Norway Visa
If you’re planning a trip to Norway, you might need a visa depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Norway visas, including who needs a visa, the types available, application steps, and other essential information.
Do I Need a Visa for Norway?
Your need for a visa to enter Norway depends on your nationality and the reason for your visit. You don’t need a visa if:
- You’re from the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, or another country with a visa exemption agreement with Norway.
- You’re visiting for short trips (up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or short family visits.
However, you do need a visa if:
- You’re from a country that requires a Schengen Visa. Norway is part of the Schengen Zone, so Schengen visa rules apply.
- You plan to stay in Norway for more than 90 days for work, studies, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
How Long Can You Stay in Norway Without a Visa?
If you come from a country with a visa exemption (like the US), you can stay in Norway for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. During this time, you’re not allowed to work or engage in any form of paid employment.
Types of Norwegian Visas
Norway offers different visa types based on your purpose of visit and duration of stay:
Norway Schengen Visa (Tourist Visa)
This visa allows you to stay in Norway for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s suitable for tourism, business, or short family visits.
Norway Work Visa
A long-term visa required for those who have found employment with a Norwegian company.
Norway Student Visa
This visa is for international students pursuing studies in Norwegian educational institutions.
Norway Family Visa
This long-term visa is issued to family members of Norwegian citizens or residents.
Norway Digital Nomad Visa
A long-term visa for freelancers who wish to work remotely while living in Svalbard, Norway’s northernmost region.
What Is the Norway Schengen Visa?
Since Norway is part of the Schengen Area, the Norway Schengen Visa allows you to visit Norway and other Schengen countries (like Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s essentially the same as the Norway Tourist Visa.
Norway Visa Requirements
To apply for a Norway visa, you need to submit specific documents, which include:
- Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond your return from Norway with at least two blank visa pages.
- Copies of Used Passport Pages: Include previous visas if applicable.
- Passport-Size Photos: Must meet Schengen visa photo requirements.
- Cover Letter: Explaining the purpose of your visit and other relevant details.
- Birth Certificate: Include marriage certificate if applicable.
- Proof of Accommodation in Norway: Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from a friend or family member.
- Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: Must cover at least €30,000 in medical and repatriation expenses, valid for the entire Schengen Area during your trip.
- Proof of Booked Flight Tickets: You might need dummy tickets for your visa application.
- Proof of Employment or Study: Work contract or business registration for workers; university certificate for students.
- Bank Statements: The last three months’ statements to prove financial stability.
- Consent Letters for Minors: If traveling with children, include birth certificates, copies of parents’ passports, and letters of consent from legal guardians.
- Additional Documents: Depending on your visit purpose, you might need more documents like company letters, business registration, or tax returns.
Document Guidelines
Ensure all documents are translated into English by a certified translator. Civil documents like birth certificates must be legalized by an Apostille Stamp.
When to Submit a Norway Visa Application?
Submit your visa application at least two weeks before your intended travel date, but you can apply as early as three months prior. The earlier, the better to avoid last-minute delays.
Steps to Apply for a Norway Visa
The process to apply for a Norwegian visa involves several steps:
- Create a User Account with UDI: Register with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) online portal.
- Complete the Norwegian Visa Application Form: Fill out the form for the type of visa you need.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Use a credit or debit card (Visa or MasterCard).
- Book a Visa Appointment: Schedule an appointment with the nearest Norwegian Embassy/Consulate or Visa Application Center.
- Submit the Required Documents: On your appointment date, submit all necessary documents.
- Wait for the Visa Processing: The embassy will notify you about the outcome of your application.
- Travel to Norway: If approved, travel to Norway within the specified visa dates.
What If There Is No Norwegian Embassy in My Country?
If there’s no Norwegian Embassy in your country, you can submit your application at a Norwegian Embassy in a neighboring country, another Schengen country’s embassy that accepts Norway visa applications, or a Schengen Visa Application Center.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Norway Visa?
It typically takes about 15 days to process a Norway visa, but it could take longer depending on various factors like national holidays, the number of applications, or if additional documents are required.
Norway Visa Fee
The visa fee is paid online through the Application Portal. The fees are:
- Schengen Visa (Adults and Children Over 12): €80
- Schengen Visa (Children 6-12): €40
- Schengen Visa (Children Under 6): Free of charge
- Schengen Visa for Citizens of Azerbaijan and Russia (Adults and Children Over 12): €35
Exemptions from the Norway Visa Fee
Certain applicants are exempt from visa fees, including those visiting close family members who are EU/EEA nationals, students on educational trips, or researchers traveling for scientific purposes.
Validity of Norway Visa
The maximum validity for a Norway visa is 90 days within a six-month period. Depending on the circumstances, you might get a single-entry visa, valid only for the time you plan to stay, or a multiple-entry visa, allowing you to re-enter Norway or the Schengen Zone multiple times within six months.
Can You Extend a Norway Visa?
Extensions are possible for valid reasons like sudden illness or natural disasters. To apply for an extension, contact the local police service through the UDI website and provide the required documents. You cannot extend a Norway Schengen Visa for more than 90 days.
Norway Airport Transit Visa
If you need to transit through a Norwegian airport, your visa requirements depend on your nationality and the airport. Some airports allow transit without a visa under certain conditions, but others require a transit visa regardless. If you need a transit visa, you must apply in advance.
This guide should give you a clear understanding of Norway visas, the application process, and the requirements. Follow the steps and ensure you have all the necessary documents to make your visa application successful. Safe travels!