Schengen Visa for Norway: How to Apply

Visiting Norway on a Schengen Visa

Norway, with its famous fjords, is another beautiful place to visit within the Schengen Area of countries. To travel to Norway for a short trip lasting fewer than 90 days you will need a Norwegian Schengen Visa, as it is part of the Schengen Area of European countries that have abolished border controls between each other. A visa for any of the Schengen countries is valid for a stay in all the other Schengen countries during the period for which the visa is valid. Over a period of six months, you are not permitted to spend more than a total of three months in the Schengen Area.

Who needs a Schengen Visa to enter Norway?

If you are traveling to Norway, you will need a Schengen Visa if you are a citizen of a non-Schengen country without a visa-free travel agreement with the area, or if you have been refused for visa-free travel. Countries with visa-free travel to Norway and the rest of the Schengen Area include the U.S., Mexico, and Australia. These short-stay visas can be for business or tourism purposes, as well as family and short study visits - or even for medical reasons.

The standard fee for processing a Schengen Visa application is €80 for adults and €40 for minors.

How do I apply for a Schengen Visa to Norway?

After filling in a Norway Schengen Visa application form and booking an appointment, you will need supporting documents - two recently taken passport-style photos, your passport or other travel documents that are no older than 10 years and valid for at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen Area. You will also need travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000, a cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate, and proof you have means of subsistence during your stay. You typically have to demonstrate you have at least €53 to your name. However, this number is not officially fixed and the amount is typically decided on a case-by-case basis.

What are the Norway Visa requirements for a work, business or student visa?

If applying for a work visa to Norway, you will need to provide the embassy/consulate with documents that prove you meet Norway Schengen visa requirements based on your employment status. If employed, you need an employment contract, a current bank statement, a no objection letter from your employer giving you leave to travel, and an income tax return. If self-employed, you will need a copy of your business license, company bank statements, and income tax returns. You will also need an invitation letter regardless of whether you are applying for a work visa or for a short-stay Schengen Visa for business.

Student Visas

Student visas require proof of enrolment at a Norwegian institution, a no objection letter from your place of study in your homeland, and an invitation letter.

Where do I go to apply for a Norway Schengen Visa?

You will need to apply to the Royal Norwegian embassy or consulate in your country of residence, or a visa application center acting on the nation’s behalf. The official visa partner of Norway’s embassies is VFS Global.

Anything else I need to know about Norway Schengen Visas?

If you plan to enter the Svalbard Islands in the Arctic Ocean, the regulations are different from those on the Norwegian mainland as Svalbard is not part of the Schengen Area and does not require a visa. You will require one, however, if your route takes you through Norway. The European Health Insurance Card is not valid in Svalbard, so it is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance before you go there even if you are from a country within the EU.

Why choose AXA Schengen Insurance?

Those traveling to the Schengen Area, including Norway, need travel cover. AXA’s Low Cost Travel Insurance costs just €22 ($24) per week of your trip and will meet your visa requirements, while the AXA Schengen Europe Travel Insurance offers extended coverage up to costs of €100,000.

Those seeking a multiple-entry visa can purchase the Multi Trip insurance from €328 per year, which again covers you for expenses up to €100,000.

Other Schengen countries you might be interested in

Related topics :

• Which countries are not part of the Schengen area ?
• What is the Schengen Agreement ?

Frequently asked questions about getting a Norway Schengen Visa

How long does it take to get a Norway Schengen Visa?

The processing time for a Norway Schengen Visa may take up to 15 days in a normal situation but could take up to 60 days to be issued in extreme circumstances. You can apply for your visa up to six months before you travel.

Can I extend my Schengen Visa during my stay in Norway?

Yes. You can extend your Norway short-stay visa but only in exceptional cases or emergencies.

Will my Norway Schengen Visa allow me to travel to countries in the European Union - even though it is outside of the EU?

Yes. Norway is in the Schengen Area - even though it is not in the EU. This means you can travel to other states that fall within the Schengen Area after visiting Norway.