Norway

🇳🇴

Phone Code

+47

Capital

Oslo

Population

5.5 Million

Native Name

Norge

Region

Europe

Northern Europe

Timezone

Central European Time

UTC+01:00

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Norway is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe, occupying the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is bordered by Sweden, Finland, and Russia, with extensive coastlines along the North Atlantic Ocean and the Barents Sea. The country is renowned for its dramatic fjords, mountainous terrain, and northern latitude positioning that creates the midnight sun phenomenon in summer and northern lights (aurora borealis) in winter. Norway's capital Oslo combines modern architecture with outdoor recreation access. The country is known for its high standard of living, social welfare system, and wealth from petroleum resources in the North Sea. Norway is not a European Union member but participates in the Schengen Area and European Economic Area. Major attractions include the fjords of western Norway (Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord - both UNESCO World Heritage sites), Bergen's historic Bryggen wharf, Lofoten Islands, North Cape, Tromsø for northern lights viewing, Oslo's museums and Viking Ship Museum, Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral, and Atlantic Ocean Road scenic drive. Norway offers outdoor activities including hiking (Trolltunga, Preikestolen/Pulpit Rock), skiing, fjord cruises, and wildlife observation. The country ranks among the world's most expensive destinations for travel.

Visa Requirements for Norway

Norway is a member of the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free entry for citizens of EU/EEA countries, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond intended departure date from the Schengen Area. Norway is not an EU member but participates fully in Schengen cooperation through bilateral agreements. Entry procedures are straightforward at Oslo Airport Gardermoen and other ports of entry, with automated gates for many nationalities. Those requiring visas apply through Norwegian embassies or through the embassy of another Schengen country representing Norway in countries without Norwegian diplomatic presence. Travel insurance covering medical expenses of at least €30,000 is recommended and may be requested at border control. Norway has very low crime rates and is considered one of the safest countries for travelers. The country maintains high standards for tourism infrastructure and services.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period; passport valid 3 months beyond departure from Schengen Area; no visa required; entry through automated or staffed border control; proof of accommodation and return travel may be requested but rarely checked for established tourist nationalities; cannot work on tourist entry; standard Schengen Area rules apply; Norway coordinates with other Schengen members; straightforward entry process.

For tourism or business for citizens of 60+ countries including EU/EEA, US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and others.

Schengen Visa (Embassy Application)

Tourist visas typically valid for 90 days within 180-day period; requires application form, passport (valid 3+ months beyond stay), photos, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), flight reservations, accommodation bookings, proof of funds; processing 15 days average (can extend to 30-45 days in complex cases); visa fee €80 for adults; biometrics required at application; Norway has high visa approval rates for genuine tourist applications; apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel.

For nationalities requiring visas for entry to Norway and the Schengen Area, applied through Norwegian embassy or consulate.

Residence Permit

1-3 years initially, renewable; categories include work permit (requires job offer from Norwegian employer), student permit (requires admission to Norwegian educational institution), family immigration (requires Norwegian resident/citizen family member); skilled workers in demand for oil/gas, technology, healthcare sectors; Norwegian language proficiency often required for permanent settlement; costly application fees (NOK 2,000-6,000 depending on type); high living costs make Norway challenging for long-term settlement without substantial income; processing times 3-6 months typically.

For long-term stays exceeding 90 days including work, study, family reunification, or settlement.

Nordic Passport Union

Nordic citizens (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden) can enter Norway without passport (national ID card sufficient) and live/work indefinitely under Nordic Passport Union established 1954; predates EU and Schengen; allows Nordic citizens right to reside and work in Norway without permits; simplified procedures for Nordic citizens moving to Norway.

Special arrangement allowing free movement for citizens of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

Important Travel Information

Cost of Living - World's Most Expensive: Norway consistently ranks as one of the world's most expensive countries for travel and living. Expect high prices across all categories: budget accommodation NOK 300-600/night ($30-60 USD), mid-range hotels NOK 800-1,500/night, restaurant meals NOK 150-300 ($15-30), coffee NOK 40-50 ($4-5), beer in bars NOK 80-120 ($8-12). Grocery prices are high but lower than restaurants. Public transportation is expensive (Oslo-Bergen train NOK 900/$90). Fuel costs among Europe's highest. Budget travelers should expect minimum NOK 500-700/day ($50-70) with hostels and supermarket food. Mid-range travelers need NOK 1,500-2,500/day. Plan accordingly and consider budget strategies like self-catering, supermarket shopping (Rema 1000, Kiwi are cheaper chains), camping, hiking lunches.

Fjords and Natural Attractions: Norway's primary attraction is its dramatic natural landscape. The western fjords (Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord) are carved glacial valleys with steep cliffs rising from deep water. Access via car, ferry, or cruise. Popular viewpoints include Stegastein lookout, Dalsnibba mountain, Flydalsjuvet. Hiking trails like Trolltunga (22km round trip, challenging), Preikestolen/Pulpit Rock (8km, moderate), and Kjeragbolten (difficult) offer spectacular scenery but require good fitness and appropriate gear. Summer (June-August) is optimal for fjord visits with midnight sun in northern regions. Many attractions close or have limited access October-April due to snow.

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): Northern Norway (Tromsø, Lofoten Islands, North Cape, Alta) offers excellent northern lights viewing opportunities from September to April, with peak season November-February. Tromsø is called 'Northern Lights capital' with good infrastructure and tour operators. Viewing requires clear skies, darkness (away from city lights), and solar activity. Not guaranteed - travelers should allow multiple nights for best chances. Many visitors combine with dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing. Accommodations in northern regions can be expensive and limited in winter; book ahead. Extremely cold temperatures (often -10°C to -25°C / 14°F to -13°F in winter) require proper winter clothing.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Oslo
States & Regions in Norway

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Norway

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Norway
United States in Norway

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