Does Norway border Russia, and can you cross the border?
Where the border runs, Storskog and the rules at the border.
Short answer
Yes, Norway and Russia share a land border in Finnmark, in the far north-east, and Storskog near Kirkenes is the only legal crossing. The border is 197.7 km long. You must cross at Storskog, about 16 km east of Kirkenes, in a vehicle with valid travel documents. Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Russia.
Why
- According to the Norwegian Police, the border is 197.7 km long, is marked with 396 border markers and is watched by the border authorities of both countries.
- Storskog is a Schengen border crossing point, and crossing the border anywhere else, on land, on water or in the air, is prohibited by law.
- Since 29 May 2024 Norway has refused entry at its external border to Russian citizens travelling for tourism or other non-essential purposes.
Details
Storskog is open every day, but only within set hours, and you must cross in a vehicle: crossing on foot is forbidden. Check the current opening hours with the police before you go. Passenger cars with Russian number plates may not cross into Norway. Near the border you may not talk to people on the other side, damage the border markers or photograph Russian military personnel or equipment. Breaking these rules can lead to fines or prison.
Tip
To see the border without crossing it, walk the 5 km path from the car park at Grensefoss to Treriksrøysa in Pasvik, the cairn where Norway, Russia and Finland meet. Stay on the path and do not walk around the cairn, since that takes you into Russia.
What may differ
Rules are stricter for Russian citizens: Norway does not issue tourist visas to Russians, and tourists are refused entry, but exceptions can be made, for example for visits to close family living in Norway or for work and study. The entry restrictions apply to Russian citizens, not to Norwegian or other EU/EEA citizens.
Common misconception
Norway has closed its border with Russia.
What actually happens
Storskog is still open every day. What has changed is who may enter: Norway turns away Russian tourists, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Russia.
People also ask
- Does Norway share a border with Russia?
- Is the border between Norway and Russia open?
- Does Norway share a border with Russia, and where is it?
- How far is Norway from Russia?
Sources
- Norwegian Police: The Norwegian-Russian borderChecked at:
- Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Travel information for RussiaChecked at:
- Norwegian Government: Restricting the possibilities of entry for Russian citizensChecked at:
- Norwegian Government: Norway wants a stricter and more harmonised visa practice for Russian citizens in the EUChecked at:
- Wikipedia: StorskogChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the Norwegian Police (Politiet) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you travel.
KirkenesRelated questions
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Does Norway have a working holiday visa?
Norway gives working holiday permits only to young citizens of six countries: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Andorra and Canada.
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Do I need to stop at customs when driving into Norway from Sweden?
When you drive into Norway from Sweden, you only need to stop at customs if you have goods over the quota or value limit to declare.
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What happens if I bring more than the duty-free quota into Norway?
If you declare the goods over the quota and pay the duty, you keep them, but undeclared goods found by customs lead to a fine and are confiscated.
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How do I declare goods at Norwegian customs?
You declare goods either in Tolletaten's Kvoteappen before you reach the border or in the red channel at a staffed customs office, where you pay the duty.