Norway has announced a tightening of its entry restrictions for Russian citizens. This comes in response to what Norwegian officials have labeled as “Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.” Starting May 29, 2024, Norway will deny entry to almost all Russian tourists. This measure closes the last direct access point for Russian citizens to the Schengen Area, Europe’s border-free zone.
Also Read: To Lam: Vietnam Elects Public Security Minister as New President
The Norwegian government stopped issuing most tourist visas to Russians in spring 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The new restrictions will affect those who received Schengen visas from Norway before or after this suspension as well as those holding visas from other Schengen zone countries.
The entry ban for tourists impacts travel via the Storskog-Boris Gleb border crossing, the sole crossing point between Norway and Russia.
Limited exceptions will be made for certain categories including individuals visiting close family members in Norway as well as Russian citizens working or studying in Norway or other Schengen countries.
Norwegian Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl addressed that the decision to tighten entry rules aligns with Norway’s commitment to supporting allies and partners in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Recent reports from Norway’s domestic security agency, PST have highlighted concerns about espionage activities.
There are worries that Russians involved in intelligence gathering are entering Norway through the Storskog border crossing.
PST updated its risk assessment indicating an increased threat of sabotage against Norwegian companies producing weaponry destined for Ukraine.
The Kremlin has criticized Norway’s decision labeling it as “purely discriminatory.” This move adds to the tensions between the two countries.
Although not an EU member, Norway has aligned its sanctions against Russia with those imposed by the European Union.
Neighboring Finland imposed similar entry restrictions for Russian citizens in September 2022, following Russia’s “partial” mobilization.
In response to previous actions by Norway including the expulsion of diplomats, Moscow added Norway to its list of “unfriendly” countries.
Also Read: Donald Trump Campaign now Accepting Cryptocurrency Donations
Russian citizens seeking entry for tourism or non-essential purposes will be denied. Exceptions include visits to close family members in Norway and travel for work or study in Norway or other Schengen countries.
Minister of Justice and Public Security, Emilie Enger Mehl, states the decision with Norway’s commitment to supporting allies and partners against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Norway shares a border with Russia in the Arctic. Previous concerns raised by Norway’s domestic security agency, PST, regarding potential intelligence gathering by Russians at the border.
Recent updates by PST indicate an increased threat of sabotage against Norwegian companies involved in producing weaponry for Ukraine.
Entry restrictions come into effect on May 29 affecting most Russian tourists. Long-term visa holders and those with visas from other Schengen countries were previously able to enter via the Storskog-Boris Gleb border crossing.
Since the beginning of the year, 5,102 people with tourist visas have crossed the border from Russia, according to police data.
Norway’s decision mirrors actions taken by the European Union following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Schengen border-free area encompassing most European countries allows free movement but permits member states to impose restrictions in response to security concerns.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticizes the decision as discriminatory. Russia’s embassy in Oslo has yet to issue an official response.
Norway previously stopped issuing most tourist visas to Russians in 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine. In April 2023, Norway expelled 15 Russian embassy employees deemed to be intelligence officers.
Norway’s domestic intelligence service, PST anticipates efforts by Russia to compensate for the loss of intelligence officers.
Also Read: MP Craig Mackinlay Returns to Parliament After Sepsis-Related Amputations
