Finland approved the indefinite preservation of restrictions on the entry of Russians

The Finnish government approved the indefinite preservation of restrictions on the entry of Russian citizens into the country, as well as the issuance of visas to them. This is stated in the published decisions of the Cabinet following the meeting.

It is emphasized that the restrictions will be maintained to “ensure the international relations of Finland.”

Helsinki believes that the extension of the introduced measures will create conditions for the suspension of “insignificant trips of citizens of the Russian Federation to Finland and transit traffic through Finland” to the EU country. In addition, restrictions apply to the issuance of visas in Russia.

Recall that Finland has restricted entry into the country for Russian citizens from September 30, 2022. On September 21, Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said that the country does not want to play the role of a transit state for Russians with Schengen visas issued by other EU members.

On June 27, 2023, the restrictions imposed were extended, since the trips of Russians to the country allegedly could “pose a threat to Finland’s international relations.”