Norway to close border to Russian tourists, announces government

Norway has announced that it will be closing its border to Russian tourists, effectively cutting off their last direct access to Europe’s border-free Schengen area. This decision comes as a response to Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

Starting on May 29, most Russian tourists will no longer be able to enter Norway, which shares a border with Russia in its far north. The Norwegian government stated that this move is in line with their commitment to standing by allies and partners in the face of Russia’s actions.

Norway, a NATO member but not part of the EU, had already stopped issuing most tourist visas to Russians after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, those with long-term visas issued before or visas from other Schengen member countries were still allowed to enter through the Storskog-Boris Gleb border crossing.

From May 29 onwards, even these exceptions will no longer be valid. The only exemptions will be made for work, study, and visits to close family residing in Norway. Since the beginning of the year, 5,102 people with tourist visas have crossed the border from Russia.

Norway’s decision aligns with similar measures adopted by the European Union following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Schengen area allows for free movement within most European countries, but this move by Norway will restrict Russian tourists’ access to this region.

Russia’s embassy in Oslo has yet to respond to this development. In April 2023, Norway expelled 15 Russian embassy employees, and the country’s domestic intelligence service expects Russia to potentially send more “travelling agents” in response.