Finland urges EU to halt tourist visa issuance to Russians until end of war

Helsinki initiates change to EU visa legislation

Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen called on the European Union to completely stop issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens. This ban should remain in effect until the end of the war in Ukraine. In the view of the Finnish side, the current arrangement, under which Russians can travel freely across Europe, is unfair to Ukrainians who are suffering from Russian strikes.

Helsinki insists on the introduction of Europe-wide restrictions, which requires a corresponding change to EU legislation. The Finnish initiative was supported by Poland, Sweden and Estonia.

Statistics and alternative solutions

According to data released in connection with this issue, last year Schengen Area countries issued approximately 500,000 visas to Russian citizens. France, Italy and Spain remain the leaders in the number of entry permits issued.

In the event that a full ban is not adopted, among the alternatives being considered is the introduction of visas with a limited area of validity. This format would allow visiting only specific designated countries, rather than the entire Schengen area.