As per the VisaGuide Passport Index data of July 2023, Norway's passport ranks 9th globally, providing Norwegian citizens with visa-free access to 156 countries. However, to access the remaining nations, visa procurement prior to travel is a necessity for Norwegian passport holders.

Visa-Free Destinations for Norwegian Passport Holders

Norwegian passport holders enjoy the privilege of visa-free travel to a total of 156 countries and territories, listed as follows:

It's crucial to note that a valid passport—typically valid for six months beyond your departure date—and relevant travel health insurance, as mandated by the destination country, are necessary for visa-free travel.

ID-Only Entry Countries for Norwegian Citizens

Norwegian citizens can gain entry into the following countries simply using an identification card, Aruba ,Austria, Belgium ,Caribbean Netherlands ,Bulgaria ,Croatia ,Curaçao ,Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark ,Estonia, Faroe Islands ,Finland ,France, French Guiana ,French Polynesia ,French West Indies ,Germany ,Greece, Greenland ,Hungary ,Iceland ,Ireland ,Italy, Latvia ,Liechtenstein, Lithuania ,Luxembourg ,Malta ,Mayotte, Netherlands, New Caledonia ,Poland ,Portugal, Réunion ,Romania ,Slovakia ,Slovenia ,Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

eVisa for Norwegian Passport Holders

The following 12 countries provide an eVisa facility to Norwegian passport holders:

The eVisa procurement process resembles that of traditional visas, with the difference being the convenience of online application and payment. Upon approval, an email confirming the visa status and a document, which you should print and carry while travelling, is sent.

Visa on Arrival for Norwegian Passport Holders

Norwegian citizens can avail a visa on arrival for the 31 countries below, Bahrain, Bangladesh ,Burkina Faso ,Burundi ,Cambodia ,Cabo Verde ,Comoros ,Egypt ,Guinea-Bissau ,Iran ,Jordan ,Kuwait ,Lebanon ,Madagascar ,Malawi ,Maldives, Marshall Islands ,Mauritania ,Nepal ,Palau, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda ,Samoa, Saudi Arabia ,Seychelles ,Sierra Leone ,Somalia ,Saint Helena ,Tanzania ,Togo, Zimbabwe

A visa on arrival is issued post-entry into the issuing country, typically at a dedicated airport section.

Countries with Visa Requirements for Norwegian Citizens

To gain entry into the following 27 countries, Norwegian passport holders must obtain a valid visa:

Visa Application Process for Norwegian Citizen

The apply for e-Visa application procedure typically involves the following steps:

• Schedule an appointment with the visa center in Norway.
• Prepare the necessary documents required for Norwegian Citizens , including passport, application form, health insurance, etc. Some documents may require apostille stamp verification or foreign office certification.
• Submit your application and attend the visa interview. Some embassies or consulates may also require biometric data submission.

Required Documents for Visa Application

While specific requirements may vary, Norwegian citizens generally need to provide:

• Valid Norwegian passport (and a photocopy)
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Travel health insurance covering the entire stay duration
• Proof of visa fee payment
• Detailed travel itinerary
• Letter of invitation (if applicable)
• Proof of return flight ticket
• Proof of accommodation booking
• Proof of sufficient funds for the visit
• Relevant civil status documents (birth certificates, marriage papers, etc.)

Note: A history of criminal activity may lead to visa rejection.

Transit Visas for Norwegian Citizens

While many countries allow Norwegian citizens to visit without a visa, there are also countries that require a transit visa, even if you're just passing through the airport on your way to another destination. If your flight includes a layover in these countries, you must secure a transit visa before your travel. It's crucial to check the transit visa requirements of any country where you might have a layover, to avoid any complications during your journey.

Travelling to the Schengen Area as a Norwegian Citizen

Norwegian citizens enjoy the privilege of unrestricted travel within the Schengen Area, which is composed of 26 European countries that abolished their internal borders, allowing free and unrestricted movement of people. There's no need for Norwegians to go through passport control when travelling within this area.

Visa Exemptions for Specific Categories

Certain countries provide visa exemptions for specific categories of Norwegian travelers such as diplomatic, official, service, and special passport holders. If you fall under these categories, you may benefit from these exemptions. Be sure to consult the appropriate authority or embassy to obtain accurate information.

Visa Extensions and Overstaying

What happens if you want to stay longer in a country than your visa-free stay permits, or if you unintentionally overstay your welcome? Each country has its own rules and penalties for these situations. Some countries allow you to extend your visa-free stay without leaving, while others require you to exit and re-enter. On the other hand, overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, or even a ban from the country. It's essential to know the specific rules for each country you visit.

Importance of Visa-Free Access

Visa-free access is not just a matter of convenience. It also demonstrates a country's level of international respect and trust. Countries that have widespread visa-free access are often seen as having stable and positive international relations.

Updates on Visa Policies

Visa policies and agreements between countries can change. It is important to keep up-to-date with the latest information before you travel. Governments usually provide this information on their official websites, or you can check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. Keep in mind that information can change, so always check for updates close to your departure date.

Tips for Trouble-Free Travelling

While a visa-free access allows for ease of travel, there are still guidelines and rules that you must abide by when visiting a foreign country. Respect for local customs and traditions, adherence to laws, and understanding of entry and exit requirements are essential for a trouble-free travel experience. It's always advisable to do a bit of research on the country you plan to visit, to avoid any unexpected issues or cultural misunderstandings.

Remember, having a visa-free access to a country does not grant you unlimited rights. It's important to understand and respect the terms of your stay.

FAQ

Q1: What does visa-free travel mean for Norwegian citizens?

A1: Visa-free travel means that Norwegian citizens can enter certain countries without a visa for a specified period. However, the length of stay and the permitted activities (such as tourism, business meetings, etc.) can vary from country to country.

Q2: How can I find out if I need a visa for the country I plan to visit?

A2: You can check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. You can also look up the information on the official government website of the respective country.

Q3: Do I need a passport to travel to the countries that offer visa-free entry?

A3: Yes, you will still need a valid passport to travel to most countries, even those that offer visa-free entry. However, some countries allow entry with just an ID card.

Q4: What if I want to stay longer than the visa-free period allows?

A4: If you wish to stay longer than the allowed period, you will likely need to apply for a visa. You should contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to understand the process.

Q5: Can I work in a country that offers visa-free travel to Norwegian citizens?

A5: Typically, visa-free travel is intended for tourism, not employment. If you intend to work, you will likely need a work permit or visa. Always check the specific requirements with the embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit.

Q6: I have a layover in a country that requires a visa for Norwegians. Do I need a transit visa?

A6: Some countries require a transit visa, even if you're just passing through the airport. You should check with the embassy or consulate of the country where you have your layover.

Q7: How can I extend my stay in a country that allows visa-free travel for Norwegian citizens?

A7: Each country has its own rules for extending your stay. Some countries may require you to apply for a visa, while others might require you to exit the country and re-enter. Check with the embassy or consulate of the specific country for their procedures.

Q8: What happens if I overstay my visa-free period in a country?

A8: Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering the country. If you've accidentally overstayed, it's best to contact the local immigration office as soon as possible to understand the next steps.

Q9: Are there any countries that Norwegian citizens cannot visit?

A9: As of the last update, there are no countries that outright forbid Norwegian citizens from visiting. However, some countries do require Norwegians to apply for a visa beforehand.

Q10: How often does visa-free access change for Norwegian citizens?

A10: Visa policies can change, but major changes are relatively infrequent. It's always a good idea to check the latest information before you travel.