Finnish government, Russia announced that it will significantly limit passenger traffic on the border and will ban Russian citizens traveling on tourist visas from entering the country from September 30.
Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, at a press conference, said, “The decision aims to completely prevent Russian tourists from entering and transiting through Finland.” said.
The government said in a statement that the continued arrival of Russian tourists in Finland jeopardized the country’s international relations.
The border gates in Finland are rare crossing points for Russian citizens to enter the European Union (EU) countries by land.
Due to EU sanctions against Russia, flights from Russia to EU countries are not possible. Other EU countries bordering Russia do not allow crossings either.
As of September 1, Finland had reduced the number of visas issued to Russian citizens, including those for tourism purposes, to one tenth of normal.
*The visuals of the news were served by the Associated Press.