Norway to Ban Entry for Russian Tourists

The Norwegian government is introducing additional restrictions on entry into the country for tourists from Russia. This is stated in a press release on the government website.

New rules will come into force on May 29, according to which Russian citizens entering Norway for tourism and other “non-essential” purposes will be denied entry. The changes will apply to those who have a Schengen visa issued by Norway before May 30, 2022 or by other Schengen countries.

Exceptions may be made for those entering Norway to visit close relatives living in the country – parents, spouses, cohabitants and children – as well as for Russian citizens who plan to work or study in Norway and other Schengen countries.

Exceptions will also be made for Russian citizens to whom Norway has granted a Schengen visa after the introduction of visa restrictions in the spring of 2022. Separate exceptions exist for diplomats, residents of Svalbard and those invited by the Norwegian authorities.

"The decision to tighten entry rules is in line with Norway's approach, which is to support allies and partners in countering Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine," said Norwegian Justice Minister Emilie Mehl.

As the Agency notes , Norway was the last country bordering Russia to allow entry with tourist visas. Earlier, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland had decided to restrict entry. Last autumn, Finland completely closed the checkpoints on the land border with Russia. In September 2023, Norway also closed entry into the country for cars with Russian license plates.

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