Untitled Document
AGENTS REMARKS:
Over the recent years we have seen that seamen onboard vessels calling at Norwegian ports are of many different
nationalities. However, seamen from the Philippines, the Baltics, Russia and India seem to be in the majority.
SCHENGEN COUNTRIES:
As part of the Schengen Agreement, there are no passport controls when travelling between countries which have signed the agreement. Citizens of these countries may therefore enter Norway freely, without having to apply for a visa. The same
applies to foreign nationals who have a residence permit for one of the Schengen countries. The 25 member states are Austria,
Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
It should be noted that European countries such as Ireland, Russia, Turkey and the United Kingdom are not parties to the
agreement.
Example of permitted passages as per regulations in accordance with below links:
Philippine Seafarers:
Please note that the agreement between the Philippines and Norway is a bilateral agreement and not a multilateral one. This
means that the agreement does not include entry into any other country within the Schengen area.
In practical terms this means that a Philippine seaman travelling from an area outside Europe to take up an engagement on a
ship in a Norwegian port, should enter Norway through one of the non-member countries of the Schengen agreement.
As neither the U.K. nor Switzerland has joined the Schengen co-operation agreement, the most convenient solution would be to
enter Europe through either London or Zurich, and then proceed directly onwards to a Norwegian airport.
Indian Seafarers:
India has adopted the ILO Convention No. 108 and this country is now on the list of countries with which Norway has an
agreement on visa-free entry. Hence Indian citizens is no longer in need of a Schengen visa as long as they arrive to Norway
through London (U.K.).
If arriving through France and Holland, countries that has not adopted the ILO Convention 108, must present a Schengen
Visa. In the Netherlands however, joining seafarers (only) can apply through a local Dutch agent.
Polish Seafarers:
Poland is now a member of EU and Schengen.
Russian Seafarers:
Can travel directly to Oslo without a Schengen visa.
Latvian Seafarers:
Latvia is now a member of EU and Schengen.
Romanian Seafarers:
EU member State. Citizens can visit or transit through Schengen (except France and the Netherlands) without visa providing
that seaman book has been issued by a country that has adopted to the ILO 108.
Bulgarian Seafarers:
EU member State. Citizens can visit or transit through Schengen (except France and the Netherlands) without visa providing
that seaman book has been issued by a country that has adopted to the ILO 108.
Turkish Seafarers:
Turkish citizens can not enter Norway without a visa.
Croatian Seafarers:
Do not need visa to Norway. Citizens can possibly transit through Schengen (except France and the Netherlands) providing that
a
visa waiver agreement exists between Croatia and the country of transit.
Ukrainian Seafarers:
Can travel directly from Ukraine to Norway, via Moscow or London UK without a Schengen visa.
Chinese Seafarers:
Chinese Seafarers must be in possession of a valid visa to enter Norway. This also applies to off-signers in Norwegian
ports. Citizens holding Hong Kong- or Macao passports are exempted from visa application.
Warning: being exempted from Visa application doesn't allow visitors to work or to stay longer than 90 days in a
period of 180 days in Schengen countries.
http://www.udi.no/templates/Tema.aspx?id=4477
http://www.schengenspace.com/visa_exemptions
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Reports/Pilot/VTS/ISPS
