Norway tightens entry rules for Russian citizens

Norwegian Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl announced the decision to tighten the visa procedures for Russian citizens due to Russia’s “illegal war against Ukraine.”

Under the new decision, those wishing to travel to Norway for tourism or non-priority reasons will not be allowed to cross the border.

However, exceptions will be made for those with immediate family members living in Norway and students studying in Norway or other Schengen member countries.

According to a report by Aftenposten, the intelligence and security agency PST expressed concerns about Russians entering the country through Storskog, the only crossing point between Russia and Norway, being involved in intelligence-gathering activities.

PST’s Head of Counterintelligence, Inger Haugland, noted that Russia’s sabotage activities in European countries aimed at weakening Ukraine’s defense capabilities are believed to benefit Moscow.

PST’s risk assessment report indicated an increased threat of sabotage against Norwegian companies producing weapons for Ukraine.

Norway suspended its visa agreement with Russia, signed in 2007, on September 22, 2022, due to the Ukraine war.

NATO member Norway shares a 198-kilometer (123.0-mile) border with Russia in the Arctic region.