Norway announced on Thursday that it would restrict entry to Russian tourists, effectively halting their last direct access to Europe’s border-free Schengen area. The Norwegian government stated that Russian citizens traveling for tourism or other non-essential purposes would be rejected upon entry across the external border. These new restrictions are set to take effect on May 29, following the country’s decision to stop issuing most tourist visas to Russians in the spring of 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Long-term visa holders and individuals with visas from other Schengen member countries had previously been able to cross into Norway via the Storskog-Boris Gleb border crossing, which is the only one between Norway and Russia. The entry ban for tourists will impact those who received a Schengen visa from Norway both before and after the visa issuances were halted in spring 2022, as well as those holding visas from other Schengen zone countries. However, exceptions will be made for individuals traveling for work, study, or to visit close family in Norway.
The decision to tighten entry rules for Russian tourists was made in alignment with Norway’s commitment to supporting its allies and partners in response to Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. This move comes as neighboring Finland also imposed similar entry restrictions for Russian citizens in September 2022. Thousands of people had been crossing the border from Russia to flee the Kremlin’s “partial” mobilization, prompting Finland’s decision to restrict entry.
In August, Moscow added Norway to its list of “unfriendly” countries, leading to restrictions on the number of local staff that its diplomatic mission in Russia can hire. This action came after a series of diplomat expulsions between the two countries. While Norway is not a member of the EU, it has adopted sanctions against Russia in coordination with those implemented by the bloc. The country’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, Emilie Enger Mehl, emphasized the importance of standing by allies and partners in responding to Russia’s aggression.
Norway’s move to restrict entry to Russian tourists reflects its solidarity with other Western nations against Russia’s actions in Ukraine. By preventing Russian citizens from entering the Schengen area for non-essential travel, Norway is joining other countries in imposing consequences on Russia for its invasion. The restrictions will impact those who had previously been able to enter Norway with visas from other Schengen member countries, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the new policy. Despite not being an EU member, Norway’s alignment with the bloc’s sanctions on Russia demonstrates a unified approach to addressing Russian aggression.
