 Norway : Formalities
Norway requires yachts to report in but rules are more relaxed if coming from another Nordic country.
Yachts from Nordic countries do not need to make a customs declaration provided they are not carrying an excess of dutiable stores and equipment and do not remain in Norwegian waters more than six months.
Yachts from other countries should report immediately on arrival at a port of entry. Customs clearance is not strictly necessary if one has nothing to declare, but is advisable. The penalties for excess alcohol or tobacco are severe.
The captain should report to customs and show the ship's documents and passports. Customs must be cleared at a quay in the main harbour before moving to a berth for yachts. Immigration must be contacted on arrival and both immigration and customs must be cleared on departure.
Last updated January 2009.
Although Norway is not a member of the EU, it is a member of the Schengen Agreement Area. See Noonsite' Schengen page for more details on the immigration rules.
last updated October 2008.
On arrival the only formality is to notify Customs at the first port of entry.
Firearms must be declared. All firearms must have a licence from the country of origin. Firearms must be re-exported within three months, if not an application for a permit must be made.
Customs rules specify that only up to 22 lb (10 kg) of agricultural products are allowed to be imported, of which 6.6 lb (3 kg) may be meat and processed meat products from other Nordic countries. Tinned meat from all countries is allowed but fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products are restricted as are eggs and potatoes. It is unlikely that these rules will be enforced in the case of a yacht where the products are not take ashore.
There are strict restrictions on the import of alcohol and a heavy tax is imposed for excess amounts. A deposit must be paid on excess amounts and the items placed under seal until leaving Norwegian waters. This deposit will be refunded on proof from foreign customs that the yacht has arrived in the next country.
Yachts may remain for up to one year, after which Value Added Tax must be paid. The rate of VAT is currently 25%. If wishing to lay up the boat, permission from customs must be obtained first and it may be necessary to have a bond from a bank. The vessel may only be used by the person to whom clearance is given and cannot be used for commercial purposes. For non-resident owners who remain more than five months in Norway, the yacht is permitted to stay for six months.
Last updated January 2009.
All tap water in Norway is safe to drink.
At least one member of the crew must have a Radio Operator's licence if the boat has a radio.
From 2010 Norway will be introducing a requirement for leisure craft skippers to have a Certificate of Competence. This may lead to the Authorities expecting foreign skippers to be able to produce one also.
Overtime is charged on customs clearance at weekends.
Sailing close to military areas is prohibited, such areas being marked on charts and usually indicated by signposts on the shore.
Numerous fish farms are found along the coast, and boats are required to keep a safe distance.
There are various conservation areas for sea birds along the coasts, access to which is prohibited between 15 April and 15 July, including the surrounding sea for 164 ft (50 m).
The shoreline in anchorages is normally privately owned and one should ask the owner's permission first before landing. By the same token, Norway has strict laws protecting public access, and unless you are within 150m of a home or on cultivated land, anchoring and even camping is permitted.
No fires may be lit on shore from 15 April to 15 September.
No garbage may be thrown overboard and toilets may be pumped out only well away from harbours and sailing lanes.
A warning is issued to boats cruising the fjords to pay careful attention to the height restrictions caused by overhead cables and bridges.
Fishing
Anyone over 16 years old fishing for salmon, sea trout, sea char or freshwater fish in waters on common land must pay an annual fee at any post office. A local fishing licence is also compulsory and this can be obtained from sports shops, kiosks and tourist offices. The licence only covers a certain area, and can be bought for a day, week, month or whole season. Restrictions are normally stated on the licence. Live bait is forbidden. Rivers and lakes may also be in private ownership, with their own permits enforced by the owners.
Fishing seasons vary from district to district.
Sea fishing with rod or hand lines is open to anyone, and no fishing fee must be paid, unless fishing for salmon, sea trout or sea char. The closed season for these fish is 5 August-31 May.
Foreigners may only use hand gear such as rods or jigs. Nets and similar devices may not be used.
Flag etiquette
The courtesy flag must be flown from sunrise to sunset only, but not before 0800 and not after 2100. It is considered very discourteous to leave the flag flying after sunset.
PET REGULATIONS - The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) applies in Norway and animals require a passport, to be microchipped and possess a current Health Certificate and Rabbies Vaccination Certificate. Swedish and Norwegian cats and dogs may travel without restriction between the two countries, but must have current documentation. A comprehensive information sheet can be obtained from the Norwegian Health Authority, Central Unit, PO Box 8147 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway. Tel: +47 22 24 19 40 Fax: + 47 22 24 19 45.
|
Global sponsor of Noonsite.com
www.pantaenius.com
forums.worldcruising.com