Ulkorajavalvonta

Ulkorajavalvonta, or external border control, refers to the measures taken by European Union member states and associated countries to monitor and regulate the movement of people, goods and vehicles across the Union’s external borders. It encompasses border checks, identity and travel-document verification, customs procedures, and cooperation between border, migration and law enforcement authorities. The primary purpose is to ensure security, manage migration, prevent illegal entry and cross-border crime, and safeguard legitimate travel and trade at EU frontiers. External border control is a prerequisite for the Schengen Area’s functioning, which enables free movement within internal borders while maintaining security at the outer frontiers.

Legal framework and actors: The Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399) establishes rules for checks at external borders, entry requirements for non-EU nationals, and border surveillance. National authorities—typically border guards—carry out checks at ports, airports and border crossings, and at land borders as needed. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) coordinates and supports member states through risk analysis, joint operations, training and rapid interventions. EU information systems and cooperation mechanisms aid identity verification, travel-document checks and cross-border security.

Flexibilities and procedures: Member states may temporarily reintroduce internal border controls under Article 23 of the Schengen Borders Code in response to serious threats to public policy or internal security. Such reintroductions are governed by EU rules and are subject to monitoring and time limits.

Finland's implementation: In Finland, ulkorajavalvonta is conducted by the Finnish Border Guard (Rajavartiolaitos) and coordinated with EU partners, including Frontex, to manage external borders such as the border with Russia and corresponding sea and air routes.