Visa Regulations for Entering Norway
Purpose of Visit: Visitors must have a clear and specific purpose for their visit, such as tourism, business, study, work, or family visit. They must also have the necessary documentation to support the purpose of their visit.
Financial Means: Visitors must have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Norway. This may include proof of income, bank statements, or a letter of support from a sponsor.
Health Requirements: Visitors may be required to undergo a medical examination if they are coming to Norway for a long-term stay or if their health could pose a risk to public health.
Criminal Record Check: Visitors may be required to provide a criminal record check to demonstrate that they do not have a criminal record and are of good character.
Visitors can successfully navigate these regulations by researching the requirements for their specific purpose of visit and by gathering all the necessary documentation before applying for a visa. They can also contact the Norwegian embassy or consulate in their country for more information.
Types of Visa
Tourist Visa: This type of visa is for those who want to visit Norway for tourism or to visit friends or family. It allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Business Visa: This type of visa is for those who want to visit Norway for business purposes, such as attending meetings, trade fairs, or conferences. It allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Student Visa: This type of visa is for those who want to study in Norway, including language courses and higher education programs. It allows a stay for the duration of the course of study.
Work Visa: This type of visa is for those who want to work in Norway. It allows a stay for the duration of the work contract, up to a maximum of 5 years.
Family Visa: This type of visa is for those who want to join a family member who is already living in Norway. It allows a stay for the duration of the family member’s residency.
Visa Exemptions
Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days in Norway.
Visitors from certain countries may be exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days. This is subject to change and visitors should check the visa requirements for their country on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration website.
Visa and Residency Status
Visas are a way for visitors to gain temporary entry to Norway. Residency status, on the other hand, allows a person to live in Norway permanently.
A visitor who wants to apply for residency must first have a work or family visa and meet certain criteria, such as having a job offer or being married to a Norwegian resident. They must then apply for a residency permit, which allows them to live in Norway permanently.
Residency status is subject to conditions, such as maintaining good health and character and not breaking the law. If a resident breaches these conditions, they may be subject to deportation.
Reliable Information on Visas
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration is the official website for information on visas and residency in Norway. It provides detailed information on the different types of visa, the requirements for each, and how to apply.
The Norwegian government website provides general information on the visa requirements for visitors to Norway.
The Norwegian embassy or consulate in the visitor’s home country can also provide information on visas and assist with the visa application process.
Applying for a Visa
A visa is required for individuals from some countries who want to travel to Norway for a visit or stay longer than 90 days. The visa application process should be initiated in advance of travel, usually at least 3 months prior. The first step is to determine which type of visa is needed, based on the purpose and length of stay in Norway.
To apply for a visa, the following steps should be taken:
- Determine the type of visa required
- Complete the visa application form
- Schedule an appointment with the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate
- Pay the visa fee
- Submit required documents
- Attend the appointment and provide biometric data, if required
Links to relevant forms:
- Visa application form: https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/visitor-visa/
- List of required documents: https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/visitor-visa/what-you-need-to-apply/
Relevant Authorities:
- The Royal Norwegian Embassy or the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in the applicant’s country of residence.
Where to Apply for a Visa for Norway
The visa application should be submitted at the Royal Norwegian Embassy or the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in the applicant’s country of residence. The Embassy or Consulate will handle the application and forward it to the Norwegian Immigration Authority for processing
For US expats, the Royal Norwegian Embassy is located in Washington, D.C., while the Royal Norwegian Consulate General is located in New York City. For UK expats, the Royal Norwegian Embassy is located in London.
Relevant Documents for Norway
The following documents must be submitted along with the visa application form:
- A passport or travel document with at least two blank pages and validity for at least three months after the end of the intended stay
- Two recent passport-sized photos
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay in Norway
- Travel and health insurance covering the entire stay
- Documentation showing the purpose of the stay, such as a letter of invitation or proof of accommodation
Additional information on the required documents can be found on the Norwegian Immigration Authority’s website: https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/visitor-visa/what-you-need-to-apply/
Translations are necessary if the required documents are not in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, or English. The translation must be performed by a certified translator and be accompanied by a certification of the authenticity of the translation.
Visa Application Processing Time for Norway
The processing time for a visa application varies and can take up to several weeks, depending on the Embassy or Consulate, the time of year, and the type of visa applied for. The applicant should therefore apply well in advance of their intended travel date.
Visa Application Cost for Norway
The visa fee for a visitor visa to Norway is €80. In addition to the visa fee, there may also be costs associated with obtaining the required documents, such as a police certificate or medical certificate, and the cost of travel to and from the Embassy or Consulate for the visa appointment. The visa fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.