Following the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Norwegian government has unveiled plans to further restrict the entry of Russian citizens on tourist visas issued prior to Spring 2022, both by Norway and any other European country. This announcement was made public on Thursday, with Emilie Enger Mehl, Minister of Justice and Public Security, indicating that this action is the latest in a series of measures taken in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Details are available on the government’s official website.
Starting from the end of this month, this measure is set to prevent Russian tourists and non-essential travellers’ entry into Norway. The new restriction solely targets individuals who obtained their visa before the cutoff date in 2022. However, exceptions are provided for Russian citizens who work or study in Norway or those visiting direct family members under bereavement or other extenuating circumstances.
Despite these conditions, Russia has expressed opposition to this decision, labelling it as “purely discriminatory” and threatening to take retaliatory actions. This sentiment was reflected in a report from local Russian media.
Norway first imposed restrictions on the entry of Russian citizens following the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war earlier in 2022. Despite being outside of the European Union, Norway modelled its regulations after EU’s measures and the policies put into place by Finland. In March of the same year, Norway adopted several sanctions against Russia into domestic law, leading to the discontinuation of certain visa facilitation operations.
Russia answered these measures with similar visa restrictions and halted expedited visa processing for Norwegian nationals seeking entry – another blow to bilateral relations, as was covered in earlier news reporting.
Norway’s latest measures are estimated to be implemented on May 29. It’s a clear stance taken by Minister Mehl and her country, as Norway continues to stand by its allies and partners in opposition to what’s deemed Russia’s “illegal war of aggression” against Ukraine.