Ukraine agrees with Norway on "visa-free" cargo transportation

MOSCOW. Aug 31 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development and the Norwegian Transport Ministry have signed a "visa-free" transportation protocol to allow cargo transportation without permits.

"Previously, Ukrainian carriers, regardless of the environmental class of vehicles, could travel to Norway only with a permit. Now trucks that qualify for the Euro-5 standard and above are cleared to travel without a permit," Ukrainian media quoted a statement by Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development Sergei Derkach published on the government website.

The simplified rules will take effect for bilateral and transit transportation from September 1. The statement said that cargo transportation would be facilitated at least until June 30, 2024.

As for vehicles with a lower environmental class, the ministry said that the sides had agreed on permits for next year. "Ukrainian carriers can receive 250 universal permits and another 50 for transit to and from third countries," the statement said.

The European Union allowed "visa-free" transportation by Ukrainian carriers last year. Ukraine reached a similar agreement with North Macedonia in June 2023.