The Norwegian government has said to ban the entry of Russian tourists. On Thursday, the Norwegian government said that the entry of Russian tourists will be banned from next week. Oslo continues to tighten its 198 km long Arctic land border with its neighbour. In May 2022, the Norwegian government made it harder for Russians to obtain entry visas in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Norwegian government said that Russian tourists are not allowed to enter Norway for non-essential purposes.
Norway has increased vigilance at the border to prevent illegal crossings. In fact, Russian citizens fear that they may be recruited into the army to be part of the war or that Russia may ban the exit of its citizens. Because of all these, Norway has increased vigilance in the border area.
Norwegian police will have the power to deport Russians who are in the country on tourist visas issued before May 2022 from next Wednesday. Such visas allow access to Europe’s passport-free Schengen travel area.
The new measures also apply to Russians with visas issued by other Schengen member states.
However, there will be some exceptions to the new rules, including those visiting family members living in Norway. This will have no effect on Russians who work or study in Norway.
In a government press release, Justice and Public Security Minister Emilie Anger Mehl said the decision to tighten entry rules was in line with Norway’s approach to standing with allies and partners in responses to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Storskog border station is the only legal crossing point. According to the government, border traffic is being closely monitored by Norwegian authorities and necessary measures are being taken. Finland closed its entire border with Russia indefinitely in April.