The restrictions are based on the Schengen Borders Code, according to which third-country nationals may only enter a country if they are not considered a threat to public policy, internal security, public health or the international relations of any member states.
The borders are now closed for Russians entering Finland with a tourist visa. The restrictions came into force at midnight on Friday.
“The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the mobilization declared by Russia have changed the security situation in Europe,” the government noted in a statement and continued that it “deems that the Russian mobilization and the rapidly increasing volume of tourists arriving in Finland and transiting via Finland endanger Finland’s international position and international relations.”
The resolution applies to tourism into Finland and passing through to other countries, and it “aims to stop tourism and related transit from Russia altogether,” the government noted. “It will drastically limit the capacity to receive visa applications in Russia.”
According to the government, the resolution will not prevent traveling when it is deemed necessary for humanitarian reasons, for national interests or for meeting Finland’s international obligations.
The entry restrictions will remain in force until further notice.
