Bilateral agreement with Macedonia

A visa facilitation agreement between Norway and Macedonia was signed in Skopje on 22 July 2008.

The agreement will simplify travel and contact between Norway and Macedonia, and is also intended to combat illegal immigration.

The procedures for issuing visas have been simplified under the agreement. Fees for processing visa applications will be completely waived for a number of categories of persons, while the remaining applicants will be charged a significantly reduced fee in comparison to the Schengen Visa. In addition, it will be possible to issue multiple-entry visas with a term of validity of up to five years to various categories of persons, according to the conditions specified. Holders of diplomatic passports are not required to have visas for stays of up to 90 days.

The agreement is in accordance with an equivalent agreement that has been entered into between Macedonia and the EU, which formally entered into force on 1 January 2008. It is thus contributing to the development of common practices in the Schengen countries. The agreement between Norway and Macedonia must be ratified by Macedonia before it can enter into force.