Norway Schengen Visa – Essential Travel Guide and Requirements
Planning a trip to Norway? A Schengen visa allows you to visit Norway and 28 other European countries. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the application process and requirements.
Why Visit Norway?
Norway is famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes, fjords, Northern Lights, and rich cultural heritage:
Tourism: Explore the scenic beauty of the fjords (opens in new tab), the charming city of Oslo (opens in new tab), and experience the Northern Lights in Tromsø (opens in new tab).
Business: Norway is a hub for industries such as oil and gas, maritime services, and renewable energy, making it an important destination for business travelers.
Norway Schengen Visa Requirements
To apply for a Norway Schengen Visa, you’ll need the following documents:
- Correctly Signed Application Form:
- Complete the visa application on the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) portal (opens in new tab), print the Harmonised application form, and sign it.
- One Recent Photograph:
- Passport-sized photo no older than six months, unedited, and meeting the photo requirements (opens in new tab).
- Passport (Original and Copy):
A signed passport issued within the last 10 years, containing two blank pages, and valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen area.
Previous passports with all previous Schengen visas and stamps should be provided if available.
- Proof of UK Residency:
Printed proof of immigration status with a share code (available from GOV.UK (opens in new tab)). UK immigration status is now held as a UKVI eVisa; physical BRPs are no longer valid evidence. Legacy passport endorsements (e.g. an indefinite-leave stamp or vignette) may be provided in addition.
- Proof that you have at least one month of residency in the UK remaining after your planned exit from the Schengen area.
- Proof of Occupation:
Employment: Recent, signed, and official letter from the employer, including salary and position, along with pay slips for the last three months.
Self-Employed: Recent letter from an accountant, banker, or solicitor documenting the business in the UK, along with a self-assessment form from HM Revenue & Customs.
Students: Recent, signed letter from the school, college, or university confirming student status.
- Proof of Financial Means:
Recent UK bank statements for at least the last three months showing the current balance and the applicant’s name.
If financially supported by a spouse or parents, provide their bank statements, proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate), and a letter confirming financial support.
If sponsored by a person or company in Norway: Use UDI’s official sponsorship form.
Credit Card(s) and Credit Card Statements:
Credit card statements showing the applicant’s name, cardholder details, and monthly limit.
- Proof of Reserved Return Ticket or Onward Travel:
- Proof of a reserved return ticket to the UK or onward travel, such as a confirmed overseas ticket if not returning to the UK.
- Proof of Accommodation:
Confirmed hotel bookings for the entire stay in Norway or proof of sufficient funds to cover accommodation.
If sponsored by a person or company in Norway, the sponsor should use UDI’s official sponsorship form to confirm accommodation.
Travel Health Insurance: Must show the applicant’s name, have coverage of at least €30,000, be valid in all Schengen countries, and cover the entire period of intended stay in the Schengen area. The insurance must be obtained from a company based in the United Kingdom or a Member State.
Minors Under 18 Years:
All minors: Provide a birth certificate.
Minors traveling alone or with only one parent:
Original passports or certified copies of biodata pages for both parents.
Proof of consent from both parents or the legal guardian.
British school certificate.
In the case of sole custody: Submit a birth certificate listing only one parent, a death certificate of the absent parent, or a court ruling granting sole custody.
- Power of Attorney (Optional):
- If you wish to appoint another person to represent you during the application process, provide a signed power of attorney.
Documents Required Based on Purpose of Visit
Family/Friend/Romantic Visits:
Copy of the biodata page of the passport or residence permit of the host in Norway.
Invitation letter if no sponsorship form has been submitted, and proof of family or relationship if applicable.
Business/Cultural Visits:
Invitation from a company or authority in Norway to attend meetings, conferences, or cultural events.
Supporting documents showing the existence of trade or work relations, or entry tickets/registration for fairs and events.
Study/Professional Training Visits:
Certificate of enrollment from an educational institution for attending courses or an internship agreement, along with a student card or proof of course attendance.
Tourist Visits:
Confirmed hotel booking for the entire stay in Norway, a tour booking confirmation, or other appropriate documentation such as a list of tour participants.
When to Apply for a Norway Schengen Visa
Submit your application 4 weeks prior to your intended travel date and no earlier than 6 months before departure. Early application helps avoid delays and ensures sufficient time for processing.
Norway Visa Processing Time
Apply Well in Advance: It is recommended to apply at least 4 weeks prior to your travel date to allow for processing time.
Processing Time: Minimum processing time is 15 calendar days from when the Embassy receives the application.
London Applications: Transfer time is 1 working day.
Manchester or Edinburgh Applications: Additional 3 working days for the application to reach the Embassy.
High Risk of Rejection for Late Applications: Applications submitted with less than 15 days before travel are at high risk of rejection unless there is a justified emergency with supporting documentation.
Additional Courier Time: Add 2-3 days each way for courier time, depending on the application location.
Busy Season Warning: During peak times (Easter, summer holidays in July and August, and Christmas), appointments may be fully booked quickly due to the limited daily processing capacity. It is essential to apply well in advance during these periods.
Note: Incomplete applications or missing documents may delay processing. Ensure that all documents are complete and meet the Mission’s requirements.
Types of Visas for Visiting Norway
The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your trip:
- Short-Stay Visa (Type C):
Suitable for tourism and business visits, this common Schengen visa allows travel to Norway and across all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period from entry into the Schengen zone.
Norway Schengen Visa Fees
A Schengen visa to Norway comes with standard fees, as these are uniform across Schengen countries:
Consulate Fee: €90 for adults.
Children (Aged 6–11): €45.
Children Under 6: Free.
Visa Center Fee: £23.
Premium Lounge Fee: £75.
Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it’s advisable to confirm the current rates before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in Norway with a Schengen visa?
Can I visit other Schengen countries with my Norway visa?
Can I extend my Schengen visa in Norway?
Is it possible to work in Norway with a Schengen visa?
Can I study in Norway on a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa only allows short-term studies or training lasting less than 90 days. For longer study programs, you will need a student visa (opens in new tab).
If you want to apply with us, please start your application here.

