To enforce rules

зд. ужесточать визовую политику

заявление с просьбой о выдаче визы

зд. отказать в выдаче виз

посольство ФРГ

не знать, быть не в курсе

зд. ужесточить требования

Task 10 Read the text once again and entitle it.

Task 11 Read the text and translate it. For help see the vocabulary notes that follow the text.

Russians who obtain visas to Scandinavian countries and Finland are now able to use the permits to travel throughout the rest of the European Union.

Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland on April 14 2001 joined the Schengen 1985 accord, which gives travellers from non-EU nations the right to move freely between most European countries.

The move simplified travel for Russians by allowing them to visit all EU countries except Britain and Ireland with a single visa. For the law-abiding citizens it is a clear benefit. Travellers should apply for a visa to the consulate of the country that they really plan to visit instead of option for a country with less complicated visa requirements. It is recommended not to conceal the real country of destination.

To get a finish visa an applicant still needs to submit a foreign passport, an invitation and medical insurance. The Danish Embassy, in contrast, does not require the insurance. The prices remained about the same - between $20 to $30, depending on the country.

But some Russians are unconvinced that the northern nations' inclusion in the Schengen accord will do anything more than make the process of obtaining visas more complicated.

Travellers who already have visas to these countries are still able to travel with them, but only to the country that issued the visa.

Finland was the most popular destinatio'n among the northern nations, with 316, 000 visas being issued to Russians last year, according to the Finnish Embassy.

Sweden and Norway processed about 50, 000 visas each, while Denmark handed out 15, 000 and Iceland 1, 200.

The Moscow Times, April 16, 2001

Vocabulary notes on the text

To obtain a visa to Norway

The rest of the European union

To simplify travel

Law-abiding

To apply for a visa to the consulate

Instead of option for

Complicated visa requirements

To conceal

To remain about the same

получать визу в Норвегию

зд. остальные страны Европейского Союза

упрощать путешествие

зд. законопослушный

запросить визу в консульстве

вместо того, чтобы выбирать

сложные визовые требования

скрывать, утаивать

оставаться почти такими же

To be unconvinced