Finland Plans New Visa Curbs on Russian Athletes

Finland’s government has adopted tighter entry restrictions for Russian citizens, including denying short-term work visas to Russian athletes. The measures take effect November 16 and will guide visa and entry decisions on the grounds that nonessential visits threaten Finland’s international relations while Russia’s war against Ukraine continues. They do not revoke visas already issued, and existing exemptions for other categories of travelers remain. Separately, a Finnish state secretary has urged the European Union to curb Russian tourist visas, citing concerns about hostile activity and broader security threats.