Norway has decided to tighten its restrictions on entry from Russia in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine. The new measures will bar those with tourist visas issued before 2022 by Norway or other European countries. Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl stated that the decision is a response to Russia’s “illegal war of aggression” against Ukraine. Norway has a 123-mile border with Russia in the Arctic. Last week, concerns were raised by Norway’s domestic security agency that Russians involved in intelligence gathering were entering the country at the sole border crossing at Storskog near Kirkenes.
Inger Haugland, head of counterespionage for PST, expressed worries that Russia was benefiting from carrying out sabotage in European countries to weaken Ukrainian defense capabilities. This has led to a perceived increase in the threat of sabotage against Norwegian companies producing weaponry that goes to Ukraine. Exceptions to the new entry restrictions will be made for certain individuals, including those visiting close relatives in Norway, Russians who work or study in Norway, and those with border resident certificates. However, other Russians planning to enter Norway for tourism or non-essential purposes will be refused entry. The ban is set to take effect next week.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded to the news by calling the decision discriminatory. Norway, although not a member of the European Union, is part of the Schengen Area, allowing free movement within the zone for over 400 million Europeans. Two years ago, Norway stopped issuing tourist visas to Russians, and in September, it barred Russian-registered passenger cars from entering the country in line with EU sanctions against Moscow. The tightening of entry restrictions is another step in Norway’s response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The decision to tighten entry restrictions from Russia comes amidst growing concerns about Russian intelligence activity and potential sabotage in European countries. Russia’s actions in Ukraine have prompted a collective response from European nations and their allies, including Norway. The increased threat of sabotage against Norwegian companies producing weaponry for Ukraine has led to a heightened sense of alertness within Norway’s security agencies. By tightening entry restrictions, Norway aims to prevent unwanted individuals from entering the country and potentially engaging in activities that could harm its interests.
Norway’s decision to tighten entry restrictions is a reflection of the wider tensions between Russia and European countries over the conflict in Ukraine. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has had far-reaching consequences, including disruptions to security and stability in the region. Norway’s close proximity to Russia’s Arctic border adds an additional layer of complexity to the situation. By implementing stricter controls on entry from Russia, Norway is taking proactive measures to defend its national security interests and prevent any potential threats from reaching its borders. The ban on certain individuals with tourist visas is just one example of the measures being taken by Norway in response to the evolving security situation in the region.
