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Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Norway?
Although Norway is not a member of the European Union, the country is part of the Schengen agreement and most of its visa policy is tailored accordingly to Schengen visa regulations with slight differences. European Union states, Iceland, Lichtenstein, and Switzerland citizens are eligible for a visa-free entry to Norway. Given that they do not take up employment and their stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days per 180 days.
Other than the EU, Iceland, Lichtenstein, and Switzerland citizens, Norway signed bilateral or multilateral agreements with various countries from different parts of the world to abolish visa requirements mutually. Their stay is also limited to a maximum of 90 days per 180 days and cannot take up employment. These countries are listed below.
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*Citizens of these countries required to have biometric passports.
**Only holders of passports that include an identity card number.
***The rules on travel regarding Brexit will stay the same until 31 December 2020.
***** The visa requirement exemption applies only to holders of the ‘Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’ passport.
Countries that are not listed above have to apply for a Schengen visa beforehand to visit Norway.
Norway Visa Types
We covered Norway visa types that vary depending on the duration and purpose of the stay.
Norway Schengen Visa (Category C Visa for Short Stay Visits)
Depending on your purpose of visit that is limited to 90 days or less in a 180 days period to Norway; it is possible for you to obtain one of the following visa types.
What is Schengen Visa?
Schengen visa is a short-duration free-roaming agreement that was first established between Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain in 1995. After 1995, many other European states became an integral part of the agreement in different years, thus creating the Schengen area. Today, the Schengen area consists of 26 countries without border controls between them and having a Schengen visa issued by these countries will grant a visa-free stay up to 90 days in a 180 day period in the Schengen area as well as transits through international airports. Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland are the member countries of the Schengen area. If you would like to visit any of these countries freely, you will have to obtain a Schengen visa.
Although Norway has been a part of the Schengen area since 2001 and subject to its regulations, there are minor differing requirements regarding the local laws and various other nationalities.
- Norway Airport Transit Visa
An airport transit visa is required for certain countries when their citizens have to change flights at a foreign country and the necessity of the visa is determined by the country in which the airport is located. Norway follows the regulations of the Schengen area about nationalities that are asked for an airport transit visa and does not enforce any other nationalities to obtain an airport transit visa.
- Norway Business Visa
A Norway business visa is a type of short-term visa that is needed for third country (neither the citizens of European Economic Area nor Switzerland) individuals or groups who have designated meetings, unpaid trainings, or business-related events without labor or gainful employment. Obtaining a business visa to Norway requires more documents than other category C visas, including but not limited to proof of trip financing, proof of prior commercial relationship, and an invitation letter from the inviting Norwegian company as well as proofs of previous commercial transactions.
- Norway Tourist Visa
A Norway tourist visa is issued for international tourists who are planning to visit Norway for tourism purposes. It is possible to obtain a Norway tourist visa through consulates or authorized travel agencies.
- Norway Visitor Visa
If you are planning to enter Norway to visit a family member or a friend residing in the country, you need to get a Norway visitor visa. In order to get the visa, it is required for you to include an invitation letter from the person whom you are visiting in addition to other necessary documents.
Norway Schengen Visa Types
- Schengen Transit Visa
A Schengen transit visa is a permit asked from some nationalities that will transit through a Schengen country to a non-Schengen country even if he/she does not leave the international transit zone at the airport. If the second destination is also to a Schengen country, then a regular Schengen visa would be needed. Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka are required to obtain a Schengen transit visa. It is important to note that some Schengen countries have their own listings with additional countries regarding the visa.
- Schengen Tourist Visa
If you would like to visit a Schengen country for sightseeing purposes, you can apply for a Schengen tourist visa which is specified for this purpose and can be issued by any of the Schengen states. It is possible for you to visit more than one Schengen country with the Schengen tourist visa.
- Schengen Business Visa
A Schengen Business visa is issued for business-related purposes including meetings, events, fairs, business ventures, or commercial activities. The visa permits its holder to enter and remain in any Schengen country for 90 days in a 180 days period.
- Schengen Visitor Visa
A Schengen visitor visa is issued for the individuals who are visiting a family member or friend that is legally residing in a Schengen country. There are some certain additional requirements required for a Schengen visitor visa such as an invitation letter and a proof of relationship for families.
- Schengen Cultural Visa
A Schengen cultural visa enables individuals or groups to be able to enter a Schengen country for a number of purposes including cultural activities, sports, or filmmaking. It is required to include a letter that clearly states the purpose of the visit from both sending and receiving associations to obtain a Schengen cultural visa.
- Schengen Medical Treatment Visa
A Schengen medical treatment visa is issued for people who are planning to receive medical treatment in a Schengen country institution. There are many additional documents required for a Schengen medical treatment visa including but not limited to proof of payment to the medical institution, proof of accommodation, and letter of admission from the receiving medical institution.
Norway Category D Visa for Long Stay Visits
Norway category D visas are issued for stays that exceed a three month period in the country and they are not to be confused with permanent residence permits.
- Norway Student Visa
A Norway long-term education or internship visa is issued for students who intended to study in the country for educational purposes. The applicant is expected to be able to speak and understand the language of which the courses will be given, has sufficient funds, and has to be approved by the receiving educational institution as well as the sending institution.
- Norway Employment Visa
A third country national who wishes to stay and work in Norway for more than 90 days has to submit a Norway employment visa request through his/her employer with additionally required documents including but not limited to sufficient means of subsistence, duration of occupation, and confirmation of required skills for the employment.
- Norway Job Seeker Visa
A Norway job seeker visa or an establishment card allows its holder to stay in the country to look for a job and if he/she finds a job during the length of the visa, it is possible to apply for an employment permit. A job seeker visa is usually granted for Norwegian university graduates or very highly qualified workers such as senior managers or scientists.
- Norway Family Reunion Visa
A Norway family reunion visa is issued for third country nationals that have spouses, unmarried minors, registered parents, or another family member in Norway as a citizen. The visa grants a temporary and extendable residence permit for two years and it enables the holder to work in Norway.
- Norway Researcher Visa
It is possible for individuals to obtain a Norway researcher visa if he/she has been offered a paid position as a researcher in a Norwegian institute with a duration of more than three months.
- Norway Freelancer Visa
If you are working location-independently and have sufficient means of subsistence, health insurance, and adequate means of accommodation you can apply for a Norway freelancer visa.
- Norway Language Course Visa
A Norway language course visa is needed for third country individuals who are planning to stay in Norway for more than three months to learn Norwegian, English, or any other recognized languages. A confirmation letter is asked from the receiving institution as well as proof of accommodation, insurance, and proof of sufficient financial sources from the applicant.
- Norway Student Internship Visa
An internship that exceeds three months is considered as gainful employment in Norway for third country nationals and requires a student internship visa. The applicant has to include documents of sufficient means of subsistence, accommodation, and purpose of stay.
- Norway Partnership Visa
A Norway partnership visa is granted for third country nationals whose spouse is a Norway citizen or an EU blue cardholder. The applicant has to include documents of sufficient means of subsistence, accommodation, and proof of relationship in addition to other necessary documents while applying.
- Norway Work Permit Visa
A Norway work permit visa is required for every individual or group for all types of employment if they are intended to work in Norway except for citizens of the EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
- Norway Relative Visa
A Norway relative visa is issued for third country nationals who have spouses, registered parents, or unmarried minors who are Norway citizens. The applicant needs to include documents of sufficient means of subsistence, accommodation, and proof of relationship in addition to other required documents.
General Requirements to Apply for Norway Visa
In order to successfully obtain a Norway visa it is important to be prepared and gather all the necessary information regarding your nationality and purpose of visit beforehand. There are certain stages to obtain a Norway touristic visa:
Plan Ahead
It is important to apply for a Norway tourist visa in a reasonable time window. As a common rule in the Schengen area, visa applications should not be handed to the corresponding consulate 15 days prior to the expected date of the arrival to the member country.
Make an Appointment
It is almost always required to make an appointment through the internet or phone to visit any Norwegian embassy around the world.
Finalize Your Application
Find out which Norwegian consulate is the most convenient for you to travel since you need to hand in the required documents in-person. There will be an interview held at the consulate to confirm your purpose of visit as well as other supporting documents.
Receive Your Visa
After processing time, you will be informed by the corresponding consulate or authorized visa service center and a Norway tourist visa should be affixed to your passport.
Norway Visa Applications
You are required to present the following documents if your nationality is not eligible for a visa-free entry to Norway:
- A duly completed application form you can download and bring to consulate as hard copy
- Two recent photos on white background
- A valid passport with previously issued visas
- A return ticket or flight reservation
- Proof of sufficient financial means such as bank statements, payroll, or property income
- Confirmed accommodation details
- A letter clearly states the purpose of visit
- Proof of civil status
- Medical travel insurance minimum 30.000 euros coverage
There are additionally required or supporting documents from certain applicants:
Employed:
- Employment contract
- A letter from the company that states your absence, duration of the stay, and confirms returning to current job
- Bank statement of the last six months
- Income tax return if applicable
- Original bank slips
Self-Employed:
- Copy of business license
- Company bank statement of last six months
- Income tax return if applicable
Student:
- Proof of enrollment and no objection certificate from the registered school
- Sponsorship documents if the applicant cannot support himself/herself financially during the period of the stay
Retired:
- Proof of pension of the last six months
What is Visa Sponsorship for Norway?
A visa sponsorship is required in Norway or any Schengen member state if the applicant cannot cover his/her expenses for educational or touristic purposes by own in the duration of the stay. A sponsor could be a parent, sibling, other relatives, or a friend. However, it would increase chances to obtain a visa if the sponsor is a first-degree relative and has a permanent residence permit or citizenship in a Schengen country. The required documents from the sponsor are:
- A signed sponsorship letter that clearly states the relationship with the applicant, information on how and what expenses going to be covered, personal and contact info of both the applicant and the sponsor, and accommodation details of the applicant
- A scanned copy of the ID
- Proof of sufficient funds such as bank statements or payroll
- Proof of estate or business ownership if applicable
- Signatory circulars
Keep in mind that there might be additionally asked supporting documents while applying for a visa with a sponsorship to Norway. You can check our website for more details about visa sponsorships.
Norway Visa Rules
There are many countries across the globe can enter Norway without a visa. If your country is not eligible for visa-free entry to Norway, you need to obtain a Norway visa through its consulates and take consideration of the following visa rules:
- The passport should not be older than ten years and contain at least two blank pages.
- The passport should be valid for more than three months from the expected day of arrival to
- The visa application form of the children under 18 years of age must also be signed by both parents or a legal guardian.
Norway Visa Requirements
Norway Visa Requirements for Nordic Countries
Citizens of Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland do not asked for a visa to visit Norway and should not encounter any problems with their ID card at hand.
Norway Visa Requirements for Third Country Nationals
Third country nationals without a right of free movement in the EU should apply for a visa to Norway from its consulates across the globe. A Norway visa will enable its holder to travel any country within the Schengen area in the duration of the stay.
Norway Visa Requirements for US, UK, and Canada
Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada can enter Norway without a visa if:
- Their passport is valid for more than three months from the expected time of arrival to Norway,
- They can present proof of sufficient financial means,
- Their purpose of visit is clear and documented.
Norway Visa Fees
Norway short-stay visa types that are listed below exclusively include the visa fee. Keep in mind that there might be additional payments expected from the applicant such as consular fees, service fees of the outsourced companies, or application form fees.
The current Norway visa fees valid as of March 2020 are as follows:
| Short-Stay Visa Application Types | Visa Fee in EUR |
| Adult | 80 € |
| Child between 6-12 years of age | 40 € |
| Child between 0-6 years of age | Free |
| Researchers and Scientists | Free |
| Family Members of an EEA national | Free |
| Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia Citizens | 35€ |
NOTE: This article was prepared in March 2020. Please check up-to-date information published by official sources.
