Finland is urging the EU to stop issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens as long as Russia continues its invasion.
Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen urged the European Commission to adopt stricter guidelines for processing Russian visa applications and proposed legislative changes to implement a complete tourist visa ban, the Finnish Foreign Ministry said in a statement Monday, October 12.
“As long as Russia continues its invasion, Russian citizens should not be issued tourist visas,” Valtonen said.
Department photo by Freddie Everett)
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen set out five requests, as EU foreign ministers met in Luxembourg. The proposals target nonessential travel, including holidays, and specific groups linked to the Russian government. Helsinki also seeks changes to European visa rules that would let the EU impose restrictions more quickly. The letter calls for further action rather than announcing an EU-wide tourist visa ban.
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“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is now in its fifth year. It is not right that Russians can travel to Europe to enjoy the lifestyle and freedoms here while their country bombs the homes of Ukrainians,” she said.
Finland stopped issuing visas to Russians for tourism and other non-essential travel following a government decision adopted in 2022. Valtonen said the EU should finally adopt the same restriction.
Finland’s foreign ministry says Schengen countries granted nearly 500,000 tourist visas to Russians in 2025.
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Beyond tourism, Finland seeks binding visa restrictions targeting President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle and those supporting individuals or organizations under EU sanctions. Another request concerns Russian athletes and sports team members with close ties to the Russian government. Their return to international competitions has further fueled political disagreement. Helsinki also seeks effective implementation of restrictions on current and former Russian combatants. Finland’s foreign ministry says EU member states agreed to the measure in the summer, although implementation arrangements remain an issue.
Valtonen invited other EU member states to join a letter to the European Commission calling for the ban.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has also said he intends to raise the proposal at the next European Council meeting.
Finland is Urging the EU to Stop Issuing Tourist Visas to Russian Citizens, Tor Kjolberg reporting.