“Norway already has a restrictive visa practice for Russian and Belarusian citizens, but it is now further tightening the criteria for those who are allowed to travel into the country,” said Astri Aas-Hansen, Norway’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, Le Figaro reported.
The Norwegian government announced on Thursday that it will prohibit professional Russian and Belarusian athletes from entering the country to compete in sports events. The restrictions will remain in place as long as the war in Ukraine continues.
Oslo’s decision follows a nearly identical move by neighboring Finland, which announced visa blockades for Russian athletes on the same day. The Norwegian government said that recent rule relaxations by international sports federations created a risk that more athletes and technical teams from Russia and Belarus would seek entry.
Top-level Russian sports maintain close ties with state authorities and cannot be viewed independently of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to official statements. Immigration services and the police will soon receive formal instructions to deny entry to athletes and their support staffs.
Impact on the Trondheim Cross-Country World Cup
Norway is set to host the FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Trondheim this December.
Under the government’s directive, immigration authorities will block entry for Russian and Belarusian competitors even if the International Ski and Snowboard Federation permits them to enter events. The FIS previously established conditional pathways for neutral athletes, requiring competitors to avoid national symbols and sign neutrality declarations.
Finnish authorities announced matching border restrictions on Thursday, effectively closing a second Nordic destination for athletes traveling from Russia.
New entry restrictions affect international skiing events
When do the new entry restrictions take effect?
The Norwegian government said that the immigration and police directives will enter into force shortly, ahead of the winter sports calendar.
Which international event in Norway is immediately affected?
The FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Trondheim, scheduled for December, faces potential roster changes as Russian and Belarusian skiers will be denied entry visas.
What stance did neighboring Finland take?
Finland announced a parallel decision on Thursday to block visas for Russian athletes, mirroring Oslo’s security measures.
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