NATO Member Blocks Russian Tourists

Russian tourists are set to be barred from Norway, the county's justice ministry said on Thursday.

Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl stated: "The decision to tighten the entry rules is in line with the Norwegian approach of standing by allies and partners in reaction to Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine."

"By restricting entry for Russian tourists, we are sending a clear message of our support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia's actions," Mehl added​​.

The Context

Norway, a NATO member, shares a 196-kilometer border with Russia. The country first imposed restrictions on Russian tourist visas in 2022, in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

This latest move also aligns with previous measures taken by Norway, including the ban on Russian-registered passenger cars entering the country.

Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Belgium have all previously suspended tourist visas for Russians.

Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, who all share borders with Russia, have closed access entirely. As has Poland's southwestern neighbor Czechia.

What We Know

The Norwegian government announced that starting May 29, it will deny entry to Russian citizens holding tourist visas, whether issued by Norway before the 2022 restrictions or by other European countries within the Schengen Area.

Exceptions to the new rule will be granted for visits to close family members residing in Norway and for individuals with specific visas for work or study purposes.

All other Russian citizens traveling for tourism or non-essential purposes will be refused entry.

Views

Norwegian security agencies have expressed concerns about potential espionage and sabotage activities by Russian nationals.

Inger Haugland, head of counterespionage for Norway's domestic security agency PST said on Wednesday: "Russia now sees itself benefiting from carrying out sabotage in European countries in order to weaken Ukrainian defense capabilities."

"The decision is purely discriminatory," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in response to the announcement.

What's Next

Kremlin officials have already hinted at possible reprisals over the move, with Peskov warning "Of course, such decisions cannot remain unanswered."

"We do not accept such decisions. We regret that the Norwegian leadership has chosen this way of worsening our bilateral relations, which have already been of poor quality recently, and not on our initiative."

Newsweek has contacted Norway's Justice Ministry for comment via email.

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