Finland has said she will refuse entry to Russians with Schengen tourist visas starting today Friday, September 30, following a surge in arrivals after Moscow’s mobilization order to fight in the war in Ukraine.
The decision, kpakpando understand, is aimed to completely prevent the current situation of Russian tourism to Finland and the related transit through Finland,” Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto told a news conference on Thursday, adding that Moscow’s mobilisation announcement’s has significant impact on Helsinki’s decision.
On September 21, President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilisation in Russia following Ukraine’s success in counterattacking Moscow’s troops.
Putin argued he was defending Russian territories and said the West wanted to destroy his country.
According to Finland’s new rules, Russians entering the country for work, study and family visits – such as trips to see one’s parents, grandparents and children – will still be allowed in, local news outlet Helsingin Sanomat reported.
As of September 1, Finland slashed the number of visas, including for tourism purposes, issued to Russian citizens to one-tenth of the typical number, a move seen as a show of solidarity with Ukraine.
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