Finland bars Russian athletes from entering, including neutrals

Finland announced that it will bar Russian athletes from entering the country, including those cleared to compete under a neutral flag, as well as other sports professionals. The restrictions take effect on 16 November 2026. The decision follows a ban on non-essential travel by Russian citizens introduced in 2022.

Russian citizens with Schengen visas will be allowed to enter Finland for work only if their tasks are deemed essential to the country’s national interests. Sports work does not qualify, The Moscow Times said.

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said Russian athletes should not enter while Russia’s war against Ukraine continues. She argued that their entry would endanger Finland’s international relations.

Competition eligibility and entry

The International Skating Union (ISU) allowed Russian and Belarusian figure skaters to return to international competition for the 2026–27 season under strict neutral status, citing recommendations from the International Olympic Committee. Finland’s decision means that Russian athletes' sporting eligibility does not itself give them permission to enter the country.

The ISU said athletes should not be punished for their governments' actions. It is studying what the entry restrictions mean for events in Finland, including the World Figure Skating Championships in March 2027.

Ruka is scheduled to host men’s and women’s cross-country skiing World Cup races on 27–29 November 2026, and men’s World Cup ski jumping on 28–29 November. The cross-country World Cup is scheduled to return to Finland in Lahti on 12–14 February 2027.