Foreign travel advice

Norway

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Norway set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how Norway’s entry requirements apply to you, contact the Norwegian Embassy in the UK

Passport validity requirements 

Norway follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

  • have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
  • have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. 

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Norway, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

  • as a tourist
  • to visit family or friends
  • to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
  • for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Norway are different.

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.

If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

At Norwegian border control, you may also need to:

  • show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home
  • show proof of your travel insurance
  • show a return or onward ticket
  • prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, you must meet the Norwegian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Norwegian Embassy in the UK.

If you are in Norway with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Norway.

New Schengen entry requirements

Plans for the introduction of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including British nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area has been delayed. Information will be updated when available.

Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System.

Svalbard 

You’ll need your passport to travel to and enter the Svalbard archipelago. 

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Norway guide.

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Norway.   You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

It is illegal to import whale meat from Norway into the UK. You could get a fine of up to £5,000 or a prison sentence. 

Russian vehicle restrictions

There are restrictions on vehicles with Russian licence plates in Norway.

Taking food into Norway

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EEA countries without special permission. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Norway 

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 25,000 Norwegian krone or more. If you do not declare it, you could get a substantial fine and temporary confiscation of the excess money, which may then be released only through a bank.