Book an Appointment
Despite Finland not accepting applications and no longer issuing Schengen visas to Russian nationals since the autumn of 2022, Russians have found a way to bypass this restriction and enter the country and beyond.
According to an investigation carried out by Helsingin Sanomat (HS), Russians are mainly applying for French visas and then using the document to enter Finland as well as other member states that no longer issue visas for them, Schengen.News reports.
While this is not an illegal practice since as long as you have a valid Schengen visa, you are entitled to entry to all Schengen Area member states; the investigation notes that it is very easy for Russians to obtain a visa, raising concerns about the country’s policy effectiveness.
As part of the investigation, an HS reporter called a Moscow-based travel agency, introducing himself as a client who wants to renew his expired Finnish visa.
Taking into account that Finland does not grant visas to Russians, the travel agency employee recommended that the reporter applies for a French Schengen visa, saying that there is almost a 100 per cent probability that his application will be approved, Iltalehti explains.
The Total Visa Arrangement Through Travel Agency Costs €400
According to the HS investigation, Russians who decide to move on with this arrangement offered by the travel agency are required to pay a €400 fee, of which €285 goes to the travel agency, and the remaining €90 is for the Schengen visa processing fee.
As part of this arrangement, the travel agency said that they take care of the flight and accommodation reservations. However, once the visa is approved, the employee of the travel agency said that these reservations are cancelled, meaning that applicants then have to make these arrangements themselves.
Data show that there is constantly a large number of Russians who are entering the territory of Finland. However, their entry in most cases is legal as they hold valid visas.
Finland Has Closed Its Entire Eastern Border With Russia
In December 2023, Finland closed the last border crossings with Russia. This means that there is no access for Russians to enter the territory of Finland via land at the eastern border.
While borders were closed at the end of 2023, travel to Finland became significantly more difficult for Russians since September 2022. However, relaxed rules apply to family members of Finnish citizens and foreigners who permanently reside in Finland, among others.
Source: https://schengen.news/russians-applying-for-french-schengen-visas-to-travel-to-finland-investigation-reveals/
