Finland will ban Russian tourists with any Schengen visas from entering the country, Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said on Friday.
“All those who cross the border for tourism will be banned from entering the country. This applies equally to those traveling on Schengen visas previously issued by Finland and those traveling on Schengen visas of other countries,” the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper quoted him as saying at a news conference.
According to the Finnish top diplomat, the ban will not apply to those Russians entering the country to work, study or visit relatives. However, in his words, the possession of real estate in Finland will not be a “loophole” to bypass the ban.
“Details of the final decision are still being discussed,” he said, adding that it could be expected next week.