Visitors from Russia lose Finland entry for sport and short work from 16 Nov 2026

Finland is tightening entry rules for Russian citizens. In a resolution issued on 12 November 2026, the Government stated that entry to Finland for non-essential purposes, including short-term work carried out under a visa, poses a threat to Finland's international relations.

Public authorities will start applying the resolution when considering visa applications and assessing conditions for entry and short-term stay as of 16 November 2026. The resolution supplements an earlier Government resolution issued on 6 July 2023.

Key facts

• Government resolution issued 12 November 2026; applied by authorities from 16 November 2026
• Affects Russian citizens entering for non-essential purposes, including short-term work under a visa
• Applies to professional sport and other sports professionals, including athletes competing under neutral status
• Work under a Schengen visa will be allowed only in tasks essential to Finland's national interests, such as security of supply
• Implemented regardless of the country a Russian citizen travels from

What is changing?

The resolution states that entry by Russian citizens for non-essential purposes, including short-term work under a visa, is considered a threat to Finland's international relations. Under the EU Visa Code and the Schengen Borders Code, a visa must be refused and entry denied when an applicant is considered a threat to the international relations of any Member State.

From now on, Russian citizens may carry out work under a Schengen visa only in tasks that are essential to Finland's national interests, such as security of supply. The restrictions also cover Russian athletes and other sports professionals, including those competing under neutral status.

Who is affected?

The restrictions apply to Russian citizens travelling to Finland for non-essential purposes, and specifically to those doing short-term work under a visa, including professional sport. The measures apply regardless of the country from which a Russian citizen travels to Finland or through Finland to other parts of the Schengen area.

Who decides, and how is this enforced?

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Finland's missions abroad are responsible for implementing the restrictions on issuing visas. The Finnish Border Guard handles matters relating to entry into the country, while the Border Guard and the police assess conditions for short-term stay when monitoring foreign nationals.

Under the Aliens Act, a foreign national can be denied admittance or stay if they do not meet the conditions for stay. This may affect a person staying in Finland on a Schengen visa issued by another Member State in a way that goes against Finland's national restrictions.

Why is this happening?

Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen linked the restrictions to Russia's war of aggression, saying that "Russian athletes have no business in Finland" while it continues. She added that the same applies to other short-term work under visas that is not essential to Finland's national interests.

The Government's resolution also states that Russia uses sport as a propaganda tool and seeks to use it to promote the goals of its illegal war of aggression.

What this means for travellers

Russian citizens planning short-term work in Finland under a Schengen visa should expect visa applications to be assessed against these restrictions from 16 November 2026. Athletes and other sports professionals, including those competing as neutral athletes, fall within the restrictions.

Travellers should also note that a Schengen visa issued by another Member State does not guarantee entry or stay in Finland if the Finnish restrictions are not met.