finnish travel document

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Essential Documents for Traveling to Finland: What You Need to Carry

Traveling to finland make sure you have the necessary documents on hand. this list includes items like a valid passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, and proof of accommodation. don't forget to check the specific entry requirements for covid-19, such as a negative test result or vaccination proof. stay organized and prepared to enjoy your trip to finland hassle-free..

Key Takeaways:

• Essential travel documents for Finland include a valid passport, visa (for non-EU citizens), proof of accommodation, travel insurance , return flight ticket, and financial proof.
• Depending on the purpose of your visit, additional documents like an invitation letter or business-related documents may be required.
• Stay informed about the latest travel requirements by visiting the official Finnish Immigration Service website or contacting them directly for accurate and up-to-date information. Plan your trip to Finland hassle-free with the right paperwork!

Essential Travel Documents for Finland

Are you planning a trip to Finland? It’s always exciting to visit a new country, but to ensure a smooth journey, you need the right paperwork. Here is a list of essential documents you should carry with you to enjoy your Finnish adventure without any hiccups.

Passport and Visa

First things first: your passport. It should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay. If you’re a non-EU citizen, depending on your country, you may also need a visa. Finland is part of the Schengen area, which means you can apply for a Schengen visa for short stays. Check your visa requirements well in advance on the official Finnish Immigration Service website or through your local Finnish embassy or consulate.

Proof of Accommodation

Where you are staying is crucial information. Whether it’s a hotel booking, a rented apartment, or staying with friends, authorities might ask you to show proof of accommodation.

Travel Insurance

“Travel insurance is not just a safety net, but a mandatory requirement for many travelers,” say experts. Insurance should cover the duration of your stay in Finland and is especially important for visa applications, as it’s often required to show your policy has minimum coverage for medical emergencies.

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A return ticket is a must-have to prove that you have plans to leave the country after your visit. This document reassures immigration officials that you intend to stay temporarily.

Financial Proof

Having enough funds to support yourself during the stay is another key requirement. Bank statements, credit cards, or cash can serve as proof of sufficient financial means.

Additional Documents

Depending on the nature of your visit, you might also need:

• An Invitation letter, if visiting family or friends
• Event tickets or travel itineraries if attending specific events or tours
• Business documents and contacts if on a business trip

Always remember, carrying all the necessary documents helps ensure a more enjoyable and stress-free visit.

Staying Informed

Laws and policies can change, so it’s essential to stay up to date. For the most accurate and recent information, visit the official Finnish Immigration Service website or contact them directly. By gathering all required documents and keeping informed about the latest travel requirements, you can look forward to a fantastic Finnish experience.

Remember, traveling should be about making memories, not worrying about paperwork. Preparing these documents beforehand is the key to a peaceful and enjoyable trip. Hyvää matkaa! (That’s ‘Have a good trip’ in Finnish.)

So there you have it, my fellow travel enthusiasts! Make sure you have your passport, visa, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, return flight ticket, and financial proof before embarking on your Finnish adventure. And hey, if you want more handy travel tips and information about visas, head over to visaverge.com. They’ve got your back, so you can focus on enjoying your trip without any visa-vers!

FAQ’s to know:

FAQ 1: What are the essential travel documents required for a trip to Finland?

To ensure a smooth journey to Finland, you need the following essential travel documents: a valid passport (with a minimum validity of three months beyond your intended stay), a visa (if required for non-EU citizens), proof of accommodation, travel insurance, a return flight ticket, and proof of sufficient financial means. Additional documents may be necessary depending on the purpose of your visit.

FAQ 2: How can I check if I need a visa to travel to Finland?

If you are a non-EU citizen, you may need a visa to visit Finland. To determine if you require a visa, check your visa requirements well in advance on the official Finnish Immigration Service website or contact your local Finnish embassy or consulate. Finland is part of the Schengen area, so you can often apply for a Schengen visa for short stays.

FAQ 3: What is the importance of travel insurance for a trip to Finland?

Travel insurance is essential and often a mandatory requirement for many travelers visiting Finland. It serves as a safety net and provides coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, and other unforeseen circumstances. To meet visa requirements, your insurance policy should cover the entire duration of your stay in Finland and have minimum coverage for medical emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance to ensure peace of mind during your trip.

What did you learn? Answer below to know:

• True or False: A visa is required for non-EU citizens visiting Finland.
• What document is essential for proving your intended date of departure from Finland? a) Passport b) Travel insurance c) Return flight ticket d) Proof of accommodation
• What additional document might be required if you are visiting family or friends in Finland? a) Business documents and contacts b) Travel insurance c) Invitation letter d) Event tickets or travel itineraries

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Learn About Your Destination

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Finland - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Finland.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Finland.

If you decide to travel to Finland:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Finland.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

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Itäinen Puistotie 14B 00140 Helsinki Finland Telephone: +(358) 9-616-250 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(358) 9-616-250 and select 0 Fax: +(358) 9-174-681 Email:   [email protected]

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Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the Embassy of Finland website for the most current visa information.

• Students and prospective students must apply for a residence permit if you plan to study at a Finnish educational institution for more than 90 days. More detailed information is available on the  Finnish Immigration Service  website.

Traveling Through Europe :  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .  
• You will need s ufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Finland. 

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

Crime : Finland has a low rate of crime and violent crime is uncommon.  Keep an inconspicuous profile and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

• The most common criminal threat is petty street crime such as pickpocketing.  Avoid leaving personal possessions unattended while in public. The most serious criminal threat is a lone-wolf terrorist attack.  Finland had one such attack in 2017, resulting in two fatalities and eight injuries.
• Motorcycle gangs and Russian organized crime have a limited presence in Finland, but expatriates are unlikely to encounter them. Remain vigilant with regard to your personal security and exercise caution.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime :  Report crimes to the local police by dialing  112 , and contact the U.S. Embassy at  + (358) 9-616-250 .  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

For information on shelters in Finland please see Shelters For Victims of Domestic Violence page published by the National Institute for Health and Welfare.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in Finland
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence : U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties : You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Faith-Based Travelers : See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers : There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Finland.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights Report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance : Laws mandating access to buildings for persons with disabilities are generally enforced, but many older buildings remain inaccessible. Some public transportation systems are less adapted to individuals with disabilities. You should check ahead with your hotel/destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Finland.

• Most forms of public transportation are accessible, but geographically-isolated areas can be especially problematic for travelers with disabilities.
• Call ahead to restaurants, museums, and other facilities to find out if they are wheel-chair accessible.
• Assistance for train travelers  is available at most stations but must be requested in advance. For more information, visit the  Finnish National Tourist Board’s website .

Students : See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers : See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Medical facilities and staff are generally excellent and widely available for emergency services. English is commonly spoken by Finnish medical personnel. The public hospital system and many private hospitals accept foreign credit cards.

• Local medical centers, clinics, or first-aid stations are located at hospitals and will provide a full range of services to tourist and temporary visitors.
• For emergency services in Finland, dial 112 .

Ambulance services are widely available.

We do not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance : Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the government of Finland  to ensure the medication is legal in Finland.

• You may bring a 90-day supply of most personal prescription drugs with a formal doctor’s note.
• Prescribed narcotics may only be brought into Finland for your personal use  for a maximum of 14 days and must be accompanied by a medical certificate  stating why you need them.
• Finnish customs regulations prohibit you from receiving medication shipments from abroad.  Local physicians may be reluctant to prescribe equivalent quantities or dosages. For more detailed information, please visit the  Finnish National Tourist Board website  or contact the  Embassy of Finland .

Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information, go to:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Finland has an extensive network of highways and excellent public transportation services throughout the country. Driving in Finland is on the right side.

• A valid U.S. driver’s license may be used while visiting Finland, but drivers must be at least 18 years of age.
• Traffic approaching from the right has priority, even if entering a primary roadway from a secondary one.  Stop signs are rarely used in Finland.
• It is common practice in Finland, including in large cities, to turn off traffic lights at certain intersections in the early morning hours.
• Road signs use standard international symbols and Finnish text.
• Many urban streets have traffic lanes reserved for public transportation only.

Winter driving in Finland can be hazardous . Daylight hours are very short and drivers should be comfortable driving in darkness.

• Icy road conditions are common.
• Your vehicle must have snow tires from December through February. Engine heaters are strongly recommended.
• When driving at night, drivers must be alert to moose wandering onto major roadways. Striking a moose can severely damage a vehicle and even fatally injure its occupants.
• If you are in a car accident, you must have your insurance paperwork with you.

Traffic Laws : Unless otherwise noted on traffic signs, the speed limit varies from 30 to 40 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on open roads, and 120 km/h on expressways during summer (100 km/h in winter).

• Vehicles must use headlights at all times.
• Use of seatbelts is mandatory for drivers and all passengers.
• Children under 135 cm (approximately 53 inches) in height must be seated in approved child or booster seats or use appropriate safety equipment as stated on the  Finnish Police website .
• Drunk driving laws are strict.

o   Police strictly enforce all traffic laws and institute random roadside breath-analyzer tests. Drivers who register a 0.05% or higher blood-alcohol content are subject to immediate arrest. For more information, please review the  Finnish Police website .

Public Transportation : Public transportation in Finland is of good quality and is the recommended method of travel.

• Passenger trains, intercity buses, and air flights provide regular service over longer distances.
• Public transportation in urban centers includes buses, subways, trams, suburban trains, and taxis.
• Taxis are more expensive than in major U.S. cities. Rates vary widely depending on the company providing the transportation service.
• Most local residents use public transport in Helsinki as parking is expensive and can be hard to find.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the  Finland National Tourist Board  and the  Finnish Road Safety Council .

Aviation Safety Oversight : The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Finland’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Finland’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel : Mariners planning travel to Finland should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Finland .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Travel documents

When preparing for your journey, it is important to ensure that you have all the needed travel documents up to date and with you. You will be asked to prove your identity at various points during your journey. The travel documents you need depend on your nationality, destination and transit countries.

Things to remember

• Find out which travel documents are needed to travel to your destination considering your nationality. You can use our travel documents map to check the details. 
• Also, see the requirements for transferring through one country to another, for example if your route includes more than one Schengen country.
• Note that many countries require that your passport is valid for three to six months after your trip has ended.
• Note that a visa may also be required for your destination or your transit countries.
• Note that if you don’t hold a return or onward ticket, you could be refused entry at your destination, especially if travelling on a tourist visa. 
• Allow enough time for applying or renewing your travel documents.
• Ensure that your first and family names are spelled in the same way on your flight ticket, passport and any frequent flyer cards you may have. On Finnair flights, it is sufficient to have in the ticket your family name and one of the first names from the passport written correctly.
• Take a copy of your e-ticket receipt with you, especially on intercontinental flights. If you bought your ticket directly from Finnair, you can order the e-ticket receipt using this web form . Otherwise, you can contact the ticket issuing airline or travel agent.
• You can visit the IATA Travel Centre site for information on passport, visa and health requirements.

Documents accepted on Finnair flights

Citizens of finland and scandinavia, flights within finland and other nordic countries (no border control in place):.

• Passengers of 16 years and over must carry a passport, a photo identification or a driver’s licence.
• Passengers under 16 years travelling with their parents are not required to have an identity card of their own.
• Passengers under 16 years travelling alone or with someone other than their parents must carry either a passport or a photo identification.
• Passengers under 12 years travelling alone and carrying a properly completed Unaccompanied Minor Advice form (PDF) are not required to carry an identity card of their own. However, the people seeing them off and receiving them at their destination must prove their identity with a valid form of identification (e.g. an official identity card or a passport).

Reinstated internal border controls : Nordic countries may reintroduce internal border controls at short notice for security reasons. In such cases, airlines must ensure that all passengers travelling to the affected country meet the entry requirements. It is important to note that the passport exemption within Nordic countries only applies to Nordic citizens. This means that during periods of internal border controls, a Nordic driver's license cannot be accepted as a travel document since it does not indicate the holder's citizenship. We recommend that you carry a valid passport or valid national photo ID in such situations. 

There are still changes to the travel document requirements in some countries due to coronavirus. Please see more information on the Travel documents map or  Travel Updates page .

Flights within the Schengen Area, EU countries and Switzerland:

• You need a passport or a photo identification complying with EU standards and allowing international travel. See the list of all Schengen countries .

Flights to destinations outside the EU:

• You need a passport and, when necessary, a valid visa or a residence permit.
• When travelling to the USA, Canada or Australia, please see our additional instructions .

Other EU nationals and citizens of Switzerland

Flights within finland and between countries in the schengen area or the eu:.

• You need a passport or a photo identification complying with EU standards and allowing international travel.
• You need a passport and, when necessary, a valid visa, residence permit or another travel document that entitles travel via/entry into the country.

Citizens of countries outside the European Union

• For example, when travelling via Finland to Denmark, the travel documents must be valid for entering both Finland and Denmark.
• See the visa requirements and travel documents accepted by Finland
• When travelling to Finland and the Schengen area, your passport must be valid for more than 3 months beyond the period of intended stay.
• See further details on Schengen Visa  
• When travelling to the USA, UK, Canada or Australia, please see our additional instructions .

Travelling through more than one Schengen country?

If your route includes more than one Schengen country, you enter the Schengen area. See the list of all Schengen countries .

Travelling to a Schengen country through another Schengen country

If you are travelling to your Schengen destination country via another Schengen country, you need to fulfil the visa regulations of both the country through which you enter the Schengen area and the destination country. Although both countries are Schengen member states, the regulations and the accepted documents may not be the same for both countries.

• For example, if you are travelling from Shanghai to Frankfurt via Helsinki, your travel documents must be valid for entry via Finland (fulfil the requirements of Finland) and they must be valid for onward travel to Germany.

Transferring via one Schengen country

If you only transit via one Schengen country and your destination is outside the Schengen area, you don’t enter the Schengen area, and a visa is not required.

• For example, if you are travelling from New Delhi to New York via Helsinki, your travel documents must be valid for the USA.

Transferring via more than one Schengen country

If you transit via two or more Schengen countries although your destination is outside the Schengen area, you need to enter the Schengen area, and a visa is required.

• For example, if you are travelling from New Delhi to Montreal via Helsinki and Paris, your travel documents need to be valid for the Schengen area (fulfil the requirements of Finland) and for Canada.

Additional requirements for minors

In some countries, travel consent from parents or guardians is required for minors travelling alone or in the company of only one parent or guardian. The consent may be required either when leaving or entering the country.

To find out whether the authorisation of minors will be required on a particular journey, please contact the local authorities of the country you are departing from as well as the embassy of your destination country.

Want to know more?  See related frequently asked questions

Ukraine war latest: Russian forces take control of village in Kharkiv region - defence ministry

Russian troops are continuing to advance in the Kharkiv region - with the defence ministry claiming it had taken control of 12 settlements in a week.

Saturday 18 May 2024 11:50, UK

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• Russia takes control of village in Kharkiv - defence ministry
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• Live reporting by Josephine Franks

Ask a question or make a comment

Russia could step up its offensive, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned, saying its operation in Kharkiv is potentially only the "first wave" in a summer assault. 

Mr Zelenskyy renewed his calls for allies to send more air defence and fighter jets on Friday in an interview with the AFP news agency.

He said Ukraine only had a quarter of what it needed in terms of air defence to protect its skies. 

He played down Russia's gains, but warned that Moscow was advancing. 

"We have to be sober and understand that they are going deeper into our territory. Not vice versa. And that's still their advantage."

On Friday,  Mr Zelenskyy said the situation in Kharkiv had "stabilised", adding Russian forces' "deepest point of their advance" was 10 km.

Russian forces have captured the village of Starytsia in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, Russia's defence ministry says. 

Russian troops are continuing to advance in the area, it added. 

On Friday, the defence ministry said it had taken control of 12 settlements in Kharkiv in a week. 

Russia launched an offensive in the Kharkiv area on 10 May, heaping pressure on to Ukraine's stretched forces.

A 33-year-old man has died in hospital after a reported Russian airstrike on Friday, officials say, bringing the total number of dead to four. 

Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said 16 people are still in hospital after the attack on Kharkiv, with two in a serious condition. 

A shell dating back to the 1940s exploded in the basement of a military academy in St. Petersburg on Friday, injuring seven Russian servicemen.

Russian military officials confirmed the incident but did not give an update on the conditions of those injured at the Budyonny Military Academy of Communications.

The academy trains soldiers serving in the army's signal corps.

The explosion happened while the basement was being cleaned and rubbish moved, according to reports in Russian media. 

The explosion was caused by a 76mm shell dating to the 1941-45 period, the Interfax news agency reported the region's military command as saying.

It was not clear why this ammunition was stored at the academy.

Ukrainian soldiers were forced to communicate only by radio and phone when intense Russian jamming disrupted their satellite internet connection, according to a report by the Washington Post.

The Ukrainian brigade in northern Kharkiv lost connection to drone and communications systems as Russian forces began their incursion on 10 May, the newspaper reported. 

It is reportedly the first time that Russian electronic warfare has completely knocked out the Ukrainian Starlink connection since the start of the war. 

A Ukrainian soldier told the Washington Post the disruptions prevented Ukrainian forces from conducting basic reconnaissance.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said it was "notable" Russian forces were able to achieve such a widespread effect and said they may have waited to deploy a new electronic warfare adaptation during the beginning of the operation. 

Ukraine's military claims it has shot down all 13 drones it says Russia launched overnight from Primorsko-Akhtarsk and Kursk. 

The Ukrainian Air Force said that, along with missile units of the Armed Forces, it intercepted the drones over Kharkiv, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Mykolaiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. 

One person has been killed and another injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in Russia's Kursk region, acting regional governor Alexei Smirnov said.

It comes after a resident in the southern Russian region of Belgarod was killed by a drone while gardening on Friday (see our 7.43am post). 

Russian forces launched drone attacks on two energy facilities in Ukraine overnight, according to the country's grid operator Ukrenergo.

There were no casualties and power was not cut off to customers, the company wrote on Telegram. 

One of the attacks was in the central region of Poltava, Filipp Pronin, head of the regional military administration, said on Telegram. 

The other damaged facility is in the east of the country, Ukrenergo said. 

For context: Russia has increased its attacks on Ukrainian energy systems in recent months.

Sky News analysis of data from Ukrenergo shows in March 2024, an average of 889,000 Ukrainians were without power on any given day - the highest number since the war began in February 2022.

Ukraine's second largest city of Kharkiv has come under intensifying attacks in recent weeks. 

An airstrike on Friday killed three people and injured 31 more, while at least two more people were injured in separate attacks on the region. 

These photos from Reuters show the aftermath of strikes on Friday. 

A close ally of Vladimir Putin has said the EU "does not tolerate" free speech after the bloc banned four more Russian media outlets (see our 7.50am post). 

"The EU leadership can only talk about freedom of speech, but in fact it does not tolerate it," said Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the State Duma.

"They block any alternative point of view, destroy freedom of speech, violate the right to free dissemination and receipt of information." 

Russia warned the EU's decision will result in a harsh response against Western media in Moscow, but has yet to say which media organisations it will affect.

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