Norway Restricts Entry for Russian Tourists in Response to the Ongoing War in Ukraine

Norway is tightening restrictions on entry for Russian citizens from May 29. This move will effectively block passage at nearly all border crossings.

Despite restrictions on tourist visas, Norway will grant entry to Russians with specific purposes like visiting family, holding valid work permits, or pursuing studies in the Schengen zone.

“The decision to tighten entry rules is in line with Norway’s approach to supporting allies and partners in response to Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,” Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl said.

Norway, which shares a 200 kilometer border with Russia, had already limited tourist visas for Russians in the spring of 2022, after the invasion began.

On May 23 Norway announced increased security at the Storskog border crossing with Russia.

Unlike neighboring Finland, which closed its borders last fall and further strengthened its security, Storskog remains the only land entry point for Russians seeking entry to the Schengen zone. Norwegian authorities emphasized they will closely monitor the situation and take necessary actions, should the need arise.

Earlier in April, Germany arrested two men on suspicion of spying for Russia.

Additionally, in 2022 there were a series of arrests on suspicion of illegally flying drones or photographing classified objects north in Norway.