Are you wondering, “Can Russian Travel To Finland right now?” The answer is nuanced and depends on specific circumstances. TRAVELS.EDU.VN provides the latest information on Finnish entry regulations for Russian citizens, ensuring you have accurate details for planning your trip. We’ll explore the permitted reasons for entry, visa requirements, and what documentation you’ll need, offering clarity amid changing travel policies.
1. Entry for Family Members of Finnish Citizens and Residents
Russian citizens who are family members of Finnish citizens or those with permanent residency in Finland can enter the country. This includes spouses, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, dependants, and those in established partnerships traveling to Finland.
Alt text: A diverse family is walking together in Helsinki, Finland, showcasing the welcoming atmosphere for relatives of Finnish citizens.
Key Requirements:
- Proof of Family Relation: Passengers must provide acceptable proof of family relations at the border check. Guardians or trustees of dependent persons are also considered relatives for entry purposes.
- Travel Documents: Family members must possess the required travel documents, including a visa if necessary.
- Aliens Act Application: Section 37 of the Aliens Act (301/2004) applies to defining spouses or established relationships. Persons living in marriage-like circumstances are considered spouses regardless of gender, provided they have lived together for at least two years. This requirement is waived if they have a child in joint custody or other compelling reasons.
Important Note: This allowance is only valid when traveling to Finland.
2. Entry for Family Members of EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
Entry is permitted for Russian citizens who are family members of citizens from a European Union (EU) member state, a European Economic Area (EEA) member state, or Switzerland, as outlined in Directive EC/2004/38.
Alt text: The European Union flag flies in Helsinki, symbolizing the freedom of movement rights afforded to EU citizens and their families, including potential pathways for Russian family members.
Russian citizens can enter if they are family members of an EU citizen exercising their right to freedom of movement, in accordance with Directive EY/2004/38, which is implemented nationally by the Foreign Nationals Act.
Key Requirements:
- Verification of Status: Passengers must verify their status as a family member during the border check.
- Traveling with/Following an EU Citizen: When traveling separately from the EU citizen, they must demonstrate that they are following an EU citizen who is exercising their right to freedom of movement.
Note: These instructions also apply to citizens of EEA member states and Switzerland, along with their family members.
3. Entry with a Work Visa
Russian citizens can enter Finland with a visa for short-term work lasting less than 90 days.
Alt text: A Russian worker is holding tools in Finland, illustrating an approved entry with a work visa for short-term employment.
A visa issued for seasonal work allows entry for the specific work mentioned in the visa. Those with a residence permit for seasonal work can enter similarly to those with a standard residence permit.
Key Points:
- Proof of Purpose: During the border check, individuals must prove their purpose of entry is for work or commercial activities, according to Section 81 b of the Aliens Act, which outlines the grounds for gainful employment or commercial activities without a residence permit.
4. Entry for Transport and Logistics Industry Personnel
Transport and logistics personnel traveling to Finland for work are permitted to enter.
Alt text: A truck is shown on a road in Finland, representing the transport and logistics personnel permitted to enter for work-related duties.
Conditions for Entry:
- Exercising Duties: Persons arriving must be either actively performing their duties or in transit while exercising their duties (e.g., a seafarer traveling to their vessel).
- Crew Changes: Crew changes for seafarers are allowed as part of their duties.
- Shore Leave: There are no restrictions on seafarers’ rights to shore leave within the ship’s port area, as defined in the Aliens Act.
- Transit Restrictions: Transit via Finland to the Schengen area is not allowed for these individuals without another special reason for entry (see item 10).
5. Entry for Business Travelers
Business travelers can enter Finland if their personal presence is an absolute requirement for their business activities.
Alt text: A business meeting taking place in Helsinki, Finland, visually represents essential business travel as a valid reason for Russian entry.
Key Points:
- Essential Presence: The reason for travel must be essential, requiring their physical presence for the business to proceed.
- Visa Requirement: Business travelers arriving with a visa must provide proof of their essential reason for entry.
- Verification: The necessity of entry is assessed case-by-case at the border check. A business meeting can be verified through phone calls or other reliable means.
- Transit Restrictions: Transit via Finland to the Schengen area is not allowed for business-related reasons alone without another special reason for entry (see item 10).
6. Entry for Students
Students arriving in Finland for short-term studies (less than 90 days), studies leading to a degree, or as part of a degree, including taking entrance exams or aptitude tests, are allowed entry. Participation in language tests as part of degree studies is also permitted.
Alt text: A student with books in Finland symbolizes the entry allowance for educational purposes such as short-term studies, degree programs, or entrance exams.
Restrictions:
- Short courses at adult education centers that do not lead to a degree are not valid reasons for entry with a short-term visa.
Requirements:
- Purpose of Entry: The purpose of entry must be connected to studying. Individuals must verify their purpose with an invitation from the educational institution or similar document during the border check.
- Invitation Verification: The authenticity of the invitation may be checked with the institution’s representative if necessary.
- Study Location: Generally, the right to study must be in Finland.
7. Entry for Medical Treatment
Individuals arriving in Finland for treatment based on an established patient care relationship with a Finnish care institution are allowed entry.
Alt text: A modern hospital in Finland surrounded by greenery signifies entry for established patient care relationships with Finnish medical institutions.
Requirements:
- Verification of Purpose: Individuals must verify their purpose of entry at the border check.
- Established Relationship: The existence of an established patient care relationship will be confirmed with the care provider, if necessary.
- Prior Establishment: The patient care relationship should have started before the current restrictions took effect.
- Restrictions: Entry is not permitted without an established patient care relationship or another special reason (see item 10).
8. Entry for Owners of Apartments or Properties
Owners of apartments or properties in Finland acquired before September 30, 2022, are allowed entry for urgent and necessary maintenance that requires their personal presence.
Alt text: A traditional house in the Finnish countryside, representing property ownership as a special reason for entry for urgent maintenance.
Key Requirements:
- Prior Ownership: Ownership must have started before September 30, 2022, and remain in effect.
- Justification: Individuals must justify the ownership and the necessity of urgent maintenance requiring their personal presence.
- Case-by-Case Assessment: The necessity of the situation is assessed on a case-by-case basis during the border check.
- Restrictions: Generally, entry is allowed for only one listed owner. Family members or groups are not permitted to accompany the owner for property maintenance.
9. Entry for Personnel of Diplomatic Missions and Consular Representations
Personnel of diplomatic missions and consular representations of the Russian Federation accredited by or sent to Finland, along with their family members and diplomatic couriers, are allowed entry. This also applies to those transiting through Finland to carry out official duties, as well as their family members.
Alt text: The Russian Embassy in Helsinki represents the diplomatic personnel and family members who are permitted entry into Finland for official duties.
Diplomats of the Russian Federation and holders of diplomatic and service passports on short-term business trips to Finland or the Schengen area are also permitted entry.
10. Entry for Other Special Reasons (Necessities)
According to Government guidelines, entry may be granted for other special reasons based on individual consideration.
Alt text: Helping hands in Finland symbolize humanitarian reasons, compelling personal reasons, and the best interests of a child that are considered for special entry permissions.
Examples of Special Reasons:
- Humanitarian Reasons: Individuals in need of international protection or traveling for other humanitarian reasons.
- Necessary and Justified Reasons: Representatives of foreign media.
- Compelling Personal Reasons: Participation in the funeral of a next of kin, serious illness of a next of kin, or an invitation from a Finnish authority.
Assessment:
- Reasons are assessed individually during the border check. A compelling personal reason involves a pressing, unpredictable cause that requires personal attendance and cannot tolerate delay.
Visa Revocation
According to the Visa Code ((EC) No 810/2009), a visa will be revoked if the conditions for issuing it are no longer met.
Process:
- If the Finnish Border Guard refuses entry and Finland issued the Schengen visa, the visa is typically revoked.
- If another Schengen country issued the visa, the Border Guard will consider revocation on a case-by-case basis.
- If a visa is revoked, the Border Guard will inform the issuing authorities of the Member State.
Updated 17.6.2024.
Navigating Travel Restrictions: How TRAVELS.EDU.VN Can Help
Planning a trip from Russia to Finland can be complex given the current regulations. TRAVELS.EDU.VN offers expert guidance and tailored travel solutions to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Why Choose TRAVELS.EDU.VN?
- Up-to-Date Information: We provide the latest updates on travel restrictions and entry requirements, ensuring you have accurate information.
- Personalized Planning: Our team understands the specific needs of various travelers, from families to business professionals, and crafts itineraries to match.
- Comprehensive Support: From visa assistance to accommodation and transportation, we handle every detail of your trip.
- Local Expertise: With our deep knowledge of Finland, we offer unique and authentic travel experiences.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your travel plans are in expert hands allows you to focus on enjoying your trip.
Simplify Your Travel Process
At TRAVELS.EDU.VN, we take the complexity out of travel planning. Whether you are visiting family, attending a business meeting, pursuing education, or require medical treatment, we ensure your trip complies with all current regulations.
- Expert Guidance: Our experienced consultants provide up-to-date information on entry requirements, visa processes, and necessary documentation.
- Customized Solutions: We create personalized travel plans tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
- Seamless Coordination: From flights and accommodations to ground transportation and activities, we manage all logistics for a hassle-free experience.
- Dedicated Support: Our team is available to assist you at every stage of your journey, providing peace of mind.
Ready to Travel with Confidence?
Don’t let travel restrictions deter you. Contact TRAVELS.EDU.VN today to discuss your travel needs and let us help you navigate the journey from Russia to Finland with ease. We understand the nuances of international travel and are dedicated to making your experience seamless and enjoyable.
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Contact us now:
- Address: 123 Main St, Napa, CA 94559, United States
- WhatsApp: +1 (707) 257-5400
- Website: TRAVELS.EDU.VN
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Russian citizens traveling to Finland:
- Are Russian tourists currently allowed to enter Finland?
- Entry for tourism is generally restricted, but exceptions exist for specific reasons like family visits, work, study, or medical treatment.
- What documents do Russian citizens need to enter Finland?
- Required documents vary based on the reason for entry but typically include a valid passport, visa (if applicable), and proof of the purpose of travel, such as an invitation letter or work contract.
- Can Russian citizens visit family members in Finland?
- Yes, Russian citizens who are immediate family members of Finnish citizens or permanent residents are generally allowed to enter.
- Is it possible for Russian citizens to travel to Finland for business purposes?
- Yes, but only if their physical presence is essential for the business activity. They need to provide proof of the necessity of their visit.
- Can Russian students study in Finland?
- Yes, students enrolled in Finnish educational institutions are allowed to enter for studies leading to a degree or as part of a degree program.
- What if a Russian citizen owns property in Finland?
- If the property was owned before September 30, 2022, entry is permitted for urgent maintenance requiring the owner’s personal presence.
- What are considered “compelling personal reasons” for entry?
- Compelling reasons include attending a funeral of a close relative, visiting a seriously ill family member, or an official invitation from a Finnish authority.
- How does the Finnish Border Guard verify the purpose of travel?
- The Border Guard may request documents such as invitation letters, contracts, medical records, or conduct phone calls to verify the provided information.
- Can a visa be revoked at the Finnish border?
- Yes, if the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met, the visa can be revoked by the Finnish Border Guard.
- Where can I find the most up-to-date information on travel restrictions?
- Refer to official government sources like the Finnish Border Guard website or consult with travel experts at travels.edu.vn for the latest updates.
