Even though Finland stopped issuing Schengen visas to Russian citizens back in autumn 2022, and later closed its entire eastern border in late 2023, it turns out people are still finding ways to get in. An investigation by Helsingin Sanomat (HS) revealed a clever workaround: Russians are applying for French Schengen visas and then using those to travel to Finland and other Schengen countries.

How the Workaround Works

Essentially, a valid Schengen visa from any member state allows you to travel within the entire Schengen Area. So, even if Finland isn't issuing visas, a French visa gets you the same access. This isn't technically illegal, but it raises serious questions about how effective these restrictions really are.

The HS investigation involved a reporter posing as a client wanting to renew an expired Finnish visa. When they contacted a Moscow-based travel agency, the agent immediately suggested applying for a French visa instead. They even claimed a near-100% approval rate. This shows just how common this practice has become.

The Cost and the Process

The travel agency offered a complete visa package for around €400. Of that, €90 covers the standard Schengen visa fee, and the agency takes the remaining €285 for their services. They handle the initial flight and accommodation bookings required for the French visa application. However, once the visa is approved, these bookings are usually cancelled, and the traveler makes their own arrangements. This highlights a potential area of abuse, where the initial application is essentially based on false pretenses to obtain the visa.

This practice demonstrates a clear exploitation of the Schengen system's design, which is intended to facilitate free movement within the area. However, it also reveals a potential weakness in the system, where a country's individual visa policies can be circumvented through other member states.

Why This Raises Concerns

The fact that Russians are easily obtaining visas from other Schengen countries and then using them to enter Finland undermines Finland's efforts to restrict Russian travel. It raises questions about the consistency and coordination of visa policies across the Schengen Area.

Moreover, it brings up security concerns. While having a valid visa allows legal entry, it doesn't necessarily mean thorough background checks are being conducted. The ease of obtaining a French visa, as reported by the travel agency, suggests a potential lack of stringent scrutiny.

This situation can also impact public trust. If citizens feel that border controls are ineffective and that restrictions are being bypassed, it can lead to increased anxiety and a sense of vulnerability.

The Impact of Border Closure

Finland's decision to close its eastern border with Russia in December 2023 was a significant step. This effectively halted land travel from Russia into Finland, drastically reducing the physical access points. However, the visa loophole demonstrates that border closures alone are insufficient to completely stop Russian travel.

Prior to the complete closure, travel restrictions were already in place since September 2022. These restrictions aimed to limit tourism and non-essential travel. However, exceptions were made for family members of Finnish citizens and foreigners with permanent residency, among others. These exceptions are important for humanitarian reasons but also create potential avenues for abuse.

Practical Advice and Insights

For travelers from any country, this situation highlights the importance of understanding the Schengen Area's visa rules. While a visa from one country grants access to all, it's crucial to be aware of the specific entry requirements of each country you plan to visit.

For those considering using travel agencies for visa applications, it's essential to be cautious and verify the agency's legitimacy. Ensure that all provided information is accurate and that you understand the terms and conditions of the service. Be aware that canceling booked travel after obtaining a visa can raise red flags with immigration authorities in the future.

From a policy perspective, this situation underscores the need for greater coordination and harmonization of visa policies within the Schengen Area. Member states need to work together to ensure that their individual policies are not being exploited and that the overall security of the area is maintained.

It also highlights the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation between Schengen countries. Sharing information about visa applications, travel patterns, and potential security risks can help identify and address loopholes and prevent abuse.

Furthermore, increased scrutiny of travel agencies offering visa services is necessary. Authorities should monitor these agencies for potential fraudulent activities and take action against those who are facilitating visa abuse.

The European Union and individual Schengen states should also consider revising their visa policies to address the changing geopolitical landscape. This may involve implementing stricter screening procedures, limiting the validity of visas, or introducing new visa categories.

The Schengen Area's fundamental principle of free movement is a valuable asset, but it also presents challenges in terms of security and border control. Balancing these competing interests requires ongoing dialogue, cooperation, and adaptation.

In addition, the current situation shows the importance of international cooperation. Countries should work together to address the root causes of irregular migration and to develop sustainable solutions that respect human rights and international law.

For example, improved cooperation with countries of origin can help prevent irregular migration and facilitate the return of those who do not have the right to stay. Investing in development assistance can also help address the economic and social factors that drive migration.

Finally, it's crucial to have a transparent and open public debate about migration and border control. This includes providing accurate information about the challenges and opportunities of migration and addressing public concerns in a constructive way.

The current loophole highlights the need for a dynamic approach to border management, one that can adapt to evolving threats and challenges.