Norway to Block Entry for Most Russian Tourists and Deport Them, Even with Schengen
Norway will further restrict access for Russian tourists due to the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine, blocking almost all entrances. This was announced by the Norwegian Ministry of Justice on Thursday, 23 May. Russian citizens whose purpose is tourism and other non-essential travel will be deported at the external border. The toughening of entry restrictions applies to both those with visas issued by Norway before the visa tightening in spring 2022 and those issued by other Schengen countries. These changes will take effect from 29 May inclusive.
NATO member Norway, which shares a nearly 200-kilometre-long border with Russia in the Arctic, first imposed restrictions on Russian tourist visas in 2022.
"The decision to tighten entry rules is in line with Norway's approach to support allies and partners in response to Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine," Justice Minister Emily Enger Mel said in a statement.
Exemptions will be granted in some cases, such as for visits to close relatives (parents, spouses, cohabitants and children) living in Norway and for Russian citizens who will work or study in Norway or other Schengen countries.
The Norwegian authorities are closely monitoring the border and border traffic through Storskoug and will take measures if necessary.