Finland has proposed to cancel the visas of Russians who were denied entry into the Schengen area

Finland asked the European Commission to explain to all Schengen countries in which cases they should cancel the Schengen visas of Russians. This was reported on the website of the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As stated in the statement, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs asks to issue recommendations according to which the countries of the Schengen zone, while not allowing Russians to cross their border, could simultaneously cancel their visas, declare them invalid, or completely close entry for Russians.

Data on visas and entry bans are displayed in a single system, the Finnish authorities clarified. Thanks to the recommendations, the Finnish Foreign Ministry believes, a Russian who was not allowed into a specific country in the Schengen zone will not be able to enter it through another country.

“Finland considers it important to take steps to achieve a common EU line regarding Russian visa restrictions,” the Foreign Ministry emphasized, adding that Finland proposes to include tourist visas in the scope of EU sanctions.

From September 19, Russians with tourist visas are prohibited from entering Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland if the purpose of their trip is tourism, sports, culture or business. In addition, the Council of Ministers of the European Union approved a complete stop to the agreement on a simplified visa regime with Russia. This means that the visa fee will increase from 35 euros to 80, and to obtain a visa you need to provide a larger package of documents.