If you are going to Norway and you reside in the United States, you need to obtain a Norway Schengen Visa. With an approval rate of 83.76%, securing a visa to Norway is easy. The Embassy of Norway and its Consulates got a total of 2550 visa applications, making it clear that it is an ideal destination
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa
U.S. travelers do not need a visa to enter Norway as long as your stay is 90 days or less within 180 days, and your visit is for tourism, business, short-term studies, cultural or sports events, or medical treatment. If your plans involve moving to Norway for long-term work, studies, or permanent residence, you’ll need to apply for a National (D) Visa.
Starting in 2024, U.S. citizens will also be required to register for ETIAS before traveling to Norway. It remains valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.
Do Green Card Holders Need a Visa
For U.S. Green Card holders, a Norway Schengen Visa is required if your passport is:
You won’t need a visa If your passport is a Norwegian one or from another country that is in agreement with the EU.
If your passport is from a country whose nationals do not have an agreement, you will have to apply for a visa.
To find out what kind of visa you need, you should first check whether you need one before going to Norway
Who Can Apply
You’re eligible to apply for a Norway Visa if:
- You’re a citizen of a country whose citizens require a visa to enter.
- You must be a legal resident in the United States, which includes Green Card holders and individuals on various visa categories like F1 (I-20), H1B, G1, J1, etc.
- Your U.S. residence should remain valid for at least three months after your return.
- You’re a U.S. citizen who has previously been denied visa-free entry to Norway or any other Schengen country.
However, there are some essential considerations to keep in mind:
- Norway should be the sole European destination on your itinerary.
- Norway should be your primary destination. If you intend to visit multiple Schengen states, ensure that you spend an equal or greater number of days in Norway compared to the other countries you plan to explore.
- Tourists and visitors with U.S. visa types B1/B2 and J1 Summer Work Travel visas must apply in their country of residence.
Types of Norway Short-Stay Visas Available for U.S. Residents and Green Card Holders
- Airport Transit Visa: This is for travelers transiting through a Norwegian airport en route to their final destination outside the Schengen Area.
- Tourist/Visitor Visa: Ideal for those planning holidays, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family residing in Norway.
- Business Visa: If you’ll be participating in business-related activities in Norway.
- Official Visit: Reserved for official delegations coming to Norway on business.
- Medical Visa: If you require medical treatment in Norway.
- Short-term Study Visa: For those attending short-term courses, lasting up to three months, at educational institutions in Norway.
- Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews: If you’re attending a cultural or sports event in Norway.
Requirements
Before you submit your Norway visa application in the United States, make sure you have the following documents ready:
Completed and Signed Application Form:
The application must be filled out with a blue pen. You can download the application form from the official website.
Valid Passport:
Your passport should not be older than 10 years and must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date. Ensure it has at least 2 blank visa pages and your signature.
Two Recent Passport-sized Photographs:
These photos should meet Schengen requirements, meaning they must be recent, in color, and with a white background.
Proof of Residency:
Provide your Green Card (alien residence card) or a valid residence visa for the U.S., which should also allow re-entry into the United States if necessary.
Travel Itinerary:
Include a flight reservation with booking ID, your name, destination, and flight number.
Travel Medical Insurance:
Obtain travel medical insurance for Norway with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros (or the equivalent in USD, up to $50,000).
Proof of Accommodation:
Show evidence of your accommodation arrangements in Norway.
Cover Letter:
Write a cover letter stating the purpose of your visit, duration of your stay, travel dates, and information about anyone accompanying you.
Visa Fee Payment:
Submit proof of payment for the visa fee along with your application.
Financial Means Proof:
Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Norway. This could be in the form of bank account statements, sponsorship letters, or a combination of both, depending on your circumstances.
Proof of Civil Status:
Depending on your situation, provide marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other relevant documents.
Proof of Employment:
Include employment-related documents such as employment contracts, bank statements, leave permissions, income tax returns, or a notarized letter if you’re economically dependent on someone.
For Self-employed Individuals:
Provide a copy of your business license, company bank statements, and income tax returns.
For Foreign Students on F1 Visas:
Present a valid I-20 and a reference letter from your educational institution.
For Retirees:
Include pension statements for the last 6 months.
For Tourism or Sightseeing:
Prove your accommodation arrangements in Norway, which should include detailed hotel reservations.
For Visiting Friends and/or Family:
Show proof of your relationship with your host in Norway, including an invitation letter, a copy of their passport and residence permit, and a stamped guarantee form.
For Business Purposes:
Provide an invitation letter from the company you’re visiting, a certificate from your employer explaining the purpose of your trip, business bank statements, and relevant business documents.
For Medical Purposes:
Supply a local medical report from your home country, a medical attestation from a Norwegian hospital or doctor, proof of payment for medical fees, and official confirmation of your treatment or appointment.
Additional Required Documents for Minors:
If you’re applying for a Norway visa for a minor, ensure you have these additional documents:
- Original birth certificate.
- The Norway visa application form was signed by both parents.
- If the minor is traveling alone, a notarized authorization to travel to Norway is signed by both parents or legal guardians.
- If one parent is not in the United States, they should submit their signed consent to the Embassy/Consulate of their residing country.
Processing Time
It typically takes a minimum of 15 days to obtain your visa in the United States. However, in certain situations, such as high application volumes, this processing period can be extended to up to 30 days and may even stretch to 60 days. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for your short-stay visa well in advance, and you should not apply earlier than three months before your intended travel date
Paying the Visa Fee
- Visa application fee: EUR 80 (approximately USD 95.45)
- for children aged between 6-11 years: EUR 40 (approximately USD 47.72)
- Fee for children under 6 years: No fee
- U.S. residents holding a passport from Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Kosovo: EUR 35 (approximately USD 38.52)
- Researchers traveling to conduct scientific research or participate in a scientific seminar or conference: No fee
- U.S. residents holding a passport of the Gambia: EUR 120 (approximately USD 132.07)
Please note that currency exchange rates may vary, so it’s essential to confirm the latest rates when making your payment.
Getting a Norway Schengen Visa from the United States involves several steps but with preparation and adherence to the requirements, your journey to explore Norway can become a reality. Remember to plan, apply on time, and ensure all your documents are to make your visa application process smooth
