Finland launches new visa-free route to Russia
Finland introduces new sea route to Russia – ferries between Vyborg (Leningrad (Saint Petersburg) Region) and Hamina (Finland) are to start operation from the first week of August. Finnish tourists won’t require a visa to come to Vyborg, while the Russians will still need an entry visa to board the vessel.
Namdalingen ferry will run between Vyborg and Hamina, the ship arrived in Finland just two weeks ago. It was constructed in 2000, is 27.5 meters long and can carry 139 passengers. Now the ship is going through official certification procedures. For example the crew will have to translate all the information signs aboard the ferry-boat into Russian, Finnish and English. The vessel will be operated by a crew from Norway – reports Euromag.
According to Yarmo Ahonen, the Head of Risteilyt Oy Company that will be operating the route, the ferry will run from Tuesday to Sunday. The navigation will last till late autumn, “as long as the weather allows”.
As we already reported, starting from the 4th of August Princess Anastasia Cruise Liner operated by St. Peter Lines Company calls at Saint Petersburg. The Finland’s capital will be added to the Saint Petersburg – Stockholm – Tallinn – Saint Petersburg route. Thus the liner will go to Sweden’s capital, then to Estonia’s capital and finally back to Saint Petersburg.