Finland imposes entry restrictions for Russian citizens

Finland is tightening entry into the country for Russian businessmen, applicants and property owners.

The restrictions came into force on July 10, Gazeta.ru reports, citing the Finnish Foreign Ministry.

The restrictions came into force on July 10 for an indefinite period, the agency said. Businessmen will only be able to enter Finland, without the possibility of transit to other countries, and they will also need to indicate the reason why they should be in the country. Property owners will also have to personally explain the reason for visiting Finland.

Students will be allowed to participate in educational programs leading to a degree or qualification. Similar rules apply to course attendees, the ministry clarifies.

Earlier, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö said that Russia's announcement of the closure of the Finnish Consulate General in St. Petersburg was something completely new for Helsinki.

Information that Russia is going to close the Consulate General of Finland in St. Petersburg appeared on July 6. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, these measures will come into effect from October 2023.

Also on July 6, Niinistö said that absolutely all Finnish companies left the Russian market, but this did not give any result. According to him, despite the fact that after the start of the Russian "special operation", significantly more sanctions were introduced than in 2014, their effectiveness is low due to various ways of bypassing Moscow.