Norway Visa: Visa Application And Requirements

Norway is most commonly known for its fjords, magical skies, and lakes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations for people across the globe.

Luckily for me, some of my family members moved to Norway a few years ago. They always said that we should visit them, but as we all know, life happens. So when the time eventually came for me to visit them, I realized that there is much more than just buying a plane ticket.

I found out that I needed to apply for a Norway Schengen Visa. This is a regular Schengen Visa application, but there are a few things that you have to pay attention to before you apply for the Norway Schengen Visa.

This post will cover everything you need to know about the required documents, the Norway Visa application, and essential requirements.

Let's get started:

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For your convenience, you can get your Norway Tourist Visa within minutes. You’re probably thinking this is too good to be true. Well, my friend, think again.

Apply through Atlys. By using Atlys, you can easily apply for your Norway Schengen Visa right now. This is a straightforward process where you will just need to provide your personal details and trip information.

Atlys does all the hard work for you! This hard work includes everything from booking your visa appointment to your required documents.

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Before you start applying for your Norway Schengen Visa, there are a few things you need to know first. I will explain a few important points about the Norwegian Schengen Visa. Later in this post, I will cover the required documents and the steps that you will take when applying for your Norway Schengen Visa.

• What Is The Norway Schengen Visa?
• Who Needs A Norway Schengen Visa?
• What Is The Processing Time For The Norway Schengen Visa?
• When Can I Apply For The Norway Schengen Visa?
• What Is The Norway Schengen Visa Application Fee?
• Where Can I Apply For The Norway Schengen Visa?
• What Are The Financial Requirements For The Norway Schengen Visa?

What Is The Norway Schengen Visa?

The Norway Schengen Visa gives travelers authorization to enter the Norwegian borders for various reasons. This could be either for tourism, business, or medical reasons. Because I was visiting my family, I had to apply for a Norway Tourist Visa. This application will be valid for sightseeing when visiting family members or on vacations to visit Norway.

There are also other terms for the Norway Tourist Visa, such as:

• The Norway Schengen Visa
• The Short Term Visa
• The Short-Stay Visa
• The 90 Day Visa
• The Visitors Entry Visa

You can choose any of the names above, but ultimately you should know that it only provides entry to Norway for 90 days within a 180-day period. This is also widely known as the 90/180 rule. With the 90/180 day rule, you are eligible for multiple entries. This is derived from the type of visa you are applying for. An example of needing a multiple entry visa is when you want to visit Svalbard, you will need a multiple entry visa.

A great benefit to acquiring a Norway Schengen Visa is that you can go to the other European countries within the Schengen Area. These countries have signed the Schengen agreement an they include:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The Norway Tourist Visa only allows for visiting and tourism purposes. Therefore, if you want to work in Norway, you will need to apply for a different visa.

Important Note: If you plan to visit the other Schengen States, you have to provide your travel itinerary and cover letter. This must accompany your visa application.

Who Needs A Norway Schengen Visa?

After some research, I found that not all nationals have to apply for a Norway Schengen/Tourist Visa. Therefore, it is essential to first determine if you have to apply for a Schengen Visa before starting your application process.

• US Citizens:

If you are a US Citizen, there is no need to apply for a Norway Schengen Visa. US Citizens enjoy free travel to the Schengen area. You will be allowed to enter any Schengen Country without a Schengen Visa.

• US Green Card Holders:

Although some citizens have a US Green Card, it does not mean you enjoy free travel, and therefore you must apply for a Schengen Visa. This will all depend on your nationality. If your origin country requires you to apply for a Schengen Visa, you will have to apply for a Schengen Visa to travel to Norway. As I said previously, if you enjoy visa-free traveling, you do not need to apply for a Schengen Visa to travel to Norway.

• Third-World Nationals (non-EU countries):

Not all countries outside of Europe enjoy visa-free traveling. Therefore nationals from such countries have to apply for a Schengen Visa to travel to Norway. Here is a list of countries that need a visa to enter Norway.

• Nationals from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and the Schengen Area do not have to apply for a Schengen Visa when visiting Norway.

Important note: At the end of 2022, citizens that enjoy visa-free travel must apply for an ETIAS.

What Is The Processing Time For The Norway Schengen Visa?

The processing time for applications is generally up to 15 calendar days after the embassy or consulate receives the application. In some cases, applications are sent to the Directorate of Immigration (UDI), with processing times of up to 45 calendar days. Please keep in mind that courier times to and from the Consulate General can range from 1 to 7 days.

If you have an urgent case, notify VFS at the time of your submission and provide documentation as to why the matter is urgent; the Consulate General will take this into account when processing your case.

Norway has strict rules when applying for a Schengen Visa. This all depends on the country that you are applying for. They call it a consultation process, where the Norwegian consulate or UDI sends your application to other Schengen countries to be approved. It is important to note that your application cannot be processed until they have the approval of the other Schengen countries and that your application will not be processed within 8-days. Here is a list of the countries that need to submit their application for approval (consultation).

It is strongly advised that applications be submitted to VFS at least four weeks before departure so that the Consulate General can process the case in time for the intended departure.

When Can I Apply For The Norway Schengen Visa?

As a general rule, it is good to apply early but note that you must not submit your application before 6 months of your departure date.

The recommended time before submitting your application is 4 weeks. The reason for submitting it 4 weeks in advance is because of the delays in sending the documents to the consulate. This can be time-consuming and can cause delays in your visa application.

Quick Note: If possible, do not buy your plane ticket or pay for your accommodation before your Visa application has been processed and approved.

What Is The Norway Schengen Visa Application Fee?

• For Adults: €80 (EUR)
• For Children between the ages of 6 - 12: €40 (EUR)
• For Children under the age of 6: Free

If you want to find out more about who is exempt from paying a Schengen Visa fee, you can read more here.

Where Can I Apply For The Norway Schengen Visa?

Applications for Schengen visas to Norway should be made at a Norwegian Consulate/Embassy or a visa application center affiliated with Norway.

Ideally, you should file your application in the country where you legally reside/are a citizen. However, suppose you must apply through a consulate/center in a country where you are currently legally present but do not legally reside. In that case, you must first obtain permission from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in that country.

In countries with no Norwegian consular presence, applications may be submitted through the consulate of a Schengen member state representing Norwegian consular interests.

What Are The Financial Requirements For The Norway Schengen Visa?

If you are unaware, you should have proof of financial means to travel to Norway. This usually is a copy of bank statements covering the last 3 months, a copy of the past 3 months' salary, or a pension cheque.

You must have a minimum of KOR 500, which is equivalent to 52 Euro per day, per person. Please use a trusted currency converter to ensure that you will have sufficient funds for your application to be approved.

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• A Complete Schengen Visa application form and cover letter must be completed through the application portal.
• The Checklist and the documents listed on it.
• A recent passport photo.
• Copies of your travel document and previous visas (Valid passport).
• Proof of residency if you are a citizen applying in another country (a residence permit such as a US Green Card).
• A complete flight itinerary/Return flight reservation.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, etc.).
• Proof of financial means to support yourself (bank statements, payslips, etc.).
• Documents stating your employment (employment contract, income tax returns, etc.).
• Proof of Medical Insurance/Travel insurance (minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage).
• An invitation letter (if applicable).

Quick note: If you want an in-depth explanation of the documents described above, you can read Atlys’s dedicated Schengen Visa Requirement guide. One last thing, consular authorities can request additional documents to be submitted during your application process.

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We are now on the home straight to your Norway Schengen Visa. First, I will tell you the step-by-step process you can follow when applying for your Norway Schengen Visa.

• Step 1: Collect The Required Documents For Your Application
• Step 2: Print, Complete And Sign The Checklist
• Step 3: Complete The Online Application Form
• Step 4: Schedule A Visa Appointment
• Step 5: Attend Your Visa Appointment
• Step 6: Wait For Your Visa To Be Processed
• Step 7: Collect Your Norway Tourist Visa

Step 1: Collect The Required Documents For Your Application

Before you do anything, first ensure that you have all your documents ready. This includes all the documents that I have mentioned above.

As a forgetful person myself, I advise that you make copies of all your documents to ensure that you at least have backups if you lose something.

Step 2: Print, Complete And Sign The Checklist

Before starting the application process, you have to complete the checklist. This checklist will also give an overview of all the documents you will need when applying for your Norway Schengen Visa.

Ensure that you print it out, complete it, and sign it afterward. This is an important document that must accompany your application upon submission.

Step 3: Complete The Online Application Form

Firstly you have to register on the online portal if you have not already done so.

After you have registered on the UDI portal, you will have to click on the “Want to apply” section as shown below:

Here you will be asked to provide personal information, trip information, travel expenses, etc.

As soon as you have completed your online application form, you will have to make the payment through a secure portal before submitting it.

You will then receive an email confirming you have successfully paid for your application.

Step 4: Schedule A Visa Appointment

After submitting your application through Norway's UDI online visa portal, you will likely be asked to schedule an appointment. You can schedule an appointment online by following this link.

Step 5: Attend Your Visa Appointment

As you may have guessed, you will need to attend your visa appointment. This will be a short in-person interview with one of the Norway consulate/embassy officials.

If you have not already submitted your application to Norway's UDI online visa portal, you will have the opportunity to submit your application during your interview. During this interview, you will also submit the required documents as mentioned previously.

After submitting all the required documents, the staff member will ask you a few questions regarding your trip. If you are stressed about the interview, don't be, as here are a few guidelines to help you ace your Schengen Visa interview.

Step 6: Wait For Your Visa To Be Processed

Now you can start to get into the vacation mood. The hard work is done, and now you can just sit back, relax and wait for your visa to be processed.

As mentioned earlier, the processing time will be about 15 calendar days. Once your visa has been processed, authorities will notify you via email, SMS, or a phone call (depending on the contact method you selected).

Step 7: Collect Your Norway Tourist Visa

Ding! You have just received confirmation that your visa has been processed and approved. It’s time to celebrate.

Now you can head over to the Visa Application Center, Norway Embassy, or consulate to collect your Norway Schengen Visa.

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The last thing you need to do is sit back and relax after a stressful application process. I hope you are ready because you are on your way to Norway.