Norway has announced plans to close its border to Russian tourists, marking the end of their direct access to the Schengen area, Europe's border-free zone.

Effective May 29, the Norwegian government stated that most Russian tourists would be barred from entering the country. This decision affects the 198-kilometre border Norway shares with Russia in its far north.

Minister of Justice and Public Security, Emilie Enger Mehl, affirmed the decision, stating it aligns with Norway's commitment to stand by its allies and partners in response to Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

Norway, a NATO member but not part of the EU, ceased issuing most tourist visas to Russians in spring 2022 following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. However, individuals with long-term visas issued before or visas from other Schengen member countries were still permitted entry via the Storskog-Boris Gleb border crossing, the sole crossing point between the two nations.

From May 29 onwards, this allowance will be revoked, with exceptions made for individuals travelling for work, study, or visiting close family residing in Norway.

Police data reveals that since the beginning of the year, 5,102 people with tourist visas have crossed the border from Russia.

Although Norway is not an EU member, it closely collaborates with the bloc. Similar measures had already been adopted by the EU in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The Schengen area comprises most European countries, facilitating free movement across its borders. As of yet, Russia's embassy in Oslo has not responded to AFP's request for comment.

In April 2023, Norway expelled 15 Russian embassy employees, designating them as "intelligence officers." The country's domestic intelligence service, PST, anticipates Russia's efforts to compensate for the loss by sending more travelling agents, as noted by PST's head, Beate Gangas, during a foreign press briefing last week.

Image source: The Daily Mail