Changes to traffic arrangements in Helsinki city center from 18 March due to the visit of the Ukrainian president

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his spouse Olena Zelenska are visiting Helsinki on Wednesday 19 March and Thursday 20 March 2025, at the invitation of the President of the Republic, Alexander Stubb. The visit will cause changes to traffic arrangements in the center of Helsinki and on the Suomenlinna ferry.

Several convoys will move around the capital region on Wednesday, 19 March. The convoys will temporarily disrupt traffic, especially in the city center, but also outside it. There were already disruptions on Tuesday 18 March, as the convoys arrived in Helsinki. 

The Market Square will be closed on Wednesday from approximately 8.30am to 3pm. Pohjoisesplanadi will also be closed to traffic in front of the Market Square, and traffic will be directed to a detour.

Traffic arrangements will also temporarily affect public transport during the visit. There will be brief disruptions to bus and tram services.

The Suomenlinna ferry service will operate from the Suomenlinna service ferry pier at Katajanokka.

For more details on the state visit, see the Helsinki Police Department release: The visit of the President of Ukraine will cause traffic disruptions in central Helsinki.