Bilateral visa agreement with Russia enters into force

An agreement between Norway and Russia on visa facilitation enters into force on 1 December 2008.

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

“I am pleased that this agreement is now finally coming into force. This is very significant for those who live in the area and cross the border frequently,” Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre commented.

Under the agreement, the procedures for issuing visas have been simplified.  For a number of categories of persons, fees for processing visa applications will be completely waived, while the remaining applicants will be charged a significantly reduced fee in comparison to the ordinary 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 less than 90 days.

“This is an important step on the way to simpler border crossing procedures between Norway and Russia. We are continuing to work on making further improvements, in line with the goals we have set,” Mr Støre said.

The agreement corresponds to an equivalent agreement that has been entered into between Russia and the EU, which formally entered into force on 1 June 2007.  This means that it contributes to establishing common practice between the Schengen countries.