Norway Tourist Visa Guide
Tourism holds a significant place in Norway, attracting travelers with its breathtaking glaciers, picturesque landscapes, and the mesmerizing northern lights. The Norway tourist visa offers an opportunity for everyone to explore the country’s natural beauty.
What is Norway Tourist Visa? The Norway Tourist Visa is issued to individuals planning to visit Norway for tourism purposes. As a Schengen category visa, travelers from Schengen countries and nations with visa-exemption agreements with Norway do not require this visa. Commonly known as the Norway Schengen Tourist Visa, it permits a maximum stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry permit.
How to Apply for Norway Tourist Visa? The application process for the Norway tourist visa, particularly for Indian citizens, is conducted online with in-person document submission at a Visa Application Center (VAC). Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Gather all the necessary documents for the tourist visa.
- Visit the Norway visa application online portal and create an account.
- Complete the Norway tourist visa application form, specifying your purpose of visit as ‘tourism.’
- Make the required fee payment online.
- After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation cover letter in your registered email. Print it and sign it.
- Schedule an appointment for document submission at a VAC.
- Attend the VAC appointment with your cover letter and all the required documents.
- Biometric data submission may be necessary at the VAC.
- Note that if you’ve submitted biometric data for a Schengen visa within the past 5 years, there’s no need to resubmit; your previous data will be copied from the Visa Information System (VIS). Ensure all documents are authentic, and provide accurate information to avoid visa rejection.
Eligibility for Norway Tourist Visa To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Reside in the country where you’re submitting the application. If you hold a residence permit in another foreign country, you may apply through the corresponding visa authority in that country.
- Possess a valid passport meeting all necessary regulations.
- Your visit must have tourism as its sole purpose.
- Sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your entire stay.
- You should apply for the permit under the following circumstances:
- Norway is your sole destination.
- Norway is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, with the majority of your time spent in Norway.
- Norway serves as your port of entry into the Schengen region.
Documents Required for Norway Tourist Visa As per the Norway tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens, the following documents are essential to submit a complete application. These documents must be translated into English or Norwegian:
- Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages, not older than 10 years, and valid for at least 6 months from the travel date. Attach any old passports.
- Valid passport photos.
- Printed cover letter from the online application portal.
- Fully filled C category questionnaire.
- Medical travel insurance coverage of at least 30,000 Euros.
- Detailed travel itinerary.
- Proof of occupation, such as an employment letter or a copy of the business license.
- Financial documents, including bank statements from the past three months, a copy of the passbook, and income tax returns.
Norway Tourist Visa Photo Specifications Ensure your visa photo adheres to the following specifications:
- Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm.
- Colored photograph taken within the last three months.
- Head must occupy the central position.
- 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 permitted.
Processing Time for Norway Tourist Visa The processing time for the Norwegian tourist visa depends on various factors, including the number of entries, permit validity, embassy workload, and your travel history. Typically, it takes around 15 working days, excluding transit time. However, in some cases, it may extend to 30 days or even 60 days in exceptional circumstances. Therefore, it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
Norway Tourist Visa Fees The fees for the tourist permit include biometric charges, processing fees, and additional service charges. The application fee can also fluctuate due to currency exchange rates. It’s crucial to check the exact amount before initiating your application.
Entry Stay Duration Validity Fees Multiple entry Normal 90 days 3 months 6530.0 Multiple entry Normal 90 days 3 months 6530.0 Multiple entry Normal 90 days 3 months 8320.0 Multiple entry Normal 90 days 3 months 8320.0
Post-Submission Procedures Once you’ve successfully submitted your application, it will be forwarded to the embassy for processing. While you physically submitted the application at a VAC, the embassy has full control over the processing, and the VAC plays no role in this regard. If your visa is approved, you can collect it directly from the VAC or opt for delivery with an additional charge.
How to Check Visa Status? You can track the status of your Norway tourist visa 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 check the status on your behalf.
During Your Stay in Norway Once you have your visa, keep these points in mind for a smooth journey:
- Be aware of the visa’s expiry date, duration of stay, and the number of entries specified on the visa sticker. Adhere to these conditions during your travel and stay.
- Carry all your travel documents when traveling; failure to present them may result in denial of entry to Norway.
- Travel to Norway within 6 months of the visa’s issue date or as mentioned on the sticker; after this period, the permit becomes invalid for entry.
- Always carry a copy of your travel documents while within the country.
- While on a tourist permit, you cannot engage in paid work for a Norwegian establishment.
- The tourist visa is not extendable under normal conditions.
- You can move freely within the Schengen zone. Depending on your entry type, you can enter or exit the Schengen area as allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, Norway Tourist Visas cannot be extended under normal circumstances. However, in exceptional cases like Force Majeure or humanitarian reasons, extensions may be granted. In most cases, you must leave the country upon visa expiry.
Overstaying your tourist permit’s duration is considered an offense. According to Schengen visa regulations, you must leave the country before the permit’s expiry date. Staying beyond that period can result in deportation and potential bans from entering the Schengen zone
Norway Tourist Visas, being short-term C category permits, typically do not require medical tests. However, D permits may have specific health requirements. In any case, it’s advisable to undergo a health checkup before traveling abroad.
Norway Schengen Tourist Visas cannot be converted into other categories. Additionally, working for a Norwegian company on this visa is not allowed. If you intend to work, you must apply for a work permit in your home country upon returning.
The processing time for a Norway Tourist Visa varies depending on factors such as entry type, permit validity, embassy workload, and your travel history. Generally, it takes around 15 working days, excluding transit time. It’s recommended to apply at least three weeks before your intended travel date but no more than three months in advance.
Yes, as Norway is part of the Schengen Agreement, you can travel to and conduct tourist activities in other Schengen countries with a Norway Tourist Visa. However, visiting non-Schengen European countries will require separate visas. Some countries, like Croatia, may allow entry with a Schengen visa, but this varies by country.