The Finnish government believes that the large influx of Russian citizens is a threat to the country's international relations.
Due to a sharp increase in the flow of Russians, who by any means try to leave for the states closest to the Russian Federation, in order to escape from mobilization, a number of them began to limit tourist visas for citizens of the aggressor country. One of them was Finland, which introduced an entry ban for Russian tourists on September 30. This is reported by Euronews.
According to the source, after the entry into force of the relevant decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Finland, a corresponding mark will be made in the foreign passport of a Russian tourist who is refused entry, and the visa itself will actually be canceled.
The restrictions do not affect citizens of the Russian Federation who enter the country for humanitarian reasons. An exception is made for Russians who come to Suomi for family reasons, in connection with study, work or for treatment. The ban will not prevent trips to ensure national interests or fulfill international obligations.
Visa centers in Finland will continue to accept applications for humanitarian visas from citizens of the Russian Federation. According to the Finnish Embassy in Russia, the acceptance of visa applications will be very limited.
Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto said that the decision was made due to “threats to Finland's international relations”. According to him, Helsinki was prompted to such measures by the increase in the number of citizens of the Russian Federation entering the country.
Read also: Lithuania categorically does not allow those who who is fleeing mobilization: how much has the flow of those willing decreased
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Last weekend, almost 17,000 Russians crossed the border with Finland, which is 80% more than a week earlier. In particular, on September 23, 6,400 citizens of the Russian Federation arrived in the country. This is connected with the attempts of local men to escape from the mobilization announced by Vladimir Putin.
