Norway suspends agreement on simplified visa regime with russia

Norway's immigration office has announced the suspension of the agreement on a simplified visa regime with the russian federation, which duplicates the EU Council's decision of September 9.

The Barents Observer reported this.

"The agreement on simplifying the visa regime between Norway and russia has been temporarily suspended from September 22, 2022," the Norwegian Migration Agency said in a statement.

Norway, which is not a member of the EU but is part of the Schengen area, shares a 198-kilometer land border with russia, and residents of the Kola Peninsula often cross the border when shopping in Norwegian stores.

In 2007, a special agreement was signed to facilitate the travel of citizens of the two countries.

This agreement was welcomed by residents of russia's northern regions, where many took advantage of the opportunity to apply for a multiple-entry visa to Norway valid for up to five years.

After the suspension of the simplified visa regime between Norway and russia, the visa fee will increase from €35 to €80 for all applicants.

The term for consideration of visa applications will be increased from 10 to 15 days and sometimes up to 45 days.

Applicants must also submit more documents to the consulate or visa centers.

All other Schengen countries with direct land borders with russia have already made it difficult for russians to obtain Schengen visas.

This list includes Finland, the Baltic States, and Poland.