Norway’s government plans to bar Russian and Belarusian pro athletes competing
The government said on 12 November 2026, that it would also refuse entry to accompanying support staff traveling to sporting competitions, with the restriction taking effect “shortly.”
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Norway’s government plans to instruct immigration authorities and police to refuse entry to Russian and Belarusian professional athletes and accompanying support staff coming to the country for sporting competitions. The government said the changes would take effect “shortly” and that it intended the restriction to last as long as the war in Ukraine continues.
Justice and Public Security Minister Astri Aas-Hansen said the decision further tightens Norway’s already restrictive visa practice for citizens of the two countries. The government said recent relaxations by international sports federations could bring more athletes and support staff to Norway, and argued that Russian elite sport’s close ties to Russian authorities meant it could not be viewed independently of the war. The Guardian said the Norwegian announcement followed a separate restriction announced by Finland earlier that day. Finland’s foreign ministry said its measure would affect Russians competing under neutral status as well as those competing for national teams.
Trondheim races could be affected
The planned restriction could prevent athletes from competing in Trondheim’s cross-country skiing World Cup even if the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) clears them. In September, FIS agreed conditions for Russian and Belarusian participation in the 2026–27 season: athletes must compete as individuals, sign a neutrality declaration, avoid national symbols and meet anti-doping requirements. Support personnel must also sign a neutrality declaration. Compliance with the neutrality principles will be constantly monitored, with sanctions possible for breaches.
An 27 October VG report said Russia had provisionally selected Aleksandr Bolsjunov and Veronika Stepanova for races in Ruka and Trondheim, although both then lacked the neutral status needed to compete internationally.
Before the government’s announcement, Norwegian Ski Federation president Roger Finjord reiterated the federation’s opposition to Russian participation and said organizers would follow decisions by FIS and the authorities. The federation organizes the Trondheim event with Norway Events; the races are scheduled for 4–6 December 2026.
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