Finland to ban Russian tourists over fears of 'endangering international relations'

Russian citizens will only be able to enter Finland for family, study or work purposes from Friday. By Laura Mowat, news reporter The Finnish government has said it will ban anyone coming into the country with a tourist visa from Friday following thousands of arrivals after Vladimir Putin's mobilisation order. Finland closing its border shuts off the last remaining direct land route to the European Union for Russians trying to avoid conscription into the war with Ukraine. "The decision in principle aims to completely prevent Russian tourism to Finland and the related transit through Finland," Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said during a news conference. Putin to declare parts of Ukraine are now Russia - war latest The government justified its decision by saying that continued arrivals of Russian tourists is endangering the country's international relations. It said it had discussed the issue with Ukraine's leadership, among others, ahead of the decision. Mr Haavisto cited security con