Home > Your Guide to Norway Visas: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

Your Guide to Norway Visas: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

Norway, a northern country in Europe, is a dream destination for travelers around the globe. Whether you’re planning to visit the arctic wonders of Svalbard, take in the beauty of the fjords, or embark on a new adventure of another kind, we’re here to help you understand everything you need to know to ensure your trip is smooth sailing.

One of the first things to consider when planning a trip to Norway is whether or not you’ll need to apply for a Norway visa.

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

Whether or not you need a Norway visa, for Svalbard or otherwise
Which documents are required
How to apply
Whether or not you can apply for a Norway visa online
And more!

Do I need a visa to go to Norway?

It depends on a few factors including your nationality, the reason for your trip, and how long you intend to stay in Norway.

For short trips to Norway (under 90 days), there are two groups of applicants. Those who are from visa-exempt countries, and those who aren’t.

Citizens of visa-exempt countries do not need visas for short stays in Norway. This includes citizens from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Japan, and other countries.

Citizens from countries that are not visa-exempt need visas to go to Norway, no matter the duration or purpose of their trip. This includes citizens from India, China, Russia, and others.

There’s one caveat for visa-exempt nationals. If you plan to work or study during your short stay, you will need to apply for a visa. This is also the case if you plan to stay in Norway/the Schengen area for longer than 90 days.

Do US citizens need a visa for Norway?

No, US citizens don’t need a visa for short stays in Norway, as long as the trip is primarily for tourism or business and does not exceed 90 days. If the trip is for work, or study, or will be longer than 90 days, a visa will be required.

How do I apply for a Norway visa?

If you are applying for a Norway Schengen visa, the process is fairly straightforward.

Determine your visa type. Depending on the purpose of your visit – tourism, business, study, or work – you’ll apply for a specific type of Norway visa.
Collect the required documents for your application: This will typically include your passport, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, and travel insurance (in addition to other documents).
Submit your application.
Attend an appointment: at a visa center or consulate in your country of residence.

Can I apply for a Norway visa online?

Not usually. With that being said, if you are not from a visa-exempt country, meaning you require a visa for short stays, the Norwegian government does offer an online visa application system for several visa types.

This makes it quick, easy, and secure to submit your documents and track your application from home. You can find out if you’re eligible through UDI here. You’ll still need to get an in-person appointment for final submission and biometrics.

If you’re applying for a long-stay visa (longer than 90 days), you will need to apply for your Norway visa in person at a visa center or consulate.

Is a Norway visa difficult to get?

Generally speaking, the visa application process for Norwegian visas is straightforward. When it comes to approvals, the decision is entirely in the hands of Norwegian authorities.

What is the rejection rate for Norway visas?

The global rejection rate for Norway visas was 16.08% in 2023. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete applications, lack of financial proof, or failure to provide adequate travel insurance.

Do keep in mind, however, that rejection rates are always changing and can differ greatly from country to country, nationality to nationality, visa to visa, and from season to season.

What is the processing time for a Norway visa?

The average processing time is around 15 business days, but this can vary. Additionally, even though the processing time might be relatively quick, that isn’t always the case for securing a visa appointment in the first place. Visa appointments can book out weeks, or even months in advance – so always start the process early, just to be safe.

A dark purple suitcase in a hotel room in Norway.

Norway visa application requirements

When applying for a Norway visa, there is a standard list of documents that will likely be required no matter which specific visa you end up applying for.

Then, depending on the visa, there will usually be further documents required.

What documents are required when applying for a Norway visa?

For most Norway visa types, the standard required documents are:

A valid passport.
Passport-sized photos.
A completed visa application form.
Proof of accommodation and a travel/flight itinerary.
Proof of financial means, such as bank statements or a letter from your employer.
Travel insurance that covers at least €30,000 in emergency medical, as well as additional requirements.

Is there an interview when applying for a Schengen visa for Norway?

Norway visa applicants need to book an in-person appointment, even if they did the majority of their application online.

This appointment is mandatory for the final submission of your visa application, as well as for recording your biometrics (fingerprints).

At this appointment, a visa officer will look at your application file to ensure all of the required documents are present. They may ask you questions directly relating to your visa application and travel plans.

A young family (mother, father, and baby) are enjoying a trip abroad to Norway.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS if I have a Norway visa?

No. If you hold a valid Schengen Norway visa, you don’t need ETIAS. Additionally, if you hold a passport for any Schengen country, you do not need to apply for ETIAS.

Who needs ETIAS to visit Norway?

ETIAS will apply to travelers from visa-exempt countries, including US citizens, for short stays in Norway or anywhere in the Schengen zone from 2026 on.

Learn more about what's required in our Norway ETIAS Guide.

Is Norway part of the Schengen zone?

Yes, Norway is one of the 29 members of the Schengen zone, which means visa holders can generally travel freely within the Schengen area without having to pass through border checks.

Does my Norway visa allow me to travel through the Schengen zone?

Yes, with a Norway Schengen visa, you can travel to any of the 29 Schengen countries, including neighboring Sweden and Denmark, without having to obtain additional visas and permissions.

While uncommon, there can be some exceptions. Always check the validity of your specific visa before confirming any travel plans.