Administration of Kotka city has submitted a proposal to the State Council of Finland on the possibility of visa-free stay of Russian citizens on the territory of Finland.
09 March 2016
In terms of the signed agreements on cooperation between the cities of Kotka and St. Petersburg as well as between the "Passenger Port of St. Petersburg" Marine Façade" PLC and the port of Hamina - Kotka Oy administration of Kotka has prepared and submitted a proposal to the Cabinet of Finland to consider the possibility of visa-free stay for 72 hours of Russian citizens arriving in Finland by sea transport.
This initiative should strengthen the prospects for development of the ferry service between the cities of St. Petersburg and Kotka and increase the intensity of tourist exchange between Russia and Finland. The initial phase is proposed to introduce a visa-free regime for the period of 2017-2020 and to extend the regime only for those tourists who come to the city by sea.
It should be noted that at present time foreign tourists arriving in St. Petersburg on cruise and ferry ships can stay visa-free for up to 72 hours provided being as a part of an organized tour group.
