Norway–Russia border: Difference between revisions

The [[border]] between [[Norway]] and [[Russia]] ({{lang-no|Russergrensen russegrensa/ Russergrensarussegrensen}}, {{lang-ru|Российско-норвежская граница}}, ''Rossiysko-Norvezhskaya Granitsa'') consists of a {{convert|195.7|km|sp=us|adj=on}} land border between [[Sør-Varanger Municipality]], Norway, and [[Pechengsky District]], Russia, and a {{convert|23.2|km|sp=us|adj=on}} marine border in the [[Varangerfjord]]. It further consists of a border between the two countries' [[exclusive economic zone]]s (EEZ) in the [[Barents Sea]] and the [[Arctic Ocean]]. Between 1944 and 1991 the border was between Norway and the [[Soviet Union]]. There is a single [[border crossing]], on [[European route E105|E105]], located at [[Storskog]] in Norway and [[Borisoglebsky, Murmansk Oblast|Borisoglebsky]] (Boris Gleb) in Russia. The Norwegian side is patrolled by the [[Garrison of Sør-Varanger]] and is under the jurisdiction of the [[Norwegian Border Commissioner]], while the Russian side is patrolled by the [[Border Guard Service of Russia]]. Two-thirds of the border follows two rivers, the [[Pasvikelva]] and [[Jakobselva (Sør-Varanger)|Jakobselva]].

From the 11th century [[Olaf III of Norway]] regarded the borders of Norway as reaching to the [[White Sea]]. The first Norwegians started moving to Finnmark in the 13th century. [[Vardøhus Fortress]] was erected by Norway in 1300 further east than today's land border, supporting Norwegian land ownership on the [[Varanger Peninsula]]. There were no permanent Norwegian settlements on the [[Kola Peninsula]]. In 1326 Norway and the [[Novgorod Republic]] signed an agreement regarding taxation of the Kola Peninsula and Finnmark.<ref name="statkart">{{citeCite web |url=http://www.statkart.no/filestore/Landdivisjonen_ny/Fagomrder/dGrenser/grensefiler/Grensenotat_0821012.pdf |title=Historisk sammendrag vedrørende riksgrensen Norge – Russland |publisher=[[Norwegian Mapping and Cadastre Authority]] |author-last=Vassdal |author-first=Trond O. |date=3 August 2012 |languagetitle=noHistorisk |access-date=20sammendrag Augustvedrørende 2012riksgrensen Norge – Russland |archiveurl=http://www.statkart.no/filestore/Landdivisjonen_ny/Fagomrder/dGrenser/grensefiler/Grensenotat_0821012.pdf |url-datestatus=24 August 2012dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824045434/http://www.statkart.no/filestore/Landdivisjonen_ny/Fagomrder/dGrenser/grensefiler/Grensenotat_0821012.pdf |urlarchive-statusdate=dead24 August 2012 |access-date=20 August 2012 |publisher=[[Norwegian Mapping and Cadastre Authority]] |language=no}}</ref> No border line was drawn, creating a [[march (territory)|marchland]] where both countries held the right to taxation of the [[Sami people|Sami]].<ref name="j15">Johanson (1999): 15</ref> Religiously motivated Russian colonization of the jointly taxed areas started in the 16th century, and Russian-Orthodox chapels were built at [[Neiden, Finnmark|Neiden]], [[Pechenga (urban-type settlement), Murmansk Oblast|Pechenga]] and [[Borisoglebsky, Murmansk Oblast|Boris Gleb]]. This accelerated the need for a specific border line. In 1582 Russian Tsar [[Ivan the Terrible]] declared the [[Kola Bay]] part of Russia, later specifying that Russia claimed all of [[Sápmi (area)|Lapland]].<ref name="j15" /> He further proposed that a new border line be drawn up. [[Denmark–Norway]]'s King [[Frederick II of Denmark|Frederick II]] responded by renewing the Norwegian claim to all land to the White Sea. His successor [[Christian IV]] traveled along the Finnmark coast in 1599 to increase the weight of the claims. As part of the [[Treaty of Knäred]] in 1613, Sweden abandoned all claims in Finnmark.<ref name="statkart" />

The Dano-Norwegian government took the initiative to establish a border line in 1789. Russian authorities agreed, but because of the [[Russo-Turkish War (1787–1792)|Russo-Turkish War]] no work was undertaken. New Dano-Norwegian requests were raised in 1793, 1797, and 1809, without action from their Russian counterpart. Norway [[Union between Sweden and Norway|joined a union with Sweden]] in 1814 and two years later King [[Charles XIV John of Sweden|Carl John]] again tried to start negotiations, without success. In 1825, however, a common Norwegian and Russian commission was established to draw a border line, resulting in a report and a map which was approved by both countries' authorities. The treaty was signed in [[Saint Petersburg]] on 14 May 1826, and the following summer border poles were laid along the border. The [[thalweg]] principle was followed in the Jakobselva and Pasvikelva Rivers. Along the land borders the [[boundary marker]]s were laid at a distance of 6&nbsp;[[Alen (unit of length)|alen]] or 5&nbsp;[[Vershok|arshin]] ({{convert|3.765|m|abbr=on|disp=or}}).<ref name="statkart" /> The border remains Norway's youngest unchanged border and Russia's oldest.<ref name="rafaelsen">{{citeCite web |last=Rafaelsen |first=Rune |date=30 March 2011 |title=En Tragisk Episode – Boris Gleb 1965 |url=http://www.barents.no/en-tragisk-episode-boris-gleb-1965.4903775-41098.html |title=En Tragisk Episode – Boris Gleb 1965 |publisher=[[Norwegian Barents Secretariat]] |authorurl-laststatus=Rafaelsen |author-first=Rune |date=30 March 2011 |language=no |access-date=20 August 2012 |archive-date=16 December 2012live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121216043340/http://www.barents.no/en-tragisk-episode-boris-gleb-1965.4903775-41098.html |urlarchive-statusdate=live16 December 2012 |access-date=20 August 2012 |publisher=[[Norwegian Barents Secretariat]] |language=no}}</ref>

The border was reviewed in 1846; a [[cairn]] was constructed at [[Krokfjellet]], and the land border from the sea to [[Golmmešoaivi]] was cleared. The marker at the mouth of the Jakobselva was gone and had to be rebuilt, while several others had to be repaired. It was agreed that there would be a review every twenty-five years, which was formalized through a declaration the following year. Some markers were repaired in 1857, and new reviews were carried out in 1871 and 1896. In the latter year the width of the cleared area increased to {{convert|8|m|sp=us}}. Maps were created for the entire border line in 1:42,000 scale, and in 1:8400 scale for the area immediately surrounding each marker. A partial review was carried out between Neiden and the [[Tana River (Norway)|Tana River]] in 1912.<ref name="statkart" /> Up until the 1940s the border had been open, without border controls; farmers at [[Grense Jakobselv]], for instance, did not need to worry about whether or not their cattle were on the correct side of the border.<ref name="j17">Johanson (1999): 17</ref>

During the late 19th century customs checkpoints were established at [[Elvenes, Finnmark|Elvenes]] and Grense Jakobselv. Norwegian authorities gave permission for [[customs]]-free transit of wares along Pasvikelva.<ref>Sør-Varanger Historielag (2001): 226</ref> There was a limited amount of trans-border trade, and import for personal use under certain volumes was customs-free. This was accelerated by significantly lower prices in Russia compared to Norway.<ref>Sør-Varanger Historielag (2001): 227</ref> From 1902 to 1917 the border crossing was used to [[smuggle]] revolutionary Russian literature into Russia. The material was printed at [[Finnmarken (newspaper)|Finnmarken]]'s printing press in [[Vadsø (town)|Vadsø]] and smuggled over the border by boat.<ref>Sør-Varanger Historielag (2001): 221</ref> During [[World War I]] six soldiers were stationed at Nyborgmoen in [[Nesseby Municipality]] as "neutrality guards". This was gradually increased so that by 1918 there were 93 soldiers stationed in Sør-Varanger to guard the border.<ref>Sør-Varanger Historielag (2001): 225</ref>

Finland declared its independence from Russia following the October Revolution, which was followed up with the 1920 [[Treaty of Tartu (Russian–Finnish)|Treaty of Tartu]], which ceded Petsamo to Finland, thus giving Finland access to the Barents Sea. This resulted in Norway and the Soviet Union no longer having a common border. The planned 1921 review was not carried out. A treaty regarding the border was signed between Finland and Norway on 28 April 1924, replacing the 1826 treaty, but not changing the border line. A review was carried out in 1925. The border line at the mouth of the Jakobselva was revised on 12 September 1931, and new markers were placed in June 1939.<ref name="statkart" /> When Finland owned the Petsamo area there was a car ferry over the river between [[Svanvik]]–[[Salmiyarvi|Salmijärvi]] which was the main border crossing.

The [[Moscow Armistice]] of 1944 and the [[Paris Peace Treaties, 1947]] ceded Petsamo and other Finnish areas to the USSR.<ref name="statkart" /> During [[Operation Barbarossa]], the Axis invasion of the [[Soviet Union]] in [[World War II]], northern Norway served as the staging area for the [[Operation Silver Fox|German attack on Murmansk]]. The Soviet Union made an excursion over the border in 1944 in the [[Petsamo–Kirkenes Offensive]] which aimed to extinguish the [[occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany|German military forces in the area]]. Soviet forces took the town of [[Kirkenes]], which had been evacuated by the Germans who used [[scorched earth]] tactics, on 24 October 1944. Soviet troops continued west to [[Tana, Norway|TanaMunicipality]], but withdrew in September 1945.<ref>Glantz (1995): 229–231</ref>

The ceding of Petsamo from Finland to the Soviet Union had no effect on the border, as the Soviet Union by default inherits the old border line.<ref>Johanson (1999): 19</ref> A common commission was created to the review the border, with negotiations taking place from 1 to 16 August 1946. The field review took place between 1 July and 4 September 1947.<ref name="statkart" /> Norway initially proposed using cairns to mark the border, but the Soviet Union wanted to use the same method as along its other borders, with wooden markers, each {{convert|2|m|sp=us}} from the border line. There was to be a free line of sight from each pair of markers to the next. The idea initially met resistance from Norwegian authorities of cost reasons, but they soon agreed on the principle to reduce unintentional border crossings.<ref>Johanson (1999): 21</ref> Markers in soil were dug down {{convert|2|m|sp=us}} and markers on bedrock were fastened with four bolts. Border checkpoints were established at [[Skafferhullet]] and [[Boris Gleb]]. Geodesic measurements were undertaken to establish the border in accordance with the [[Bessel ellipsoid]]. The entire border area was mapped in 1:20,000.<ref name="statkart" />

The Soviet authorities made proposals to change the border. The first was an equal exchange of land at Skoltefoss, but this was rejected by the Norwegian authorities as the proposed ceding was valuable for [[hydroelectricity]]. At Grensefoss Norway owned land on both sides of the border, but there was no interest by the Norwegian authorities to change the border as they wanted it to remain the same as from 1826. The border along Klistervatn and Fossevatn was set based on the maps from 1896.<ref name="statkart" /> At the mouth of Jakobselva the maps from 1896 were of poor quality in combination with the [[thalweg]] having shifted since 1896. The thalweg line would create problems for the settlement at Grense Jakobselv, as they no longer would be able to use their harbor or have free access to the sea.<ref name="Johanson 22">Johanson (1999): 22</ref> The countries therefore agreed on a new line based on a Norwegian proposal, in exchange for the Soviet Union receiving three islets, including Kistholmen and Brennholmen, in the Pasvik River.<ref name="statkart" /> The marine border within the [[territorial waters]] was established by a protocol signed on 15 February 1957. It was marked with two lead markers and originally stretched {{convert|4|NM}}.<ref name="statkart" />

During the Soviet era the border was guarded by [[Soviet Border Troops|Soviet border troops]].<ref>{{citeCite web |title=Охрана границ Советского государства (1917–1991 гг.) |url=http://ps.fsb.ru/history/general/text.htm!id%3D10320628%40fsbArticle.html |title=Охрана границ Советского государства (1917–1991 гг.) |publisher=[[Border Guard Service of Russia]] |language=ru |accessurl-datestatus=21 August 2012 |archive-date=15 May 2012live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515065111/http://ps.fsb.ru/history/general/text.htm%21id%3D10320628%40fsbArticle.html |urlarchive-statusdate=live15 May 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 |publisher=[[Border Guard Service of Russia]] |language=ru}}</ref> The border was one of the two land borders between NATO and the Soviet Union, the other being the Soviet Union–Turkey border. This ensured that Russia–Norway border relations were a relevant matter for other NATO allies.<ref name="nyhamar">Nynamar (2004): 241–242</ref> During the [[Cold War]], the Soviet Union was considered Norway's main enemy and Norway maintained a large military presence on the border.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} Norwegian government plans for the defense of [[Finnmark]] against the Soviet Union during the Cold War were based on using [[scorched earth]] tactics in the event of the Soviets crossing the border.<ref>{{citeCite web |last=NRK |title=NRK.no - Finnmark |url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nrk_troms_og_finnmark/finnmark/4251874.html |title=NRK.no - Finnmark |author=NRK |access-date=27 April 2016}}</ref> The whole county of Finnmark was regarded by NATO as a [[buffer zone]].<ref name="nrk.no">{{citeCite web |last=NRK |title=NRK.no - Finnmark |url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nrk_troms_og_finnmark/finnmark/4255838.html |title=NRK.no - Finnmark |author=NRK |access-date=27 April 2016}}</ref> Norwegian military leaders regarded the population in the county as potentially unreliable, and did not trust that they would be willing to defend their country against intruders, on account of the county's special ethnic and political composition, specifically Sami people and a higher number of communist sympathizers than elsewhere.<ref>{{citeCite web |last=NRK |title=NRK.no - Finnmark |url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nrk_troms_og_finnmark/finnmark/4255122.html |title=NRK.no - Finnmark |author=NRK |access-date=27 April 2016}}</ref>

On the Norwegian side the border was from 1948 to 1950 patrolled by the [[National Mobile Police Service (Norway)|National Mobile Police Service]]. From 1950 the responsibility was transferred to Sør-Varanger Police District, who received 25 officers from around the country. From 15 July 1955 the responsibility was taken over by the Norwegian Border Commission, who had nine outpost sergeants and 42 officers. This was terminated on 29 December 1958, when the responsibility was transferred to the [[Norwegian Army]], who created the [[Garrison of [[Sør-Varanger]].<ref name="gsvhist">{{citeCite web |urldate=http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/jd/dok/regpubl/otprp/20002001/otprp-nr-31-21 December 2000-2001-/2/2.html?id=163437 |title=Ot.prp. nr. 31 (2000–2001): Om lov om endring i politiloven (begrenset politimyndighet til militære grensevakter på den norsk-russiske grense) |aturl=2http://www.regjeringen.2 Historikk |date=21 December 2000 |publisher=[[Ministry of Justice and the Police (Norway)|Ministry of Justice and the Police]] |language=no |access/nb/dep/jd/dok/regpubl/otprp/20002001/otprp-datenr-31-2000-2001-/2/2.html?id=17 August 2012163437 |archiveurl-datestatus=27 April 2018live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427184418/http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/jd/dok/regpubl/otprp/20002001/otprp-nr-31-2000-2001-/2/2.html?id=163437 |urlarchive-statusdate=live27 April 2018 |access-date=17 August 2012 |publisher=[[Ministry of Justice and the Police (Norway)|Ministry of Justice and the Police]] |at=2.2 Historikk |language=no}}</ref>

Initially all meetings between the Norwegian and Soviet commissioners and their staff was held at the Storskog–Boris Gleb crossing. The Soviets quickly bought a small cabin to host meetings. If the meeting was initiated by the Soviets, it was held in the premises, while it was held outdoors if initiated by the Norwegians, unless circumstances dictated that it had to be held indoors. This caused the Norwegian authorities to build a conference room on their side of the border, which opened in 1956.<ref>Johanson (1999): 42</ref> Initially meetings between the two commissioners would be called by hoisting a flag or red lamp at the border, and the other country's soldiers would alert the commissioner, who would meet within two hours. Later a telephone connection was installed and the parties agreed on two hours each week day that they were to be available along with an interpreter.<ref>Johanson (1999): 43</ref> Initially the Soviet commissioner was based in [[Salmijärvi]], but later moved to [[Nikel]].<ref name="j44">Johanson (1999): 44</ref>

There have been a limited number of illegal crossings of the border. For instance an American in 1947 and a West German in 1964 both received a few weeks in detention and smaller fines. During the summer of 1965 a trial was made whereby Norwegians could visit Boris Gleb without a [[visa (document)|visa]].<ref name="rafaelsen" /> This was organized by the creation of a separate border checkpoint at [[Skafferhullet]].<ref name="j24">Johanson (1999): 24</ref> Although this was intended only for the local population, the 27-year-old American tourist Newcomb Mott chose to cross the border illegally and when he arrived at the border control, he was apprehended. He was tried and sentenced to one and a half years in a labor camp, but was later found dead on a train. This, combined with "[[vodka]] traffic" the visa-free crossing created and concerns of recruitment of Soviet spies, made Norwegian authorities terminate the Skafferhullet crossing and the visa-free project later that year.<ref name="rafaelsen" />

A [[Borisoglebsky, Murmansk Oblast#1968 border provocation|Soviet border provocation on 7 June 1968]], together with the [[Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia|invasion of Czechoslovakia]] that year and a general increase in Soviet military activity on the Norwegian border, contributed to a large increase in the funding for the Norwegian military presence on the border.<ref name="nrk.no" /> Yet the Russia–Norway border is the only one of Russia's borders where an open war between the two bordering countries has not taken place.<ref>{{citeCite news |author-link=Øyvind Nordsletten |date=26 March 2007 |title=Utviklingen i forholdet Norge – Russland med særlig vekt på nordområdene |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/ud/dep/org/kontakt/ambassador-oyvind-nordsletten/taler/russland.html?id=463298 |title=Utviklingen i forholdet Norge – Russland med særlig vekt på nordområdene |authorurl-laststatus=Nordsletten |author-first=Øyvind |author-link=Øyvind Nordsletten |date=26 March 2007 |publisher=[[Government.no]] |language=no |access-date=21 August 2012 |archive-date=11 October 2012live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011054142/http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/ud/dep/org/kontakt/ambassador-oyvind-nordsletten/taler/russland.html?id=463298 |urlarchive-statusdate=live11 October 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 |publisher=[[Government.no]] |language=no |author-last=Nordsletten |author-first=Øyvind}}</ref> (there was a war between the Soviet Union and German controlled Norway which much affected this area)

Proposals for conservation of the Norwegian part of Pasvikdalen was first launched by [[Carl Schøyen]] in 1936. An area of {{convert|51|km2|sp=us}} was preserved in 1951 and [[Øvre Pasvik National Park]] was created in 1970, with a slightly smaller area.<ref>Ryvarden (2007): 69</ref> The park was expanded to {{convert|119|km2|sp=us}} in 2003.<ref>Ryvarden (2007): 45</ref> On 7 December 1971 the two countries signed a protocol regarding protection of the fisheries in Jakobselven and Pasvikelven.<ref name="j27">Johanson (1999): 27</ref> In the late 1970s Norway, inspired by Finland, considered replacing the wooden poles with [[fibreglass]] as this would make them more durable and reduce maintenance. Two poles were replaced in 1979 and remained at the turn of the millennium. However, the authorities concluded that wooden poles were more suitable and more durable in relation to human contact, as Norway, unlike Russia and Finland, allows people to travel up to the border.<ref name="j25">Johanson (1999): 25</ref> In 1989 there were 2,000 border crossings.<ref name="j50">Johanson (1999): 50</ref>

The [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]] in 1991 caused the Norway–Soviet Union border to become the Norway–Russia border. This resulted in a more liberal border crossing policy, which saw the number of crossings increase to 80,000 by 1992. For Norwegian authorities this meant that police and customs authorities would have to be regularly stationed at the border.<ref name="j50" /> A large amount of the initial traffic was from Russians who sold crafts and souvenirs at markets and fairs throughout Finnmark. From 1992 Norwegian authorities introduced limitations on the activity, resulting in a reduction in trans-border traffic. However, by 1998 the traffic had nearly hit 100,000.<ref>Johanson (1999): 51</ref>

From 1991 to 1999 (Poland joining NATO), Norway was the only NATO country to share a land border with Russia. This caused a decrease in allied interest in Norway's border issue, leaving Norway more to itself in managing the relationship.<ref name="nyhamar" /> Cooperation concerning conservation of nature started in 1990. It was initially a Norwegian proposal to protect the important bird area and lake of [[Fjærvann]], and resulted in a joint Norwegian and Russian [[Pasvik Nature Reserve]].<ref>Johanson (1999): 32</ref> The Russian part was formally established in 1992 and the Norwegian part the following year.<ref>Johanson (1999): 34</ref>

In 2003 a new border station was opened at Borisoglebsk, financed by the [[Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs]].<ref>Nilsen (2012): 44</ref> Norway and Russia signed a protocol on 11 July 2007 which established the border through the Varangerfjord out {{convert|73|km}} from land. In 2011 the two countries agreed to replace the wooden markers with poles made of composite materials. This was to reduce the need for maintenance, as the new markers are expected to have a life span up to fifty years, compared to five to ten years for wooden poles. This took place at the same time as a review of the border and creation of new maps along a {{convert|2|to|3|km}} wide corridor on both sides of the border line. New maps were completed in 2012.<ref name="statkart" />

Work started in 2011 on the Russian side and 2014 on the Norwegian side<ref>{{citeCite web |title=E105 Hesseng–Storskog |url=http://www.vegvesen.no/Europaveg/e105|title=E105 Hesseng–Storskog|work=Statens vegvesen|access-date=27 April 2016 |website=Statens vegvesen}}</ref> of the border to upgrade the [[European route E105|E105]] highway. It was completed in 2017 with a new tunnel and bridge on the Norway side of the border. The driving time between Kirkenes and Murmansk, the regional capital on the Russian side, is now about three hours unless there are delays at the border. The border station at Storskog was upgraded for increased capacity with completion in April 2012.<ref name="morecapacity">{{citeCite news |date=25 April 2012 |title=More capacity at Storskog border crossing point |url=http://barentsobserver.com/en/borders/more-capacity-storskog-border-crossing-point |title=More capacity at Storskog border crossing point |authorurl-laststatus=Pettersen |author-first=Trude |work=[[Barents Observer]] |date=25 April 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 |archive-date=29 August 2012live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829195732/http://www.barentsobserver.com/en/borders/more-capacity-storskog-border-crossing-point |urlarchive-statusdate=live29 August 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 |work=[[Barents Observer]] |author-last=Pettersen |author-first=Trude}}</ref> Residents of Sør-Varanger and parts of Pechengsky District can from 29 May 2012 visit the other country without a visa (but they need a permit, a kind of multi-travel visa), on the condition that they do not travel outside a zone {{convert|30|to|50|km}} from the border.<ref name="visafree">{{citeCite news |date=10 April 2012 |title=Visa-free travel for border inhabitants from May 29 |url=http://barentsobserver.com/en/borders/visa-free-travel-border-inhabitants-may-29 |title=Visaurl-free travel for border inhabitants from May 29 |author-laststatus=Pettersen |author-first=Trude |work=[[Barents Observer]] |date=10 April 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 |archive-date=28 June 2012live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628053633/http://barentsobserver.com/en/borders/visa-free-travel-border-inhabitants-may-29 |urlarchive-statusdate=live28 June 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 |work=[[Barents Observer]] |author-last=Pettersen |author-first=Trude}}</ref> On 29 April 2022, due to the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian invasion of Ukraine]], Norway closed its border to Russian freight.<ref>{{Cite news |last1last=Strøm |first1first=Stian |last2=Kalinina |first2=Kristina |last3=Kråkenes |first3=Christian |date=28 April 2022 |title=Skynder seg over Storskog med varer: Sier Norge stenger grensen fredag |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Hurries across Storskog with goods: Says Norway closes border on Friday |publisher=[[NRK]] |url=https://www.nrk.no/tromsogfinnmark/russiske-trailere-skynder-seg-over-storskog_-hevder-norge-stenger-grensen-fredag-1.15945640 |url-status=live |access-date=28 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428132256/https://www.nrk.no/tromsogfinnmark/russiske-trailere-skynder-seg-over-storskog_-hevder-norge-stenger-grensen-fredag-1.15945640 |archive-date=28 April 2022 |access-date=28 April 2022 |publisher=[[NRK]] |language=Norwegian}}</ref> However, Russian fishing vessels are exempt from the sanctions.<ref>[https://www.arctictoday.com/norway-closes-seaports-and-border-to-russian-traffic/ Norway closes seaports and border to Russian traffic]</ref>

Negotiations on the outside marine border were initiated in 1970. Norway claimed, in accordance with the [[United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea]] Article 15 and the [[Convention on the High Seas]], that the border should follow the [[equidistance principle]], the border being defined by midpoints between the nearest land area or islands, as is normal practice internationally. The Soviet Union claimed, based on a decision by [[Joseph Stalin]] from 1926, which was not recognized by any other country than the Soviet Union,<ref>{{citeCite web |last=NRK |date=April 2010 |title=Tror på gråsoneavklaring |url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/1.7064395 |titleaccess-date=Tror27 påApril gråsoneavklaring2016 |language=no |authorwebsite=NRK |work=NRK |datelanguage=April 2010 |access-date=27 April 2016no}}</ref> that a "[[sector principle]]" should apply, such that the border should follow [[Meridian (geography)|meridian line]]s. Most of the disputed area was within what would normally be considered Norwegian according to the relevant international treaties. In 1975 the two countries agreed upon a [[moratorium (law)|moratorium]] prohibiting exploration for oil and gas in the disputed area.

In 1978 a temporary agreement regulating [[fishery]] in a {{convert|60000|km2|abbr=on}} zone, named The Grey Zone in some documents from the same period, was signed, which has since been renewed annually.<ref name="dn-28april2010">{{citeCite news|title=Gjennombrudd i Barentshavet |date=28 April 2010 |title=Gjennombrudd i Barentshavet |work=Dagens Næringsliv |pages=6–13 |language=no}}</ref> From the Norwegian side, the agreement was negotiated by [[Labour Party (Norway)|Labour Party]] politician [[Jens Evensen]] and his protégé [[Arne Treholt]], who was later exposed as a Soviet spy and convicted of [[high treason]]. The agreement was highly controversial in Norway. Many Norwegians believed that Evensen and Treholt gave too many concessions to the Soviet Union, and that they were motivated by Soviet sympathies. The agreement caused consternation in parliament and government, and Evensen had difficulty receiving acceptance from [[Nordli's Cabinet|his own government]], where many held the opinion that he had exceeded his authority.<ref>{{citeCite web |last=Blindheim |first=Anne Marte |date=27 April 2010 |title=- Dette er mange fjær i hatten for Jens |url=http://www.dagbladet.no/2010/04/27/nyheter/innenriks/utenriks/russland/norge/11471787/ |title=access- Dette er mange fjær i hatten for Jens |languagedate=no27 |author-first=AnneApril Marte2016 |author-last=Blindheim |workwebsite=Dagbladet.no |access-datelanguage=27 April 2016no}}</ref> The opposition criticized him for having accepted less than Norway's rightful claim.<ref>Retzer (1999): 226</ref> Treholt, who was then serving a twenty-year sentence, admitted in 1990 that he had acted as an informer for the Soviet negotiators.<ref>Vale (2009): 35–36, 135</ref> The arrest and conviction of Treholt in 1984 and 1985 had a devastating effect on Evensen, who withdrew completely from public life in Norway.<ref>Retzer (1999): 326</ref> In 1989, Evensen compared Treholt to [[Vidkun Quisling]].<ref>{{citeCite news |author-firstdate=Alf16 BjarneSeptember |author-last=Johnsen1999 |title=Ødela tenner av Treholt-arrestasjonen |work=[[Verdens Gang]] |date=16 September 1999 |page=14 |language=no |author-first=Alf Bjarne |author-last=Johnsen}}</ref>

During a meeting in [[Oslo]] on 27 April 2010, [[President of Russia]] [[Dmitry Medvedev]] and [[Prime Minister of Norway]] [[Jens Stoltenberg]] announced that the territorial dispute in the Barents Sea was settled.<ref>{{citeCite web |urllast=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE63Q14D20100427?typeDyomkin |first=marketsNewsDenis |date=27 April 2010 |title=UPDATE 3-Russia and Norway strike Arctic sea border deal |author-firsturl=Denishttps://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE63Q14D20100427?type=marketsNews |authoraccess-lastdate=Dyomkin27 April 2010 |publisher=Reuters |author-first2=Gwladys |author-last2=Fouche}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |datelast=27 April 2010Gibbs |publisherfirst=ReutersWalter |access-date=27 April 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite|title=Russia newsand Norway Reach Accord on Barents Sea |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/28/world/europe/28norway.html |titleaccess-date=Russia27 andApril Norway Reach Accord on Barents Sea |first=Walter |last=Gibbs2010 |work=[[The New York Times]]|date=27 April 2010 |access-date=27 April 2010 }}</ref> The agreement is a compromise which divides a disputed area of around {{convert|175000|km2|sp=us}} into two approximately equally sized parts.<ref name=dn-28april2010/> The agreement was signed on 15 September 2010 in [[Murmansk]] by Medvedev and Stoltenberg.<ref name="medvedev_ratifies">[http://eng.kremlin.ru/news/2040 Law on ratification of treaty between Russia and Norway on maritime delimitation] Kremlin.ru</ref><ref>{{citeCite news |date=15 September 2011 |title=Russia and Norway sign maritime border agreement |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11316430 |title=Russia and Norway sign maritime border agreement |work=[[BBC News]] |date=15 September 2011}}</ref> The [[Parliament of Norway]] unanimously approved the treaty on 8 February 2011. The debate lasted only an hour, and all representatives of Norwegian political parties praised the agreement.<ref>{{citeCite news |date=8 February 2011 |title=Unanimously approved |url=http://barentsobserver.com/unanimously-approved.4882656-116321.html |title=Unanimously approved |work=[[Barents Observer]] |date=8 February 2011}}</ref> On 30 March, Russia's [[State Duma]] also voted in support of ratification, despite strong opposition from [[Communist Party of the Russian Federation|Communist Party]] representatives.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.rian.ru/russia/20110330/163282362.html |title=Russian upper house ratifies Norway border deal |publisher=RIA Novosti cn|date=30 March 20112023}}</ref> Medvedev signed a law ratifying the treaty on 8 April 2011. The law was titled ''Federal Law on Ratification of the Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Norway on Maritime Delimitation and Cooperation in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean''.<ref name="medvedev_ratifies" /> After ratification by both countries, there was a 30-day waiting period before it came into force.<ref name="treaty_text" /> The treaty entered force on 7 July 2011, ending the 44-year-old border dispute.<ref name="mt20110707">{{citeCite web |last=Amos |first=Howard |date=7 July 2011 |title=Arctic Treaty With Norway Opens Fields |url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/arctic-treaty-with-norway-opens-fields/440178.html |titleaccess-date=7 ArcticJuly Treaty With Norway Opens Fields2011 |first=Howard |last=Amos |workwebsite=[[The Moscow Times]] |date=7 July 2011 |access-date=7 July 2011 }}</ref>

The treaty stipulates conditions for fishing cooperation, providing for the retention of the mechanism to jointly regulate fishing in the Barents Sea. The treaty also defines the principles of cooperation in hydrocarbons deposits exploration. A deposit which is crossed by the maritime border may only be exploited as a whole subject to a bilateral agreement.<ref name="medvedev_ratifies" /><ref name="treaty_text">{{citeCite web |title=Treaty between the Kingdom of Norway and the Russian Federation concerning Maritime Delimitation and Cooperation in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/SMK/Vedlegg/2010/avtale_engelsk.pdf |access-date=8 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite web |title=Overenskomst mellom Kongeriket Norge og Den Russiske Føderasjon om maritim avgrensning og samarbeid i Barentshavet og Polhavet |language=no |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/UD/Vedlegg/Folkerett/avtale_norsk.pdf |access-date=8 July 2011 |language=no}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite web |script-title=ru:Договор между Российской Федерацией и Королевством Норвегия о разграничении морских пространств и сотрудничестве в Баренцевом море и Северном Ледовитом океане |language=ru |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/SMK/Vedlegg/2010/avtalen_russisk.pdf |access-date=8 July 2011 |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite web |title=Map |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/UD/kart/kart_100914_ny.gif |access-date=8 July 2011}}</ref> The border treaty is economically significant, as it makes possible to conduct geological surveys and hydrocarbons drilling in the formerly disputed area, which is estimated to contain up to 6.8&nbsp;billion tons of oil and gas.<ref name="mt20110707" /> The area is located west of [[Shtokman field|Shtokman]], one of the world's largest natural gas fields. According to [[Anatoly Zolotukhin]], vice president of [[World Petroleum Council]], it is "a very prolific area—maybe even more prolific than Shtokman".<ref name="mt20110707" /> The Norwegian company [[Petroleum Geo-Services]] has been contracted to begin surveying the Norwegian part of the area in 2011.<ref name="mt20110707" /> Seismic acquisition in Norway's new maritime zone started on 8 July 2011, and is scheduled to be completed in summer 2012.<ref>{{citeCite web |title=Seismic acquisition start-up in the Barents Sea East – 8 July |url=http://www.npd.no/en/news/News/2011/Seismic-acquisition-start-up-in-the-Barents-Sea-East--8 July/ |access-date=8 July 2011 |publisher=[[Norwegian Petroleum Directorate]] |access-date=8 July 2011}}</ref>

In 2015 an Arctic route through the [[Storskog]] [[border crossing]] was established by migrants to the [[European Union]]/EEA[[European Economic Area]]. The Arctic route involves fewer border crossings and avoids any dangerous sea crossings. Migrants began to cross the border riding bicycles, as pedestrians are not allowed in the Russian border area, and public transport operators and private car drivers are heavily penalised for transporting passengers who lack official documentation. Between August and October 2015 the number of migrants transiting through Storskog doubled every week.<ref>{{citeCite web |date=7 October 2015 |title=Taking the Arctic route: migrants cycle from Russia to Norway |url=http://www.euronews.com/2015/10/07/taking-the-arctic-route-migrants-cycle-from-russia-to-norway/ |title=Taking the Arctic route: migrants cycle from Russia to Norway |work=euronews |date=7 October 2015 |access-date=27 April 2016 |website=euronews}}</ref>

The loophole was closed in January 2016, when [[juxtaposed controls]] were introduced, and a border barrier was erected.<ref>{{citeCite web |title=Storskog: Nye "sykkelasylsøkere" på vei? |url=https://www.rights.no/2016/10/storskog-nye-sykkelasylsokere-pa-vei/ |title=Storskog: Nye "sykkelasylsøkere" på vei? |language=no}}</ref> An estimated 5,500<ref>{{citeCite news|author-first=Alec |author-lasttitle=LuhnNorway tells refugees who used cycling loophole to enter to return to Russia &#124; World news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/14/norway-tells-refugees-bikes-russia-bicycle-immigration-storskog |titleaccess-date=Norway4 tellsApril refugees who used cycling loophole to enter to return to Russia &#124; World news2017 |work=[[The Guardian]] |accessauthor-datefirst=4Alec April 2017|author-last=Luhn}}</ref> to 10,800<ref>{{citeCite web |date=31 October 2015 |title=Refugees Choose Russia's Arctic as a Backdoor to Europe |url=http://www.voanews.com/content/middle-eastern-refugees-choose-russia-arctic-to-europe/3030949.html |titleaccess-date=Refugees4 ChooseApril Russia's Arctic as a Backdoor to Europe2017 |publisher=Voanews.com |date=31 October 2015 |access-date=4 April 2017}}</ref> migrants, mostly from Syria, crossed the border riding bicycles.

Both countries have appointed a border commissioner to uphold the border treaty and its protocols. The [[Norwegian Border Commissioner]] is based in [[Kirkenes]] and is subordinate to the [[National Police Directorate]].<ref>{{citeCite web|url=https://www.politi.no/vedlegg/rapport/Vedlegg_858.pdf |titlelast=TheNational Police in NorwayDirectorate |author-link=National Police Directorate |year=2010 |pagetitle=18The |access-date=17Police Augustin 2012Norway |archiveurl=https://www.politi.no/vedlegg/rapport/Vedlegg_858.pdf |url-datestatus=13 September 2012dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913224759/https://www.politi.no/vedlegg/rapport/Vedlegg_858.pdf |urlarchive-statusdate=dead13 September 2012 |authoraccess-linkdate=National17 PoliceAugust Directorate2012 |page=18}}</ref> The Russian commissioner is based in [[Nikel]].<ref name="j44" /> Norwegian border patrolling is undertaken by the [[Garrison of Sør-Varanger]], which largely bases itself on use of [[conscripts]].<ref name="gsvhist" /> In Russia border patrolling is carried out by the [[Border Guard Service of Russia]] and the [[Federal Security Service (Russia)|Federal Security Service]].<ref name="yetanother">{{citeCite news |date=18 January 2012 |title=Russia sets up yet another border checkpoint |url=http://barentsobserver.com/en/articles/russia-sets-yet-another-border-checkpoint |title=Russia sets up yet another border checkpoint |authorurl-laststatus=Nilsen |author-first=Thomas |work=[[Barents Observer]] |date=18 January 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 |archive-date=21 May 2014live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521035707/http://barentsobserver.com/en/articles/russia-sets-yet-another-border-checkpoint |urlarchive-statusdate=live21 May 2014 |access-date=21 August 2012 |work=[[Barents Observer]] |author-last=Nilsen |author-first=Thomas}}</ref> The EEZs are patrolled by the [[Norwegian Coast Guard]] and the [[Russian FSB Coast Guard]], respectively.<ref name="police2009">{{citeCite web |date=22 September 2009 |title=Ny grenselov |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/jd/dok/nouer/2009/nou-2009-20/4.html?id=576884#note21 |title=Ny grenselov |work=Norges Offentlige Utredninger |at=3 Gjeldende ordninger |date=22 September 2009 |publisher=[[Ministry of Justice and the Police (Norway)|Ministry of Justice and the Police]] |language=no |accessurl-datestatus=22 August 2012 |archive-date=29 October 2011live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111029162357/http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/jd/dok/nouer/2009/nou-2009-20/4.html?id=576884 |urlarchive-statusdate=live29 October 2011 |access-date=22 August 2012 |website=Norges Offentlige Utredninger |publisher=[[Ministry of Justice and the Police (Norway)|Ministry of Justice and the Police]] |at=3 Gjeldende ordninger |language=no}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite news |last=Nilsen |first=Thomas |date=3 February 2010 |title=Coast guards will exchange electronic information |url=http://barentsobserver.com/en/sections/articles/coast-guards-will-exchange-electronic-information |title=Coast guards will exchange electronic information |last=Nilsen |first=Thomas |work=[[Barents Observer]] |date=3 February 2010 |accessurl-datestatus=21 August 2012 |archive-date=18 November 2015live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118193208/http://barentsobserver.com/en/sections/articles/coast-guards-will-exchange-electronic-information |urlarchive-statusdate=live18 November 2015 |access-date=21 August 2012 |work=[[Barents Observer]]}}</ref>

The border is marked with 415 border markers, consisting of 387 pairs of poles, 25 cairns, two lead markers and one stake. [[Treriksrøysa|The three-country cairn]] is unnumbered, while the remaining markers are numbered from 1 through 415 starting at the Finnish border. Each of the pairs of poles are both located {{convert|2|m|sp=us}} from the border, unless the border runs through water. The Norwegian markers are yellow with a {{convert|18|cm|sp=us}} tall black top—this was chosen because it would be most visible in all types of weather and lighting. The Russian markers have a pattern of alternating red and green, each {{convert|18|cm|sp=us}} tall. The red was chosen to symbolize the [[Flag of the Soviet Union]], while the green symbolized the color of the border guards' uniforms. Both poles have the respective country's [[coat of arms]] on the side facing the border.<ref name="Johanson 22" /> While originally made of wood, the border markers are now made of composite materials.<ref name="statkart" />

Each country has the responsibility for maintenance of its boundary markers and keeping the clear-cut zone. Most of the maintenance is undertaken during the summer.<ref name="j24" /> In August each year there is a common inspection of the entire border. The practical responsibility alternates between the two countries each year. It is carried out by three groups, each which cover a third of the border. Each group consists of two Norwegians and two Russians and the inspection takes two to three days. Afterwards there is a common debriefing.<ref name="j25" />

On the Norwegian side there are no physical hindrances on the border and it is permitted to move all the way to the border itself, except for Storskog, Skafferhullet, and some hydro power stations, where there are fences where roads reach the border. On the Russian side there is a fence located anywhere between {{convert|0|and|5|km|sp=us|0}} from the border. Although not electrified, it has sensors which will notify the border controllers if touched.<ref name="j24" /> The fence stretches the entire distance between the Barents Sea and the [[Gulf of Finland]] and was built during the Cold War to keep in the population of the Soviet Union. It remains the only barbed-wire fence along a Russian border in Europe.<ref>{{citeCite news |last=Nilsen |first=Thomas |date=9 November 2009 |title=Tear this barbed wire fence down |url=http://barentsobserver.com/en/sections/opinion/tear-barbed-wire-fence-down |title=Tear this barbed wire fence down |last=Nilsen |first=Thomas |work=[[Barents Observer]] |date=9 November 2009 |accessurl-datestatus=21 August 2012 |archive-date=30 July 2014live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730023940/http://barentsobserver.com/en/sections/opinion/tear-barbed-wire-fence-down |urlarchive-statusdate=live30 July 2014 |access-date=21 August 2012 |work=[[Barents Observer]]}}</ref> Within lies the [[Border Security Zone of Russia|Border Security Zone]] which civilians are not permitted access to.<ref name="j24" /> Photography from one country into the other is only permitted if the pictures do not include military personnel and installations, that [[tripod]]s are not used and not using longer than 200&nbsp;mm [[camera lens|lenses]].<ref name="j37">Johanson (1999): 37</ref>

Norwegian border police issued an announcement in 2016 that it is forbidden to cross the border on land, water and in air, including at border markers (except with permission or at the border station), or to have contact with people across the border or throw things over the border.<ref name="politi">{{citeCite web |title=Politi.no - Framferd og ferdsel i grenseområdet |url=https://www.politi.no/grensekommissariatet/ferdsel/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026091920/https://www.politi.no/grensekommissariatet/ferdsel/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 October 2011 |title=Politi.no - Framferd og ferdsel i grenseområdet|access-date=21 August 2016}}</ref> This is already written in the law.

There is one legal border crossing point, with stations on both sides, at [[Storskog]] in Norway and [[Borisoglebsky, Murmansk Oblast|Borisoglebsky]] in Russia, located on the [[European route E105|E105]] highway some 15&nbsp;km east of Kirkenes.<ref>{{citeCite web |title=Russia |url=http://www.kirkenesinfo.no/hXGXzngRjSXV.9.idium |title=Russia |publisher=Sørurl-Varanger Reiselivsforum |access-datestatus=22 August 2012 |archive-date=25 October 2014live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025215745/http://www.kirkenesinfo.no/hXGXzngRjSXV.9.idium |urlarchive-statusdate=live25 October 2014 |access-date=22 August 2012 |publisher=Sør-Varanger Reiselivsforum}}</ref> Crossing time at both stations is unpredictable and depends on the amount of traffic.<ref name="yetanother" /> Immigration control at Storskog is carried out by [[Eastern Finnmark Police District]],<ref name="police">{{citeCite web |date=24 June 2005 |title=Politiets rolle og oppgaver |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/jd/dok/regpubl/stmeld/20042005/stmeld-nr-42-2004-2005-/4.html?id=199272 |title=Politiets rolle og oppgaver |at=4 Politiets organisering, oppgaver og oppgaveløsning |date=24 June 2005 |publisher=[[Ministry of Justice and the Police (Norway)|Ministry of Justice and the Police]] |language=no |accessurl-datestatus=17 August 2012 |archive-date=17 December 2012live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217080938/http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/jd/dok/regpubl/stmeld/20042005/stmeld-nr-42-2004-2005-/4.html?id=199272 |urlarchive-statusdate=live17 December 2012 |access-date=17 August 2012 |publisher=[[Ministry of Justice and the Police (Norway)|Ministry of Justice and the Police]] |at=4 Politiets organisering, oppgaver og oppgaveløsning |language=no}}</ref> while customs are carried out by the [[Norwegian Customs and Excise Authorities]].<ref name="toll">{{citeCite web |year=2012 |title=Annual Report 2011 |url=http://toll.no/upload/planer_rapporter/Annual_Report_2011_Norwegian_Customs.pdf |title=Annual Report 2011 |publisher=[[Norwegian Customs and Excise Authorities]] |page=11 |year=2012 |accessurl-datestatus=21 August 2012 |archive-date=30 July 2014live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730023940/http://barentsobserver.com/en/sections/opinion/tear-barbed-wire-fence-down |urlarchive-statusdate=live30 July 2014 |access-date=21 August 2012 |publisher=[[Norwegian Customs and Excise Authorities]] |page=11}}</ref> The Norwegian Border Commissioner also has representatives at the checkpoint.<ref>Johanson (1999): 41</ref> It is the only one of Norway's land border crossings which does not border the [[Schengen Area]] and thus the only one manned by the police.<ref name="police" />

The [[Border Guard Service of Russia]] operates the border crossing at Borisoglebsky. It consists of a customs area and a border control area, both with independent checks. Once past Borisoglebsky travelers enter the Border Security Zone, a twenty-minute transit-only area. The road is located outside the barbed-wire fence which stretches along Russia's entire Norway and Finland border. Upon reaching the end of the transit zone there is another checkpoint at which there is performed a check of passports. Previously there was also another checkpoint located at [[Titovka, Murmansk Oblast|Titovka]], between Nikel and Murmansk. There are more border checkpoints today than during the Cold War.<ref name="yetanother" />

Since 29 September 2017, a new bridge has been opened passing the Pasvik river, with the Storskog-Borisoglebsk customs stations still handling the travels between the two countries.<ref>{{citeCite news |date=29 September 2017 |title=As new road bridges neighboring Norway and Russia, eyes turn towards missing link on border |url=https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/2017/09/new-roads-bridge-neighboring-norway-and-russia-eyes-turn-towards-missing-link-border|title=As new road bridges neighboring Norway and Russia, eyes turn towards missing link on border|date=29 September 2017}}</ref>

There is a special (almost) visa-free arrangement for a designated area of between {{convert|30|and|50|km}} surrounding the border, based on a clause in the [[Schengen Area#Local border traffic at external borders|Schengen Agreement]]. It is only available for residents of the zone for the past three years and requires that a special ID-card be acquired from the consulate of the country to visit (a kind of multiple-journey visa). Stay is limited to 15 days.<ref>Nilsen (2012): 34</ref> Towns within the area include [[Kirkenes]] in Norway and [[Nikel]], [[Pechenga (urban-type settlement), Murmansk Oblast|Pechenga]] and [[Zapolyarny, Murmansk Oblast|Zapolyarny]] in Russia.<ref>Nilsen (2012): 35</ref> 9,000 Norwegians and 45,000 Russians are eligible for this arrangement.<ref name="visafree" /> After a similar agreement on border between [[Poland]] and [[Kaliningrad Oblast]]<ref>{{citeCite news |date=8 October 2013 |title=Poland and Kaliningrad |url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2013/10/poland-and-kaliningrad|title=Poland and Kaliningrad|date=8 October 2013|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=27 April 2016 |work=The Economist}}</ref> it is the second time such a visa-free border agreement has been made between Russia and part of the [[Schengen Area]].<ref>{{citeCite news|url=http://barentsobserver.com/en/borders/fsb-prepares-visa-freedom |title=FSB prepares for visa freedom |last=Nilsen |first=Thomas |work=[[Barents Observer]] |date=25 January 2012 |access-datetitle=21FSB Augustprepares 2012for visa freedom |archive-dateurl=14http://barentsobserver.com/en/borders/fsb-prepares-visa-freedom May 2012|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514143426/http://barentsobserver.com/en/borders/fsb-prepares-visa-freedom |urlarchive-statusdate=live14 May 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 |work=[[Barents Observer]]}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite web |last=Staalesen |first=Atle |date=29 June 2012 |title=More Russians get visa-free travelling |url=http://www.barentsobserver.com/en/borders/more-russians-get-visa-free-travelling-29-06 |titleaccess-date=More12 RussiansOctober get visa-free travelling2013 |publisher=Barentsobserver.com |date=29 June 2012 |access-date=12 October 2013}}</ref> The distance 30&nbsp;km is calculated as straight distances on the map, so local Norwegians can visit [[Zapolyarny, Murmansk Oblast|Zapolyarny]] which is the largest city in the border area, located 11&nbsp;km (7&nbsp;mi) from the border, but 50&nbsp;km (31&nbsp;mi) from the border station by road.

There are more roads which cross the border and connect to the road network of both countries. They are not open to public. These are the two [[Paatsjoki River Hydroelectric Plants|Paatsjoki river hydroelectric plants]]: Hevoskoski and [[Skogfoss hydroelectric station|Skogfoss]]. Also the historic border crossing at [[Skafferhullet]] has such a road, and there is one over the upper part of [[Jakobselva (VadsøSør-Varanger)|Jakobselva river]].

As Norway grants the right to travel right up to the border, it is also permitted for residents of Norway to operate boats in the two border rivers and fish. All boats must be registered with the Norwegian Border Commission and registration plates must be mounted on both sides of the vessel. Boating is only permitted in daylight. Fishing and boating is only permitted on the Norwegian side of the river; however in the narrow passages of [[Paatsjoki|Pasvikelva]] it is permitted to travel through on the Russian side on the condition that the boat does not stop, except in emergencies. Parts of Pasvikelva is marked with yellow buoys along the border line during summer.<ref name="j27" />

There are suggestions about a new larger border checkpoint to be built on the Norwegian side, as the current station has insufficient capacity to handle increased traffic, and the ground is not sufficiently stable to allow an expansion at the current site. Individual Norwegian police executives have called for a common border checkpoint located directly on the border line. This would allow for a more cost-effective and less time-consuming operation. However, Norwegian and Russian legislation, as well as the [[Schengen Agreement]], prohibit such an operation. The [[Parliament of Norway]]'s [[Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence]] has taken initiative to introduce a 24-hour-a-day opening time at the crossing; this has been rejected by the local police district, who stated that nearly all trans-border traffic is persons and that there is hardly any demand for a night service.<ref name="morecapacity" /> Estimates show that border traffic may increase to 400,000 crossings by the mid- to late 2010s.<ref>{{citeCite news |last=Nilsen |first=Thomas |date=5 March 2012 |title=One border–joint Norwegian-Russian checkpoint at Storskog-Boris Gleb |url=http://barentsobserver.com/en/articles/one-border-joint-norwegian-russian-checkpoint-storskog-boris-gleb |title=One border–joint Norwegianurl-Russian checkpoint at Storskog-Boris Gleb |laststatus=Nilsen |first=Thomas |work=[[Barents Observer]] |date=5 March 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 |archive-date=22 September 2012live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922031522/http://barentsobserver.com/en/articles/one-border-joint-norwegian-russian-checkpoint-storskog-boris-gleb |urlarchive-statusdate=live22 September 2012 |access-date=21 August 2012 |work=[[Barents Observer]]}}</ref> The demand for a larger station remains as of 2017.<ref>[http://www.highnorthnews.com/situasjonen-pa-storskog-er-uforsvarlig/ Situasjonen på Storskog er uforsvarlig]</ref>

Since 1992, there have been proposals to connect the [[rail transport in Russia|Russian railway network]] to Norway. Specifically this involves extending Norway's [[Kirkenes–Bjørnevatn Line]] to either [[Nikel]] or [[Zapolyarny, Murmansk Oblast|Zapolyarny]], Russia, where it would connect to the [[Murmansk–Nikel Railway|Murmansk–Nikel Line]]. About {{convert|40|km}} of railway is missing to connect the two lines. The proposal calls to develop Kirkenes as a port for export of Russian products, as Murmansk Port is less suited and under-dimensioned. Major transshipment products include metals from Norilsk Nickel, steel from [[Arkhangelsk]] and crude oil. The Murmansk–Nikel Line was built in 1936, is {{convert|206|km}} long, is not electrified and is operated by the [[Russian Railways]]. As it is [[Russian gauge]], the [[standard gauge]] Kirkenes–Bjørnevatn Line would be presumably undergo [[gauge conversion]] or receive [[dual gauge]]. A new railway would be able to transport 5&nbsp;million tonnes of cargo per year.<ref>{{citeCite web |year=2003 |title=Kirkenes RailPort May 2003 |url=http://www.wpk.no/Rapport.pdf |title=Kirkenes RailPort May 2003 |publisher=World Port Kirkenes |year=2003 |pages=27–33 |accessurl-datestatus=20 February 2012 |archive-date=7 February 2012dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207012442/http://www.wpk.no/Rapport.pdf |urlarchive-statusdate=dead7 February 2012 |access-date=20 February 2012 |publisher=World Port Kirkenes |pages=27–33}}</ref>

In 2003, the cost of the necessary {{convert|40|km}} of new railway was estimated at 1.4&nbsp;billion [[Norwegian krone]] (NOK), while the cost of upgrading the existing Russian line was NOK&nbsp;400&nbsp;million.<ref>{{citeCite news |urldate=http://www.finnmarken.no/Innenriks/article749803.ece17 September 2003 |title=Både norsk og russisk næringsliv ønsker seg en jernbane mellom Nikel og Kirkenes, et prosjekt som kan beløpe seg til 1,4 milliarder kroner. |date=17 September 2003 |work=[[Finnmarken]] |languageurl=http://www.finnmarken.no/Innenriks/article749803.ece |accessurl-datestatus=20 February 2012 |archive-date=17 December 2005live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051217022534/http://www.finnmarken.no/Innenriks/article749803.ece |urlarchive-statusdate=live17 December 2005 |access-date=20 February 2012 |work=[[Finnmarken]] |language=no}}</ref> In 2007, [[Murmansk Oblast]]'s governor, [[Yury Yevdokimov]], rejected the plans for a connection to Russia, stating that his opinion was supported by President [[Vladimir Putin]]. Because Kirkenes is a better suited port than Murmansk, local authorities in Murmansk do not want to lose [[transshipment]] business to Norway.<ref>{{citeCite news|url=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/troms_og_finnmark/1.1783591 |title="Njet" til jernbane til Kirkenes |work=[[Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation]] |last=Hamran |first=Trine |language=no |date=7 February 2007 |access-datetitle=20"Njet" Februarytil 2012jernbane til Kirkenes |archiveurl=http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/troms_og_finnmark/1.1783591 |url-datestatus=20 February 2007live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220004232/http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/troms_og_finnmark/1.1783591 |urlarchive-statusdate=live20 February 2007 |access-date=20 February 2012 |work=[[Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation]] |language=no}}</ref> However, with the increased realism of a line to [[Rovaniemi]], which would serve as an alternative route to Kirkenes from Russia, Russian authorities have since 2010 again supported a railway line between Kirkenes and Russia.<ref>{{citeCite news |urldate=http://barentsnova.com/node/147920 September 2011 |title=Murmansk port faces foreign competitors |workurl=Barentsnovahttp://barentsnova.com/node/1479 |date=20 September 2011 |accessurl-datestatus=20 February 2012 |archive-date=9 October 2011dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009073619/http://www.barentsnova.com/node/1479 |urlarchive-statusdate=dead9 October 2011 |access-date=20 February 2012 |work=Barentsnova}}</ref><ref>{{citeCite news |date=20 September 2011 |title=Обходят с севера |url=http://www.rg.ru/2011/09/20/norvegiya.html |title=Обходят с севера |work=[[Rossiyskaya Gazeta]] |date=20 September 2011 |accessurl-datestatus=20 February 2012 |archive-date=9 October 2011live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009073619/http://www.barentsnova.com/node/1479 |urlarchive-statusdate=live9 October 2011 |access-date=20 February 2012 |work=[[Rossiyskaya Gazeta]]}}</ref>

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