Norway, with its high standard of living, stunning natural landscapes, favorable tax policies, and pleasant climate, holds a unique allure for visitors. Whether you have friends or family residing in Norway or are simply drawn to its attractions, the Norway Visitor Visa offers you the opportunity to explore this captivating country.

What is Norway Visitor Visa? Formally referred to as the ‘Friends and Family Visit Visa,’ this Schengen permit is a requirement for individuals seeking entry into Norway for specific purposes. As a Schengen C category visa, citizens of other Schengen countries and those from visa-exempt nations are exempt from needing this visa. The visitor permit allows a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period, with a validity period of up to 1 year.

How to Apply for Norway Visitor Visa? For Indian citizens, the application process for the Norway visitor visa is primarily conducted online, with document submission taking place at a Norway Visa Application Center (VAC) located across the country. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process:

1. Gather all the necessary documents required for the visitor visa.
2. Visit the online Norway visa application portal and register an account.
3. Log in to the portal and complete the application form, specifying your purpose of visit as ‘family/friend visit.’
4. Make the required fee payment online.
5. Following payment, you will receive a cover letter in your registered email. Print it out and sign it.
6. Schedule an appointment for document submission at a VAC.
7. Attend the VAC appointment with your cover letter and all necessary documents.
8. Biometric data submission may be necessary at the VAC.
9. Note that if you’ve submitted biometric data for a Schengen visa within the past 59 months, there’s no need to resubmit; your previous data will be copied and used. In such cases, you may authorize a third party to submit your application on your behalf, provided they carry a personal ID and an authorization letter signed by you. Ensure that all documents provided are genuine and accurate to avoid the risk of Schengen visa rejection.

Eligibility for Norway Schengen Visitor Visa To be eligible to apply for the Schengen visitor permit, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be residing in the country where you are submitting the application. If you hold a residence permit in another foreign country, you can apply through the respective embassy.
• Possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended journey date.
• The primary purpose of your visit must be to reunite with family members or friends residing in Norway, and you must have an invitation from them.
• Adequate funds to cover your expenses throughout your stay in the country.
• You should apply for the permit if Norway meets any of the following criteria:
  • It’s your sole destination.
  • It’s one of your multiple Schengen destinations, with the majority of your time spent in Norway.
  • It serves as your port of entry.

Documents Required for Norway Visitor Visa In accordance with the requirements, the following documents are essential for a complete visitor visa application:

• A valid passport:
  • Must have at least 2 blank pages.
  • Should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  • Attach any old passports.
• Printed cover letter from the online application.
• Fully filled C category questionnaire.
• Letter of invitation from your family member or friend, specifying the purpose of your visit and your relationship.
• If visiting family, provide proof of your relationship.
• Travel itinerary/documents:
  • Detailed travel itinerary.
  • Round-trip flight booking.
  • Proof of accommodation.
• Medical travel insurance coverage of at least 30,000 Euros.
• Proof of occupation, such as an employment letter or a copy of the business license.
• Financial documents:
  • Bank statements from the past 3 months.
  • Copy of the passbook.
  • Income tax returns.

Norway Visitor Visa Photo Specifications Ensure that your visa photo adheres to the following specifications:

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm.
• Colored photograph taken within the last three months.
• Head must be centrally positioned.
• Background: Solid, plain white, or grey.
• 80% face coverage.
• Neutral expression.
• Non-thick framed and prescription glasses are allowed.
• Headgear is permitted for religious reasons.
• Facial hair is allowed.

Processing Time for Norway Visitor Visa The processing time for the ‘Norwegian family/friend visit visa’ depends on various factors, including entry type, permit validity, embassy workload, and your previous travel history. For instance, if you have held visas for Schengen, the UK, the US, Australia, or Canada in the past, the embassy may expedite your application. Typically, the processing time is around 15 working days. However, in certain cases, it can extend to 30 working days, or in exceptional circumstances, up to 60 days. Therefore, it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date.

Norway Visitor Visa Fees The total fees for the visitor permit encompass application fees, biometric charges, and any additional service charges imposed by the VAC. Application fees may vary based on foreign currency rates, so it’s essential to verify the exact amount before commencing the application process.

Post-Submission Procedures Once you have successfully submitted your visitor application, it will be forwarded to the embassy for processing. Although you submitted the application at a VAC, the embassy is solely responsible for processing. The VAC does not have any influence in this process. If your permit is approved, you can collect it directly from the VAC or opt for delivery with an additional charge. It’s crucial not to purchase tickets until you have received your visa.

How to Check Visa Status? You can check the status of your application by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track and entering your application reference number and date of birth. Alternatively, you can contact your travel agency to track the status on your behalf.

During Your Stay in Norway Once you have obtained your visa, it’s essential to keep the following key points in mind for a smooth and enjoyable stay:

• Be aware of the visa’s expiry date, duration of stay, and the number of entries specified on the visa sticker. Ensure that your travel plans align with these conditions.
• Always carry your travel documents when traveling; failure to present them may result in denial of entry to Norway.
• Make sure to enter Norway within 6 months of the visa issue date or as indicated on the visa sticker. After this period, your permit will become invalid, and you won’t be allowed to enter the country.
• While traveling within Norway, carry a copy of your travel documents with you.
• Keep in mind that you cannot engage in paid work for a Norwegian company or establishment while on a visitor permit. However, participation in unpaid volunteer or charity work is permitted.
• Under normal circumstances, visitor visas cannot be extended.
• You can move freely within the Schengen zone with this permit, and depending on your entry type, you may enter the Schengen area as many times as allowed.