‘Not Right’: Finland Seeks EU Ban on Russian Tourist Visas
Finland is urging the EU to stop issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens until Moscow ends its war against Ukraine. Helsinki is also seeking restrictions targeting Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, Russian athletes linked to the state, and any former combatants.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has urged the European Union to prohibit the issuance of tourist visas to Russian citizens while the Russian invasion of Ukraine persists. Valtonen contended that Russian tourists contradict the values of European freedom, traveling to Europe while their homeland bombs Ukrainian homes. In 2022, Finland ceased granting Russian tourists and other non-essential travelers visas.
Schengen countries, however, granted nearly 500,000 such visas to Russians in 2025. Valtonen proposed that the European Commission develop a unified approach to the issue. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo plans to present the same proposal at an upcoming European Council meeting, citing security concerns over alleged Russian sabotage operations within Europe.
The proposal targets tourist and non-essential travel visas, excluding humanitarian cases, family reunifications, or individuals seeking protection from political persecution. It would also ban visas for Putin's inner circle, sanctioned individuals, and sports teams linked to the Kremlin. Finland advocates for stricter enforcement of an existing entry ban for current and former Russian combatants involved in Ukraine's conflict.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
