Norway to temporarily restore border controls for King Harald V's funeral

Norway will temporarily reintroduce controls at its internal Schengen borders from Sept. 4 to 14 as part of security arrangements for the funeral of King Harald V, the Norwegian Police Directorate said Thursday, reported Xinhua.

The Ministry of Justice and Public Security ordered the measure following a recommendation from the Norwegian Police Directorate. The controls are intended to prevent individuals or groups seeking to disrupt the funeral from entering Norway, according to the directorate.

The funeral, scheduled for Sept. 9, is expected to draw numerous international dignitaries requiring close protection, many of whom will arrive through Oslo Airport.

Police said the controls will facilitate more systematic information gathering and targeted checks. Ordinary travel is expected to be affected only marginally, with minimal delays.

Harald V died at an Oslo hospital on Aug. 28 at the age of 89. He was succeeded by his 53-year-old son, King Haakon VIII.