Bilateral agreements with Ukraine on the issuance of visas and the readmission of persons

Agreements were signed between Norway and Ukraine in Oslo on 13 February 2008, regarding the facilitation of the issuance of visas and the readmission of persons.

The agreements will simplify travel and contact between Norway and Ukraine, while also being intended to combat illegal immigration.

The visa agreement means that procedures for issuing visas will be simplified. 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 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 up to 90 days.

The agreement on the readmission of persons will simplify procedures to return persons who do not, or no longer, fulfil the conditions to stay in Norway, while ensuring that this takes place in an orderly and dignified way.

The agreements are in accordance with equivalent agreements entered into between Ukraine and the EU, which formally enter into force on 1 March 2008. This means that the agreements contribute to establishing common practice between the Schengen Member States. The bilateral agreements between Norway and Ukraine must be ratified by Ukraine before they can enter into force.