The Finnish government announced a sweeping measure to seal its borders to Russian tourists, a move described as a strict, temporary closure. The decision, communicated last Friday and set to take effect at midnight, aims to sharply limit the entry of Russian citizens while continuing to permit travel for other purposes under specific conditions. Officials stressed that the restriction is driven by concerns over Russia’s tourism flows and their potential impact on Finland’s international standing during an ongoing regional crisis.
Finland, which shares about 1,340 kilometers of border with Russia, becomes the last neighboring country to veto Russian tourist entry after the Baltic states and Poland adopted similar policies in the preceding weeks. The government’s messaging from foreign ministers and senior ministers emphasizes a broader strategy to curb tourism from Russia during a period of heightened tensions in Europe.
Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto stated at a press conference that the restrictions would stay in place until further notice. He explained that the objective is to stop Russian tourism through Finland and to prevent transit routes that may facilitate travel for tourism purposes across the country.
The measure does not affect individuals traveling to Finland for private reasons, such as visiting close relatives, or for education, business, or humanitarian purposes, when those reasons are clearly established and compliant with the new rules.
Diplomats, residents with Finnish status, and those seeking asylum are still able to travel under the existing exceptions. The policy reflects a broader European response to Russia’s actions and the disruptions caused by sanctions and regional sanctions coordination.
Prior to the closure, Finland maintained routes for international travel by air and rail that facilitated Russian access to the European Union. Sanctions from EU partners, along with vetoes from neighboring countries, have constrained these connections and reshaped travel patterns in the region.
According to data from the Finnish Border Guard, the country has seen a notable increase in Russian arrivals since a major Russian political development. After the mobilization announcement, the number of entrants rose sharply, signaling how security and policy shifts in Russia can have immediate effects on border movements in neighboring states.
The policy shift drew criticism from within Finland and from some European partners, who argued that maintaining border traffic with Russia during a time of war could have broader implications. The government, led by a coalition including a major social-democratic party, sought to craft a legal framework that could restrict tourism without contravening the Schengen agreement.
Security services in Finland were tasked with assessing whether Russian tourism posed an immediate threat. Early assessments did not characterize tourism as a direct security risk; instead, officials argued that allowing a large influx of visitors amid wartime conditions could strain Finland’s international relations and complicate its stance within Europe.
Ultimately, the decision focused on preserving Finland’s diplomatic balance and safeguarding its international standing during a period of regional instability, while still allowing essential travel for private visits, family ties, and other narrowly defined categories.