Norway Tightens Entry Restrictions on Russians Amid Ukraine Conflict

Norway Tightens Entry Restrictions on Russians Amid Ukraine Conflict

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 before the regulations were tightened in 2022 or issued by another European country will be barred from entering Norway as of next week.

The decision comes in response to what Norway describes as “Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.” With a 198-kilometer border with Russia in the Arctic, Norway has expressed concerns about potential security threats posed by Russian individuals entering the country.

Last week, Norwegian daily Aftenposten reported that the country’s domestic security agency, PST, had raised alarms about Russians involved in intelligence gathering entering through the border crossing at Storskog near Kirkenes. Inger Haugland, head of counterespionage for PST, warned of potential sabotage activities carried out by Russia in European countries to weaken Ukrainian defense capabilities.

In light of these security concerns, PST updated its risk assessment, highlighting an increased threat of sabotage against Norwegian companies producing weaponry destined for Ukraine. Enger Mehl emphasized that exceptions to the new entry restrictions will be made for individuals visiting close relatives, as well as for Russians working or studying in Norway. However, tourists and those entering for non-essential purposes will be denied entry.

Norway, although not a member of the European Union, is part of the Schengen Area, allowing for seamless travel within the zone without the need for travel documents. The Norwegian government had previously halted the issuance of tourist visas to Russians and banned Russian-registered passenger cars from entering the country in alignment with EU sanctions against Moscow.

The new entry restrictions are set to take effect next Wednesday, as Norway continues to monitor the situation and adjust its measures in response to the conflict in Ukraine.