Regent Holidays has welcomed new entry rules for Finland which will allow its short breaks to see Santa in Lapland to go ahead this winter.
Under the updated regulations, UK visitors will be able to go to Finland for up to 72 hours from November 23 without having to quarantine on arrival – provided they arrive with proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within the last 72 hours.
Holidaymakers from the UK who want to stay longer must go into quarantine for 72 hours, then take a second test.
Tour operator Regent welcomed the relaxation of entry rules for Finland.
Andrea Godfrey, product manager for Regent Holidays, said: “Demand for pre-Christmas trips to Lapland is always high as the season is so short and they really are ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences that are particularly popular with families.
“So many trips have been cancelled this year and there’s been so much speculation about Christmas being ‘cancelled’, that the prospect of being able to actually get away on one of these dream trips is really wonderful.
“Although it sounds short, the 72 hour window actually works really well for anyone wanting to fly in, meet Santa and experience the charm of Lapland in winter. It’s plenty of time to visit the Santa Claus Village and Santa’s Post Office, as well as see some of the scenery on a sleigh ride or snowmobile excursion.”
The operator recently launched a three-day Express Lapland Experience which will fit within the new rules. The trip, based on two sharing, costs from £1,350 including international flights and two nights’ accommodation on a half board basis in a log cabin, transfers, and a full-day Santa experience excursion.