Finland announces decision to massively reduce issuance of visas to Russians

Finland has decided to reduce number of visas issued to Russians, Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said. Pekka Haavisto announced that Finland will limit number of visas issued to Russians to 10% of current amount, Telegraph reported. He said that Finnish Foreign Ministry will reduce number of visa application appointments from September 1. 

According to Finland's Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, decision will result in fewer visas being issued to Russians. Russia and Finland reopened to tourists in July after restrictions related to COVID-19 were removed. Earlier on 8 August, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin called for EU's decision to reduce entry of Russian tourists into Schengen countries. Sanna Marin stated that Russians take vacations in Europe while Moscow's troops continue to carry out an offensive in Ukraine. 

Speaking to Yle, Marin asserted that "it is not right that Russians can live a normal life, travel in Europe" while Moscow continues to carry out aggression in Ukraine. She stated that issue must be raised "strongly" in upcoming European Council meetings.

Marin expressed hope that EU nations will make decision on issue as Russians can cross Finnish border using visa issued by any Schengen country, as per news report. Meanwhile, Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto h suggested that Helsinki can make it difficult for Russians to obtain tourist visas. 

Estonia PM calls for ban on issuance of tourist visa to Russians

Earlier on August 9, Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that y should stop issuing tourist visas to Russians. Taking to her official Twitter handle, Kallas said, "Stop issuing tourist visas to Russians. Visiting Europe is a privilege, not a human right" and stressed that it is "time to end tourism from Russia now."

Meanwhile, Estonian government has decided to no longer allow entry of Russian nationals who have Schengen visas issued by Estonia. 

decision has been announced by Estonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Urmas Reinsalu. An exception has been me in decision for students studying in Estonia. students will be able to extend ir residence permits for one year, according to statement issued by Estonia's Foreign Ministry.

decision regarding ban on entry of Russians with Estonia-issued Schengen visas will take effect on 18 August. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Estonia FM Urmas Reinsalu said that Estonia has decided to not allow Russians with Schengen visas granted by Estonia and called on or nations to take similar measures.

Image: AP