Finland proposes EU-wide ban on Russian tourist visas

In a letter dated Oct. 12 and seen by the Kyiv Independent, Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen outlined five requests to the EU. Valtonen stated that "The Kremlin must see that continued aggression will deepen its isolation. I ask you to take these proposals forward as an urgent priority," as EU foreign ministers convened in Luxembourg.

The first demand is to "stop issuing Schengen visas to Russian nationals for non-essential travel, including tourism." Valtonen noted that Finland has implemented national restrictions since 2022, but several member states, including France, Spain, and Italy, have opposed a ban on Russian tourist visas.

Valtonen expressed support for a German proposal for "visas with limited territorial validity" as an interim measure. Second, she called for a binding visa ban as a sanctions measure against Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle and any individuals or entities already sanctioned by the EU.

Third, Finland wants to deny visas to "Russian athletes and sports team members with close ties to the Russian government." The reentry of Russian athletes into international sporting events has generated significant anger within EU political circles. EU Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef is attending the Oct. 12 foreign ministers' meeting for the first time to discuss potential actions.

Valtonen also reiterated a call for a visa ban on Russian ex-combatants, a proposal previously included in the EU's 21st sanctions package but ultimately diluted due to a lack of agreement on enforcement mechanisms. Estonia's Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, also highlighted the risks associated with the entry of ex-combatants, warning that "many of them supported by the Russian secret services."

Finally, Finland has requested the European Commission to submit a "robust amendment to the visa code" that would allow the EU to impose binding visa restrictions swiftly and consistently when political or security relations with a third country significantly deteriorate. The European Commission is anticipated to propose a new visa law in January, which is expected to adopt a more stringent stance towards countries perceived as threats to the EU, such as Russia.