Are you planning a visit to Norway? In this guide, we will explain all you need to know about the Norway Tourist Visa. The eligibility criteria, application process, and tips for a successful application.
Do I Need a Tourist Visa
If you are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries that have an agreement with the Schengen Area, then you don’t need a visa to visit Norway for tourism purposes. But from 2024, all the citizens of these countries must register for ETIAS to enter Norway. If your country is not on the list, you will need a visitor short-stay visa for a specific period
Requirements
- Start by completing the visa application form accurately and fully. Make sure all information provided is correct and up-to-date.
- You’ll need two recent passport-sized photos that adhere to the Schengen visa photo criteria. These photos should be taken within the last three months.
- Ensure your passport is not older than ten years and has a minimum validity of three months beyond your planned stay in the Schengen Area. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stickers.
- Prepare a document that includes your travel dates, and flight numbers, and specifies your entry and exit from the Schengen Area. This could be a flight reservation. It’s essential to provide accurate travel details.
- Obtain travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, or the equivalent in your currency, for the entire duration of your stay.
- Show evidence of where you’ll be staying during your time in the Schengen Area. This can take various forms, including:
- Hotel/hostel booking with complete details (name, address, phone, and email).
- Rent agreement if you have rented a place in Norway.
- Letter of tour organizer if you’re traveling with a tour agency.
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself throughout your stay in the Schengen Area. This can be done through:
Bank account statements.
A sponsorship letter if someone else is financing your trip. This is also known as an Affidavit of Support and should include the sponsor’s financial proof.
A combination of both.
Proof of Invitation (if applicable)
If you’re visiting friends or family in Norway, you’ll need:
- An invitation letter from your host in Norway with a copy of their passport and/or residence permit. This letter should be signed by your host and notarized.
- An original guarantee form stamped and signed by the Police in Norway.
- Proof of your relationship with the host residing in Norway
Proof of Civil Status
Depending on your situation, you may need to provide:
- Marriage certificates.
- Birth certificates of children.
- Death certificates of a spouse, if applicable.
Evidence of Employment Status
If you’re employed, you’ll need:
- Employment contract.
- Leave permission from your employer.
- Income Tax Return.
For self-employed individuals:
- A copy of your business license.
- Company’s bank statement for the latest six months.
- Income Tax Return (ITR).
If you’re a student:
- Proof of enrollment.
- No Objection Letter from your university.
- Travel Itinerary
- Include a detailed description of your trip to Europe, specifying your purpose of travel, the places you intend to visit, your itinerary, time frame, and personal data.
Additional Requirements for Minors
- Birth certificate or proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced or in case of a parent’s death.
- Letter of consent from parents, including passport copies of both parents/legal guardians.
Please note that Norwegian authorities have strict rules and requirements for issuing visas, so it’s crucial to ensure all your documents are in order and follow the guidelines precisely. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact the embassy or visa application center for clarification.
Financial Requirements for a Norwegian Tourist/Visitor Visa
To obtain a Norway Tourist/Visitor Visa, you must demonstrate financial stability. Norwegian authorities require proof that you have a minimum of EUR 48 per day to cover your expenses during your stay in the country. Failing to meet this financial requirement could result in your visa application being denied.
Please keep in mind that currency exchange rates can fluctuate, so it’s advisable to check the latest rates when preparing your application.
Where to Apply
In the United States, the application process for a Norway Tourist/Visitor Visa is managed by VFS Global, an official visa application center. There are multiple VFS Global centers across the country where you can submit your application.
How to Apply
Applying for a Norway Tourist/Visitor Visa involves several steps, and it’s essential to follow them meticulously to ensure a smooth application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Submit your visa application at least three weeks before your intended travel date. Keep in mind that waiting times for appointments at Norwegian embassies and consulates can be lengthy, so plan well in advance.
- Find the nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate in your area. If there isn’t one in your country, check if there’s a Norwegian embassy in another country that handles visa applications.
- Fill out the visa application form with precision and honesty. Depending on your location, you may be able to complete it online or by hand and provide two signed copies of the application form.
- The embassy, consulate, or visa application center will provide instructions on how to pay the visa fee via bank transfers or online payments.
- Familiarize yourself with common questions asked during visa interviews to increase your chances
- Double-check that you have all the required documents in order before submitting your application. Missing or incomplete documents can lead to delays or visa denials.
- On the day of your visa appointment, arrive on time. Being punctual is crucial
Processing Time
The processing time can vary depending on various factors, including the workload at the Norwegian embassy or consulate you’ve applied to. In general, you can expect a minimum processing time of 15 days. However, during peak application periods or under exceptional circumstances, it may take up to 30 days or even 60 days in rare cases.
Given these potential processing times, it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date. Remember not to submit your application more than three months before your planned trip to Norway.
Paying the Visa Fee
When it comes to paying the visa fee for a Norway Tourist/Visitor Visa from the United States, online payment is the preferred method. Here’s an overview of the fees:
- Norway Tourist/Visitor Visa application fee for adults: EUR 80 (approximately USD 95.45)
- Fee for children aged 6-12: EUR 40 (approximately USD 47.72)
- Fee for nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Kosovo holding U.S. passports: EUR 35 (approximately USD 38.52)
- Researchers traveling for scientific purposes or participating in seminars or conferences: No fee
- Fee for U.S. residents holding a passport of the Gambia: EUR 120 (approximately USD 132.07)
Please note that exchange rates can fluctuate, so it’s essential to verify the latest rates when making your payment.
In conclusion, obtaining a Norway Tourist/Visitor Visa involves a thorough process, but with careful planning and adherence to the requirements, your journey to explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Norway can become a reality. Remember to start early, apply on time, and ensure that all your documents are to make your visa application process successful.