Ukrainians’ right to free travel ends in Nov

The Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (Helsingin seudun liikenne – HSL) will discontinue the right to free travel for holders of Ukrainian passports on November 1, said the City of Helsinki in a press release on Tuesday, quoting HSL.

Ukrainians have been able to travel free of charge in HSL's public transports by showing their passports. From the beginning of November, they will need to follow regular practices and have a ticket in order to travel.

People who apply for temporary protection in Finland are entitled to benefits provided by society, and their basic subsistence will be secured in all situations.

People who apply for protection are also entitled to ticket discounts under certain conditions. For example, students residing in Finland may receive school transport subsidy.

In March, HSL wanted to provide aid to Ukrainians during an unprecedented and exceptional situation, as a war had just begun in Europe and thousands of people fled to Finland on a very short notice. At the time, several other public transport operators in Europe and Finland also decided to make a similar decision.

“Although Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine continues, we have no reason to offer Ukrainians any benefits that we don’t offer to people coming from other war zones across the world,” the HSL press release.

People who apply for temporary protection in Finland are entitled to benefits provided by society, and their basic subsistence will be secured in all situations.

People who apply for protection are also entitled to ticket discounts under certain conditions. For example, students residing in Finland may receive school transport subsidy.