Border crossing
| Updated: 28.3.2013 - Next update: 28.3.2014 |
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Border traffic continued to increase in 2012
In 2012 the amount of external border crossings increased compared with 2011. This increase concerned also third country nationals holding a visa. The growth in border crossings at external border between Finland and Russia was notable, 13 % compared with 2011. The share of visa holders in total traffic amount at eastern border was higher than 2011. External border crossings increased also at airports in 2012 about 7%. External maritime traffic increased significantly, about 60% due to addition of travelers at regular ferry routes between Helsinki and St. Petersburg. The amount of border crossings at external borders is expected to increase also in coming years.Source:
The Finnish Border Guard
Description of indicator
Cross border traffic trends are described using three variables:
Internal border traffic refers to border crossings between Finland and other Schengen states. Border checks are not carried out at internal borders, meaning for instance, traffic between Finland and the Nordic countries and Finland and Estonia, constitutes such traffic. Significant growth in internal traffic in 2008 was primarily due to the Baltic countries’ joining the Schengen Agreement.
Border crossings at the external border refers to border crossings between Finland and states other than Schengen states. At the external border, border checks are usually carried out without exception. A valid travel document, or travel document and visa, are required for crossing the external border. For instance, traffic between Finland and Russia, and Finland and the United States, constitutes such traffic. In the indicator, external border crossings includes also traffic subject to a visa requirement. The marked decline in external border crossings in 2008 was primarily due to the Baltic countries joining the Schengen Agreement.
Border crossings of third country nationals holding a visa have been documented separately since 2002. For instance, traffic between Finland and Russia, and Finland and China, constitutes such traffic.
