Finland to Issue Fewer Visas to Russians, Estonia Suspends them on Thursday

Finland will reduce the number of visas issued to Russians to 10% of the current level, Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said on Tuesday.

He said that the Finnish Foreign Ministry will reduce the number of visa application interviews from September 1, which will in effect lead to fewer visas being issued to Russian citizens. Instead, Helsinki will introduce a "national humanitarian visa" that will be granted to those fleeing Russia, journalists and human rights activists. Thus, the measure will primarily affect Russian tourists.

Finland is the second European country after Estonia to announce that it will limit the travel of Russian citizens to its territory.

Estonian restrictions

On Thursday, Tallinn put into effect the restrictions that prohibit entry into Estonia of Russian citizens who have a visa issued by Estonia and intend to visit the republic for tourism, business, sports or culture purposes.

"This means that if a Russian citizen, to whom Estonia has issued a Schengen visa and whose purpose of visit is tourism, business, sports or culture, arrives at the border points Narva, Luhamaa or Koidula, they will no longer be able to enter Estonia." the government press service announced on Friday.

The government clarified that Russian citizens who have been issued a visa by another Schengen country or who are already in the Schengen area can enter Estonia.

Visa applications are also limited. From August 18, it will be possible only for Russian citizens who are invited by an Estonian citizen living in Estonia or a close relative legally living in the country (for example, daughter, son, mother, father), Russian diplomats and their family members, employees in international...

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