Languages

Less Finnish-Russian tourist exchange

Finns and Russians are visiting each other’s country more seldom. The number of visas issued in both countries has declined significantly in 2014.

Location

The weak ruble has significantly dampened Russians’ appetite for tourism. Based on the number of visas issued so far this year Finnish foreign ministry officials are bracing for a 20 percent decline in visa applications from the eastern neighbor, YLE writes.

Fewer Finns are also traveling to Russia. By the end of June the number of issued visas was under 70,000, which is 9.5 percent less than in the same period in 2013, YLE reports. The Russian Embassy in Finland believes the decline is a result of the difficult economic situation, but also a slight increase in the number of issued multi-entry visas.

Russian visitors to Finland contribute up to €50 million annually in visa income to state coffers. However a substantial reduction in the number of Russians traveling to Finland this year is threatening to create a €15 million shortfall in the Foreign Ministry’s budget.