Finland closing border to Russians with EU tourist visas
The Hindu
Finland said it will bar Russians with Schengen tourist visas from entering the country at midnight
Finland said Thursday it will bar Russians with Schengen tourist visas from entering the country at midnight (2100 GMT) following a surge in arrivals after Moscow's mobilisation order.
"The decision aims to completely prevent the current situation of Russian tourism to Finland and the related transit through Finland," Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto told a press conference.
Haavisto cited damage to "Finland's international relations" as a justification for the decision and said Russia's mobilisation had a "significant impact" on the Finnish assessment.
The "illegal referendums in Ukraine" and the alleged sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea "have added to concerns", Haavisto said.
Restrictions include exceptions on human rights grounds, and Russians can still enter Finland to meet family, work, or study.
"The decision must also not prevent travel for humanitarian reasons," Haavisto added.
Interior Minister Krista Mikkonen said it was possible the restrictions would trigger an increase in asylum applications and illegal border crossings.
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