Oslo: Norway is set to impose stricter limitations on Russian tourists in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, announcing that almost all entry will be blocked starting May 29, according to the country’s justice ministry on Thursday. Russia has condemned the decision as “purely discriminatory” and vowed to retaliate.
As a NATO member with a nearly 200 km (124 miles) border with Russia in the Arctic, Norway initially imposed restrictions on Russian tourist visas in 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began.
“The decision to tighten the entry rules aligns with Norway’s stance of solidarity with allies and partners in response to Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,” stated Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl.
Also Read | Britain Accuses China of Planning to Provide Lethal Aid to Russia
Under the new regulations, Russian citizens traveling for tourism or non-essential purposes will be denied entry at the border. Exceptions may be granted for visits to close family residing in Norway, as outlined by the ministry.
“The change empowers the police to refuse entry to Russian citizens falling under the directive,” the statement added.
Also Read | Scarlett Johansson’s Battle with OpenAI Sparks Hollywood AI Fears
Reacting to Norway’s move, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov labeled it as “discriminatory” and emphasized that such actions would not be left unanswered. “We do not accept such decisions. We regret that the Norwegian leadership has chosen this path, which will further deteriorate our already strained bilateral relations, not at our initiative,” Peskov stated.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova clarified that Russia did not intend to prevent Norwegian citizens from entering the country. However, she warned that retaliatory measures would be taken. “But this does not mean that retaliatory measures won’t be taken. They will be,” Zakharova affirmed to reporters.
