As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine worsens, Finland has announced its decision to restrict Russian tourists from entering the country beginning at midnight on Friday.
The Finnish government made the disclosure on Thursday as the proposed development is projected to bring a substantial reduction in cross-border traffic.
According to Reuters, Finland’s Foreign Minister, Pekka Haavisto revealed in a news conference that the influx of Russians is now perceived as endangering Finland’s international relations.
However, Haavisto assured that entry for family visits, as well as for work and studies, will still be permitted.
The Finnish government, cautious of being a passage nation into western Europe’s passport-free Schengen zone, on Friday said it planned to close tourism from Russia and that a decision would be finalised in the days that followed.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has been a major concern to the West and other nations of the world as President Vladimir Putin threatened nuclear war.