World Country Guide

Note
On 25 March 2001 Norway became a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport/visa regulations within the Schengen area see the introductory section How to Use this Guide.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay required by all.

Note
In some circumstances, some nationals of EU or EEA countries may travel to Norway for touristic purposes with a valid national ID card only if issued in their home country. There are also circumstances when nationals of EU or EEA countries, plus certain other nationals, may travel to Norway with a passport that only needs to be valid during the duration of their stay and not beyond this intended period. However, since regulations are constantly changing, it is advised that all nationals contact their nearest Embassy/Consulate for further details since this passport exemption is not guaranteed and entry may be refused.

Visas
Required by all except the following for stays of up to three months:
(a) nationals shown in the chart above;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bermuda (only holders of BDTC (Bermuda) passports), Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) nationals of Nordic countries (including rland, Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland).

Types of visa and cost
A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued for tourist, business and private visits. The cost of a visa is 25 but prices are subject to frequent change against the exchange rate. Fee is payable when visa is issued. Enquire at the nearest Embassy for further details.

Note
Spouses and children of EU or EEA nationals (providing spouse’s/dependent's passport and the original marriage certificate are produced), and nationals of some other countries, receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy for details).

Validity
Up to three months in any six-month period. For renewal or extension, apply to Embassy.

Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. If applying in the UK and living within the London area, all applications must be lodged in person at the Embassy. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination).

Application requirements
(a) Valid passport with at least one blank page (this should not be submitted until the applicant is informed that a visa has been granted). (b) One completed application form. (c) Two recent passport-size photos. (d) Fee, payable in cash (exact money only), cheque supported by a cheque card or postal order (visa fees are non-refundable and payable on submission of the visa application). (e) Further documentation such as a letter of invitation, proof of accommodation or a letter from an employer explaining nature and duration of stay may be required, depending on purpose of visit. (f) Evidence of sufficient funds for stay (recent original bank statement, travellers cheques or credit card with credit limit statement; cash not accepted). (g) Parental consent for minors (under 18 years of age). (h) Evidence of occupation/student status. If unemployed, social security booklet must be submitted.

Working days required
Applicants should usually wait two weeks to receive a response to their application. The total length of processing time depends on individual circumstances. Applications should therefore be lodged several weeks before the proposed journey.

Temporary residence
Apply to Embassy for residence and work permit if the stay exceeds three months.