As a result of growing unease over Russian tourism in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine, Finland will limit the number of visas granted to Russians to 10% of the existing amount beginning on September 1.
“Tourist visas will not stop completely, but their number will be significantly reduced, †Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said on Tuesday in Helsinki, amid a rush of Russian visitors bound for Europe.
Haavisto said the decision had come as an influx of Russian tourists began using Finland and its Helsinki-Vantaa airport as a gateway to European holiday destinations, after Russia lifted pandemic-related border restrictions a month ago.
Tourist visas from neighboring Russia will be limited by restricting the allotted opening hours for tourism visa applications, as an outright ban based on nationality is not possible, Haavisto said.
“This means that other types of visas visits relatives, family contacts, work, study will be given preference and more time,†the minister explained.
Currently, Finland processes approximately 1,000 Russian visa applications a day, Haavisto told public broadcaster Yle separately.
Finland will also look into establishing a specific humanitarian visa category, which the country lacks.
“This could make the situation in certain circumstances much easier for journalists or NGO workersâ€, Haavisto said.
Just days after Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Finland joined a string of Western countries in closing their airspace to Russian planes in response, making it difficult for Russians to travel to Europe.
The foreign minister also announced that Finland and the Baltics would together propose that the European Union discontinue a visa facilitation agreement with Russia. This would increase the price of tourist visas from 35 euros to 80 (from $35 to $81).