Norway Tightens Entry Restrictions on Russians Amid Ukraine Conflict
In response to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, Norway announced on Thursday that it will be further tightening its restrictions on the entry of people from Russia. Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl stated that individuals with tourist visas issued by Norway before the regulations were tightened in 2022 or issued by another European country will be barred from entering the Scandinavian country as of next week.
Norway shares a 198-kilometer border with Russia in the Arctic, and concerns have been raised about Russians involved in intelligence gathering entering the country through the sole border crossing at Storskog near the town of Kirkenes. Inger Haugland, head of counterespionage for Norway’s domestic security agency PST, expressed worries about Russia potentially carrying out sabotage in European countries to weaken Ukrainian defense capabilities.
Exceptions to the new entry restrictions will be made for individuals visiting close relatives in Norway, as well as for Russians who work or study in the country. However, those entering for tourism or other non-essential purposes will be refused entry. The ban is set to take effect next Wednesday.
The Kremlin has criticized Norway’s decision, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling it discriminatory. Norway, although not a member of the European Union, is part of the Schengen Area, allowing for easy movement within the zone. This move follows Norway’s previous actions, including stopping the issuance of tourist visas to Russians two years ago and barring Russian-registered passenger cars from entering the country in September, aligning with EU sanctions against Moscow.