OSLO, Norway — In response to heightened security concerns, Norway has decided to implement temporary border checks with its neighboring Western European countries. This development follows an announcement made by the country’s security agency, which raised the terror threat level on Saturday.

The police have confirmed that these measures will remain in effect until October 22. The decision comes in light of what officials describe as “a challenging threat picture,” particularly following the alert issued by the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) on October 8, when it revised the terror threat level from “moderate” to “high.” This rating is the second most severe on a five-level scale and signals a noticeable increase in the risk posed to Jewish and Israeli targets specifically.

Although Norway is not part of the European Union, it is included in the Schengen area, which allows for passport-free travel among its member states. It shares land borders with Sweden and Finland, both of which are part of the EU and Schengen agreement.

Authorities have indicated that the border controls will not involve every traveler being stopped for checks, and they do not anticipate significant delays at border crossings during this period.