Finland to bar entry to Russians traveling on Schengen tourist visas
In the next several days Finland will bar entry to Russians traveling with a tourist visa issued by any country in the Schengen zone, according to Pekka Haavisto, Finish minister of foreign affairs. He says the government has already agreed on the decision and that it will be formalized in coming days.
Finland also plans to cancel at the border multiple-entry visas issue by its own consulates, if the visa holder plans to enter the country as a tourist. Entry will be granted only for family-related circumstances, for study or work, for cargo transport, and for humanitarian purposes.
Haavisto noted that visa requirements have been tightened for Russians who own real estate in Finland. In particular, a loophole has been closed that allowed multiple people to enter the country via registration to one piece of property.
Since September 19, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have closed entry for Russians traveling on Schengen tourist visas.
So far, only Germany has been openly willing to accept Russian defectors fleeing the mobilization.
