Norway Travel Information

Airport Tax

No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.

Entry requirements

The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.

The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus

From 1 January 2021 UK nationals are no longer classified as EU/EEA nationals and will not be allowed to visit Norway unless they meet certain exceptions. You may be exempted if for example you are resident in another EEA/EU country or if you are a close family member of a Norwegian resident. Please see the UDI website for more detail on these exceptions.

In addition, to these restrictions will also not apply to UK nationals who were legally resident in Norway by 31 December 2020. Those who are legally resident in Norway will be allowed to re-enter the country when travelling but may need to show evidence of residency. This could happen at the Norwegian border or at an airport outside of Norway. The Norwegian authorities are introducing a residency card for eligible UK nationals living in Norway to help prove their status when travelling. The application process opens on 4 January 2021.

UK nationals residing in Norway and under the scope of the Separation Agreement, can use one of the following documents to prove their residence status on entry into Norway:

• certificate of application under sections 19-33 to 19-35 of the Immigration Regulations
• certificate for job seeker
• registration certificate or proof of permanent residence issued under the registration scheme for EEA nationals
• residence card
• residence certificate from the National Population Register
• receipt for registration under the registration scheme for EEA nationals, dated prior to 1 January 2021

For more information contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre online here or ring 0044 300 123 7379.

Testing and quarantine requirements

All travellers who arrive in Norway from a red country must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate upon arrival in Norway. The test must have been taken within the 24 hours prior to departure and be in English, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, French or German. The approved testing methods are PCR or Rapid antigen test. You may be denied entry at the Norwegian border, or boarding at the airport, if you do not produce a valid test certificate when required. You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.

All travellers from red countries must spend the first ten days in Norway in quarantine and must complete a self-declaration form confirming where you will be completing your quarantine period. This period must be spent in a quarantine hotel, unless you meet one of the exemptions as outlined by UDI Those exempt from hotel quarantine are required to travel directly to an appropriate place of quarantine, preferably using private transportation. If you must use public transport, you should use a facemask during the journey. These requirements do not apply to those transiting the country. For more details, read the information from the Norwegian government

In addition to these requirements, all travellers arriving in Norway from the UK, South Africa, Ireland, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Brazil will need to:

• Take a coronavirus PCR test at the border and a second test no earlier than 7 days after arrival
• Register your arrival and notify your local municipality where you are staying

A free coronavirus testing service is available at many international airports in Norway

Further updates will be published when available. Check our advice on things to consider, and be prepared to stay overseas longer than planned.

For more information, contact the Norwegian Embassy in London. Detailed guidance is available on the UDI website

Transiting Norway

Non-residents are still able to transit via Norwegian airports as long as the final destination is not within Norway, but please check with your airline before departing.

Cruises

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against cruise ship travel at this time. This is due to the ongoing pandemic and is based on medical advice from Public Health England.

A number of Norwegian ports are restricting passenger embarkation and disembarkation. The situation can change rapidly so check with your cruise provider for the latest information.

Visas

The Norwegian authorities have confirmed that if your visa has expired or is at risk of expiring, you will be not punished if you overstay as a result of COVID-19 or airline cancellations.. You are not required to notify UDI or the police, but are asked to try to leave as quickly as possible.

Regular entry requirements

Visas

The rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:

• you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
• if you are travelling to Norway and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
• to stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you will need to meet the Norwegian government’s entry requirements. Check with the Norwegian Embassy what type of visa and/or work permit, you may need.
• if you stay in Norway with a visa or permit, this does not count towards the 90-day visa-free limit

Any time you spent in Norway or other Schengen countries before 1 January 2021 does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

At Norwegian border control, you may need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. You may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay

There are separate requirements for those who are resident in Norway. If you are resident in Norway, you should carry proof of residence as well as your valid passport when you travel. For further information on these requirements, see our Living in Norway guide.

Passport validity

Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip, and renew your passport if you do not have enough time left on it.

You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).

If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.

Svalbard

You’ll need your passport with you to travel to and enter Svalbard.

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs)

UK ETDs are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Norway.

Pets

Check with the Norwegian Embassy in London before travelling with pets.

Safety and security

Crime

Crime levels are low, but there’s a risk of petty theft, particularly at airports and railway stations in and around Oslo. Take sensible precautions to protect your belongings, particularly your passport, money and credit cards.

Remain alert when walking home alone at night, and stick to main roads and well lit areas. Avoid shortcuts and quiet roads with no other pedestrians.

Road travel

In 2019 there were 108 road deaths in Norway (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 2.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2019.

Licences and documents

Visitors can drive in Norway using a valid UK or other EU/EEA driving licence. There is no need for an International Driving Permit (IDP). Make sure you have the correct vehicle insurance cover before you arrive.

If you’re living in Norway or planning to stay for longer than 90 days, check the Living in Norway guide for information on requirements for residents.

Road safety

Distances are great, speed limits generally lower than in the UK, and driving takes longer than you might think. Narrow and winding roads may be hazardous and impassable, especially in winter.

Driving regulations

Car drivers must use winter tyres if there is snow or ice covering the roads. When winter tyres are used, they must be fitted on all wheels and must have a minimum tread depth of 3mm. You may also need to use studded tyres or snow chains for extra grip in icy conditions when permitted. You can find more information on the use of tyres and snow chains on the State Highways website.

Keep headlights on at all times. Fines for exceeding the speed limit are high. On roads which are not marked with a priority sign (a yellow diamond), drivers must give way to traffic coming from the right.

Alcohol limits for drivers are far stricter than UK levels. There are frequent roadside checks for alcohol. Penalties for driving under the influence are severe and can lead to a prison sentence.

See the European Commission, AA and RAC guides to driving in Norway.

Road hauliers

Winter tyres are mandatory for heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes from 15 November to 31 March. These vehicles must also be equipped with tyres with a tread depth of at least 5mm and a sufficient number of snow chains. A truckers’ guide in English issued by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration can be found at Donna Diesel.

Svalbard

Follow the advice of the Governor of Svalbard, including on how to protect yourself from possible polar bear attack, the risks of glaciers, avalanches and other dangers outside the main town of Longyearbyen.

Extreme weather and crises

Extreme weather, floods and landslides can occur. The Norwegian government’s website provides information and advice to the public before, during and after a crisis.

Visiting in summer

Mosquitoes and midges can be a problem in forest, lake and mountainous regions. Bans on campfires are strictly enforced in many areas during the summer months. If you plan to go off the beaten track or out to sea, seek local advice about weather conditions and have suitable specialist equipment. The weather can change rapidly, producing Arctic conditions even in summer on exposed mountain tops.

Visiting in winter

The winter is long (it can last well into April) and temperatures can drop to -25°C and below. There is also a high wind chill factor, particularly in unsheltered areas and mountain ranges. Weather conditions can worsen quickly.

Bring warm clothes and practical footwear to cope with icy roads and pavements. You can buy special clamp-on grips (brodder) locally to give extra security in icy conditions. If you are taking part in skiing, hiking or other off road activities use the correct equipment. You can get advice at local information centres, which in smaller places tend to be connected with skiing equipment rental shops. You can also find safety advice for outdoor activities, including skiing, on the Visit Norway website.

Off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. You should follow all safety instructions carefully given the danger of avalanches in some areas and in particular in times of heavy snow. Always check with the local tourist offices on current snow and weather conditions on arrival. You can get information about the risk of an avalanche by visiting the websites of the Norwegian Avalanche Warning Service or the European Avalanche Warning Service.

Read more about how to Ski Safe.