Record number of crossings in prospect at south-eastern border over New Year holiday season
Officials at Finland's south-eastern border crossing points with Russia are girding their loins in readiness for what is anticipated to be a record number of Russian tourists entering the country over the period from year's end until Epiphany.
According to the Finnish Border Guard, more than 20,000 people are expected to cross daily on the peak days.
The Finnish Consulate in St. Petersburg has issued 30% more visas for the New Year period than in last year.
The border posts in the south-eastern corner of the country are prepared for the rush.
Leave has been cancelled, and border formalities will be speeded up by checking passports in portakabin containers as well as at office counters.
Border traffic has grown 15% this year from 2009.
Helsingin Sanomat
