In response to Finland and Estonia’s calls upon the rest of the EU countries to stop issuing tourist visas to Russian citizens, Denmark has been debating if it should follow their example. However, the Russian ambassador sees the possible visa restrictions as a violation of human rights.
“It is clear that human rights in the West are remembered only when it is advantageous, and when it comes to Russians they are forgotten without remorse,” said Vladimir Barbin, the Russian ambassador in Denmark.
Tightened visa policy for Russia
Since the Czech Republic, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania have completely or partially closed their borders to Russian visitors, Baltic countries are now following in their footsteps. On Tuesday, the Finnish minister of foreign affairs, Pekka Haavisto, announced that the country is reducing visa application acceptances to 10 percent for Russian citizens from next month.
In Denmark, almost three times as many tourist visas were issued to Russian citizens in the first five months of 2022 than in the whole of 2021.
Rise in visa applications this year
Calling the figures “surprising”, the immigration and integration minister, Kaare Dybvad, called for a common European solution to be found under the auspices of the EU.
Back in March, the EU launched sanctions targeting powerful and wealthy Russian oligarchs and influential businessmen.
But ordinary Russians are still able to go on holiday to most European resorts.
