Finland plans to bar Russian athletes from short-term work visas

The Finnish government is preparing to approve changes to the issuing of short-term work visas on Thursday, 12 November, in order to restrict Russian athletes from entering the country, according to the Finnish public broadcaster Yle. The change comes on top of existing restrictions on Russian citizens that Finland has applied for several years.

What the amendments involve

Last week, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen announced an intention to amend the rules on entry for Russian citizens, which were last updated in summer 2023. The government considers that travel by Russian citizens to Finland, or in transit through it to other Schengen Area countries, without a substantial reason harms Finland's international relations.

The plan is to deny Russian athletes short-term work visas. Information available to Yle indicates the government will approve the amendments. Visas already issued will not be revoked, so Russian hockey players who have them will be able to take part in National Hockey League (NHL) games held in Finland.

Existing exceptions

Finland has not issued visas to Russian tourists for several years, but exceptions remain for certain groups of citizens of the aggressor state, even after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Visas may be granted to family members of Russian citizens permanently residing in Finland, transport sector workers, business travellers and people who need to maintain property they own in Finland. Russian athletes have so far been able to use an exception allowing a visa for work in Finland lasting less than 90 days.

Several exceptions will stay in force, and each visa application will continue to be assessed individually.

Impact on championships

Finland's plan could significantly affect two world championships due to be held in the country over the next two years. Figure skating competitions are scheduled for 17–21 March 2027 in Tampere, where athletes from aggressor states may compete if they meet the requirements of Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN) status. Around the turn of 2027/2028, the World Junior (U-20) Ice Hockey Championship is planned for Turku and Tampere. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ordered the immediate reinstatement of the right of Russian national hockey teams to take part in tournaments organised by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).