Norway has banned Russian citizens from entering its territory.
Up until recently, Russians with a Schengen visa could enter Norway. This is no longer the case as Oslo has put a stop to this practice. This decision leaves Russians with no direct access to the Schengen zone. However, there will be a few exceptions allowed.
The Norwegian government is shutting its borders to Russian tourists, cutting off their last link to the Schengen area. The change in visa regulations from May 29 is in response to Norway's commitment to "standing by its allies and partners as a reaction to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine," stated Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl.
Exemptions will be made for Russians who are employed or studying in Norway, and Russian nationals can still visit close family members in the Scandinavian country. Despite being an NATO member, Norway is not part of the EU. The European Union suspended all visa facilitations for Russians in September 2022 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February of the same year.
Norway has significantly reduced the number of tourist visas issued to Russians since spring 2022. Those who already hold a long-term visa from the Norwegian government or have a visa from another Schengen country are the only Russians allowed to pass through the Storskog-Boris Gleb border crossing, the only point of entry between the two nations.
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- The decision by Norway to ban Russian citizens from entering its territory is a response to Russia's ongoing attack on Ukraine, as stated by Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl.
- Despite being exempted from Norway's entry ban, Russian nationals visiting family members in Norway may face challenges, given that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to international sanctions against Russia.
- The Norwegian restrictions on Russian tourists, implemented due to the Ukraine conflict, have had a ripple effect, with the European Union also suspending all visa facilitations for Russians in September 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Source: www.ntv.de
