Norway to Tighten Restrictions on Entry of People from Russia
Norway announced on Thursday that it will be further tightening its restrictions on the entry of people from Russia, citing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as the reason for the new measures. Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl stated that those 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.
The decision comes in response to Russia’s “illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,” according to Enger Mehl. Norway shares a 198-kilometer border with Russia in the Arctic, making it a key point of concern for security agencies.
Last week, Norwegian daily Aftenposten reported that the country’s domestic security agency, PST, was concerned about Russians involved in intelligence gathering entering through the border crossing at Storskog near Kirkenes. Inger Haugland, head of counterespionage for PST, warned of the increased threat of sabotage against Norwegian companies producing weaponry destined for Ukraine.
Exceptions to the new entry restrictions will be made for those visiting close relatives in Norway or for Russians who work or study in the country. However, tourists and those entering for “non-essential purposes” will be refused entry. The ban is set to take effect next Wednesday.
Norway, although not a member of the European Union, is part of the Schengen Area, allowing for easy movement within the zone. The country previously stopped issuing tourist visas to Russians and barred Russian-registered passenger cars from entering in line with EU sanctions against Moscow.