporary border crossing points can be established at any given time to facilitate cooperation in border areas, the transportation of timber, and other economic activities for citizens and vehicles from both countries, as emphasized by the Border Guard in their statement. Further updates on this development will follow.