Baltic Sea Ferries and COVID-19 Restrictions
Last Updated
As of April 2021, most EU states are following the same patterns. If you are a national of a Schengen / EEA state, you can generally travel within the Schengen Zone, but be prepared for mandatory testing and quarantine if the country in which you came from has a high number of cases.
Currently travel between EU countries is the most difficult. Unless you have official business, or residency in the destination country, your journey will be difficult. Most EU countries are now mandating negative covid tests 24-72 hours prior to entry, and the ferry operator will likely also mandate the test prior to boarding their ferry.
It is worth noting that most ferries in the Baltic Sea region are essential in transporting cargo and people between regions, so they remain running for the most part.
Also note that ferry operators in the Baltic Sea have implemented strict social distancing and cleaning rules in order to continue operating. As a result, many common areas such as cafes, restaurants, and saunas have been closed for the time being.
| Country | Summary | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Travel to/from other EU/Schengen countries restricted. Travel from non-Schengen restricted. | https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/einreiseundaufenthalt/coronavirus |
| Denmark | Travel to/from other EU/Schengen countries restricted. Travel from non-Schengen restricted. | https://coronasmitte.dk/en/entry-into-denmark |
| Sweden | Travel to/from other EU/Schengen countries allowed. Travel from non-Schengen restricted. | https://polisen.se/en/the-swedish-police/the-coronavirus-and-the-swedish-police/travel-to-and-from-sweden/ |
| Finland | Travel to/from other EU/Schengen countries allowed. Travel from non-Schengen restricted. | https://www.raja.fi/current_issues/guidelines_for_border_traffic |
| Russia | The only current ferry operator between Russia and Europe is St. Peter Line. This ferry has unfortunately been cancelled until the end of 2020. Refer: https://stpeterline.com/en/-/cancellation-of-cruises-2020. | https://ru.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ |
| Estonia | Travel to/from other EU/Schengen countries allowed. Travel from non-Schengen restricted. | https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-estonia |
| Latvia | Travel to/from other EU/Schengen countries allowed. Travel from non-Schengen restricted. | https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/consular-information/news/66019-emergency-situation-in-latvia-to-restrict-the-spread-of-covid-19 |
| Lithuania | Travel to/from other EU/Schengen countries allowed. Travel from non-Schengen restricted. | https://urm.lt/default/en/important-covid19 |
| Poland | Travel to/from other EU/Schengen countries allowed. Travel from non-Schengen restricted. | https://www.gov.pl/web/coronavirus/travel |