ETIAS VISA WAIVER FOR NORWAY
Travel Requirements to visit Norway
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Norway is a member of the Schengen Area. Non-EU citizens from more than 50 countries can travel to Norway short-term without applying for a visa.
From 2026 , travellers will need ETIAS to visit Norway visa-free.
That’s because the European Travel Information and Authorisation applies to all Schengen countries, including those, like Norway, that are not in the EU.
NORWAY IN THE SCHENGEN AREA
Norway signed the Schengen agreement on 19 December 1996. The implementation of the agreement began on March 25th, 2001.
The country is not a member of the EU, but it is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), which sets a high standard of economic integration and common rules. Norway respects the 4 relevant freedoms established by the EEA: free movement of goods, persons, services, and capital.
Norway is a founding member of the European Free Trade Association, (EFTA). Along with Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, it negotiates Free Trade Agreements with third countries through EFTA.
NORWAY AND EU RELATIONS
Unlike Sweden and Finland, Norway is not a member of the European Union. However, it maintains relations with the EU through its relationship with the European Economic Area (EEA), established in 1994.
The Norwegian Government’s strategy for cooperation with the EU is to contribute to a secure, safe, free, and economically strong Europe.
As a Schengen member, Norway will require foreign nationals from visa-exempt nations to have a valid ETIAS to enter its territory once the system is up and running.
Norway
Capital City: Oslo
Official language: Bokmal Norwegian and Nynorsk
Currency: Norwegian kroner
Population: Around 5.4 million
EU member state since: Norway is not an EU member State, however, it is a member of the European Free Trade Association
NORWAY OFFICIALLY ACCEPTS EES AND ETIAS REGULATIONS
On 17 March 2023, Norway officially accepted the EU EES and ETIAS regulations.
The Entry-Exit System will record information about third-country nationals entering and departing the Schengen Area.
ETIAS required visa-exempt travellers to apply for a travel authorisation.
WHAT YOU NEED TO VISIT NORWAY BASED ON NATIONALITY
What foreign visitors need to travel to Norway depends on their nationality. To find out which group you are in, check the Europe’s entry requirements.
GROUP 1: CITIZENS OF SCHENGEN COUNTRIES
The Schengen Agreement promotes the free movement of people.
Norway is a member of the Schengen Area which means citizens of other member states can travel to Norway without border restrictions. There are no checkpoints between Schengen countries.
GROUP 2: VISA-EXEMPT NON-EU NATIONALS
Citizens of more than 50 non-EU countries can travel to Norway from outside the Schengen Area without applying for a visa. Visa-free entry is permitted for short tourist and business visits.
Travellers in this group will need ETIAS starting 2026 .
ETIAS FOR NORWAY
This is the new European visa waiver. Travellers need to register their basic personal and passport details online. The travel authorization is linked to the passport.
GROUP 3: VISA-REQUIRED NON-EU CITIZENS
All other non-EU citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Norway. Norway issues Schengen visas which are valid across the travel area.
SCHENGEN VISA FOR NORWAY
This is the short-stay visa for non-exempt nationals. The application is presented at an embassy or consulate.
TOURISM, BUSINESS, AND STUDY IN NORWAY WITH ETIAS
With ETIAS, visa-exempt visitors can travel to Norway for:
- Tourism: vacations, visiting family and friends, other leisure activities
- Business: meetings, conferences and other business events
- Study: short courses lasting up to 90 days
ETIAS holders can stay in Norway or the other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Example. A traveller who in the last 6 months has spent 10 days in the Schengen Area can spend up to 80 more days in Norway or another Schengen country.
VISIT NORWAY MULTIPLE TIMES WITH ETIAS
With ETIAS, you can travel to Norway multiple times. ETIAS is valid for up to 3 years, or until the passport used to apply expires (whichever is sooner).
VISIT OTHER ETIAS COUNTRIES WITH ETIAS
ETIAS is valid across the Schengen Area. Travellers who get ETIAS to travel to Norway can use the same authorisation to visit any of the other Schengen countries.
NORWAY’S BORDER CONTROLS: DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
To enter Norway’s territory, all visitors must meet the entry requirements. EU law determines its visa policy. The traveller’s nationality determines which requisites must be met to enter.
To cross an external Schengen border, all non-EU citizens need a passport valid for at least 3 months after the date they will exit the Schengen Area.
Visa-exempt travellers need ETIAS attached to their passport.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHENGEN VISA HOLDERS
In addition to a passport, Schengen visa holders also need the following documents:
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Return or onward travel tickets
- Accommodation reservation
Border authorities may ask visitors to provide the reason for their trip and the length of stay.
ARRIVING IN NORWAY: TRANSPORT AND PORTS OF ENTRY
ETIAS and Schengen visas are valid at air, land, and sea borders.
ARRIVING IN NORWAY BY AIR
The most important airport is Oslo Airport (OSL).
The airport is connected to the city centre via Flytoget Airport Express trains. There are local train services as well. Visitors may also take a taxi to reach the centre.
Flesland Airport is in Bergen and Flybussen connects it to downtown. There’s also a train that connects the city with the airport.
ARRIVING IN NORWAY BY RAIL
Scandinavian countries are well connected to the rest of Europe. Trains run regularly between Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Gothenburg.
Many of the journeys take place overnight. Travellers will find sleeping compartments in trains.
ARRIVING IN NORWAY BY CAR
Visitors are likely to arrive in Norway by car when coming from Sweden, even though the country also borders with Russia and Finland.
Regardless of where you are travelling from customs checks are in place. When entering from Russia, visitors will find full passport control checks.
ARRIVING IN NORWAY BY BOAT
Regular ferry routes are available from Denmark, Germany, and Sweden. Most operators offer package deals for those travelling in their car.
TOURISM IN NORWAY WITH ETIAS
Norway is a popular destination for travellers interested in nature and scenery. ETIAS holders can visit the country on vacation for up to 90 days.
Reasons to visit Norway include:
- Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site There are several sightseeing and hiking trips available to experience the waterfalls.
- Lofoten Archipelago, a collection of islands. Here visitors will see traditional red fishermen’s cabins built along the coastline.
- Northern Lights, the aurora borealis are visible throughout the night during the Arctic winter (October to March).
- Bergen, a city set amid fjords and mountains. A must-see while exploring the city is the water district of Bryggen. Mount Floyen is the ideal spot to overlook the city.
- Arctic Cathedral, designed by Norwegian architect Jan Inge Hovig. Built in 1965, it was built to make it look like it was made with large blocks of ice.
Travelling to Norway from outside the EU: FAQs
What are the main ports of entry for international travellers arriving in Norway? Toggle faqs
The main ports of entry for international travellers arriving in Norway include:
- Oslo Airport (OSL), Oslo
- Bergen Airport (BGO), Flesland
- Stavanger Airport (SVG), Sola
- Trondheim Airport (TRD), Værnes
These airports offer flights from numerous global destinations, while other smaller airports serve regional flights.
Travellers can also enter Norway via ferry from Denmark, Germany, and Sweden or by car through border crossings with Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
Are there any restrictions on goods or items that can be brought into Norway? Toggle faqs
Restrictions on goods in Norway include limits on alcohol and tobacco products, strict regulations on weapons and firearms, and prohibitions on illegal drugs and endangered species products.
Additionally, some food items, such as meat and dairy products, may be restricted depending on their origin.
What are the rules on travel insurance for visiting Norway? Toggle faqs
Travel insurance is not mandatory for non-EU visiting Norway with ETIAS. Proof of insurance is required to apply for a Schengen visa.
Insurance is highly recommended for all travellers to Norway. Adequate travel insurance can cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events.
Are there any vaccination requirements for non-EU citizens travelling to Norway? Toggle faqs
There are no specific vaccination requirements for non-EU citizens travelling to Norway.
However, due to the ever-changing nature of global health situations, it is essential to check the latest information before travelling, as new requirements may be introduced.