Kirkenes Practical information

Health & safety

Dangers & annoyances

Don’t even think about stepping across the Russian border for a photo. Nowadays, in addition to vestiges of old Cold War neuroses on both sides, Norway, as a Schengen Agreement country, is vigilant in keeping illegal immigrants from entering. Both Norwegian and Russian sentries are equipped with surveillance equipment and the fine for any illegal crossings, even momentary ones, starts at a whopping Nkr5000. Greeting people on the other side, tossing anything across, using telephoto or zoom lenses or even a tripod all qualify as violations. As the guidance document sternly warns: ‘any attempts at violations will be punished as if they had been carried out’.