Finland Also Decides to Ban Entry of Russian Cars

Following the Baltic countries, Finland plans to impose restrictions on the entry of passenger cars with Russian registration. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, intends to officially announce this initiative today, on Friday. The information was released by the Finnish radio and television company Yle.

According to Yle, cars registered in Russia with fewer than ten occupants will no longer be able to cross the border. There are some exceptions to this rule. The exact date when the ban will take effect is not specified. Finland has strengthened its visa policy due to Russia's aggressive war in Ukraine. Movement at the eastern border has decreased, but it remains relatively busy.

Finland is striving to adhere to a stricter line set by the European Union. This decisive action is based on the policy of the European Commission and the recommendations it issued last week. By banning the entry of passenger cars with Russian registration, the European Commission hopes to prevent circumvention of sanctions.

On September 13, it was reported that cars with Russian license plates could still enter Finland, and reports of car confiscation were not accurate.

Recall that on September 8, the European Commission provided explanations regarding the existing restrictions on the import and export of goods to and from Russia. They emphasized that certain goods, including cars, are subject to a ban regardless of their status as personal belongings of travelers.

Recall that earlier this week, all Baltic countries imposed a ban on the entry of private Russian vehicles. Lithuania was the first to do so, followed by Latvia and Estonia. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna, stated at a briefing that restrictions have the greatest effect when applied collectively, increasing the cost that Russia pays for its war.

According to the recommendations of the European Commission, EU member states are not allowed to admit private vehicles with Russian license plates to their territory. If a car with Russian license plates attempts to enter a border checkpoint, the Estonian Tax and Customs Board will conduct the necessary procedures. The vehicle owner or its driver has a choice: to return to Russia with the car or cross the border without it.