Finland has banned Russian citizens from entering the country on bicycles

The largest checkpoints in south-eastern Finland have banned entry into the territory of the republic on bicycles from Russia since November 9, reported RIA Novosti with reference to a border guard officer at the Vaalimaa checkpoint.

“Banned from November 9 throughout the entire region of south-eastern Finland,” he said, without giving any details.

Information about restrictions confirm also readers of Fontanka. It is stated that bicycles cannot enter through the Imatra, Nujamaa and Vaalimaa checkpoints. The website of the Finnish Border Guard does not provide any information about such a ban.

On September 30, 2022, Finland banned Russians from entering the country with a Schengen visa for the purpose of tourism; restrictions also apply to transit through Finland to other countries. In September, the country’s authorities, following the Baltic states, banned cars registered in Russia from entering their territory.

Now only an EU citizen permanently residing in Russia, or a member of his family, a diplomat or an equivalent person can bring a car registered in Russia to Finland. The entry of cars is also allowed for “humanitarian reasons”.

Earlier, the European Parliament called on the European Commission (EC) to reconsider its interpretation of sanctions leading to the confiscation of personal items and cars of Russians entering the EU. This is stated in the resolution published on November 9. This, according to the EP, “discredits” the sanctions. This was the only point out of 25 calling for a relaxation of sanctions.