Norway, the Land of the Midnight Sun, is the northernmost country in Europe. The country is known for its fjords, mountains and coastline. The country boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world. Norway attracts a lot of tourists from around the world. The natural beauty of the country appeals to those that are looking for adventure as well as those that want peace and tranquility. The tourism industry of the nation is booming despite its apparent challenges. As the name ‘Land of the Midnight Sun' suggests, Norway receives a lot of daylight from late May to late June due to high altitudes. In fact, large parts of the nation receive up to 20 hours of daylight. However, from late November to Late January, days are very short.

A visitor's visa allows you to stay in Norway or other countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days over a period of 180 days.

Citizens of India, Bhutan and Nepal must apply for a visitor’s visa to Norway and/or Schengen.

If you plan to visit more than one Schengen country in the course of one trip, or if you plan several separate trips within a period of two months, you must submit your application to the embassy or consulate of the country that is your main destination based on the length of your stay, or the purpose of stay.

If you plan to visit several Schengen countries and the main destination cannot be determined, you must submit your application to the embassy or consulate of the country that is your first point of entry to the Schengen area.

Documents Required for Norway Visa

Must have Documents for Norway Visa:

Original Passport with at least 6 months validity and minimum 3 blank pages + all old passports if any;
Visa Application form;
2 recent colour photographs (Photo Specification);
Personal Covering letter (For Employed - Plain paper/ For Self-Employed – Company Letterhead);
Original updated Bank statement of last six months.(If covering the cost of the visit yourself, show minimum balance of NOK 500 per day/person);
Income Tax Returns / Form 16 for last 3 years;
Flight reservation;
Hotel reservation;
Day wise Itinerary;
Travel Insurance (minimum coverage of EUR 30000).

Kindly note: The Govt is very strict on the photograph requirement; please ensure that your photos are as per the specifications.

Supporting documents as per your occupation, type of visit:

If Employed:

Original Leave sanctioned certificate with company seal and signature;
Last 3 months salary slip.

If Self Employed:

Business Registration License / MOA / Partnership deed;
Company’s updated bank statement of last 6 months.

If Retired:

Proof of retirement like pension book, statement etc.

If Student:

School / College / Institute ID Card;
Bonafide certificate.

If Minor:

Birth Certificate;
No Objection Certificate from the parents / non-accompanying parent on Rs 100/- stamp paper;
ID proof of parent like passport or PAN card.

If Visiting friend or relative:

Invitation letter/Original UDI guarantee form for visit (attested by the police in Norway) if the reference is guaranteeing for the cost of travel and stay;
Inviter’s ID proof like Passport or Resident Permit;
Address proof like any Electricity bill, any Utility bill etc.

If Sponsored:

Sponsorship letter;
Sponsor’s national ID proof like Passport, PAN card or Resident permit;
Updated bank statement of last 6 months;
Income tax returns of the last 3 years.

For Business Visa:

Invitation letter from host Company stating purpose of trip, business details etc;
Covering letter from Indian company on company letterhead.

Norway Visa Application Process

How to Apply for Norwegian Visa:

The visa application process for a Norway visa is very straightforward unlike the visa application process for other countries such as the US. Before applying for the visa, you should check the eligibility requirements based on your purpose of visit. You can apply for a Norwegian visa by submitting it to The Embassy of Norway at New Delhi. However, the official website of the embassy suggests that you use VFS Services to apply for the visa.

The first step in applying for the visa is to choose your type of visa and pertinent category depending on the purpose of your visit.

You will need to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the visa and that you have the necessary documentation that will be required for the same.

The second step is to apply for the visa by submitting the visa application form along with the relevant documents.

The third step is to book an appointment. Remember that you will need to visit the embassy or general consulate for your visa appointment. After you arrive at the embassy or consulate for your appointment, you will be called to the visa application submission counter. You will need to submit the required documents along with your photograph and passport.

If you are issued a visa, then you will need to collect the visa from the embassy or consulate in person. You will not be allowed to send someone in your stead. However, the following can be considered as representatives if you cannot appear in person:

Family members: Parents, Siblings, Spouses and Children
An individual, if you are traveling as a group, but the individual will need to be a member of the group
A government authorized an individual, but he or she will need an approval letter from the government
Company’s official representative, but a letter of approval along with necessary identification will be required

Any representative in the cases mentioned above will need to present the following:

Government issued ID Card
Original ICR
Approval letter from the applicant granting authority

In order to apply for the visa, the first thing that you will need to do is choose the visa category depending on the nature and purpose of your visit, and go over the requirements for the same.

The second thing that you will need to do is book an appointment before you submit your visa application . Once you arrive at the visa application center, you will need to take a token from the entrance then proceed to the waiting area. You will be called to the visa application submission counter to submit your application and the required documents. The documents along with your photograph and passport will be scrutinized and verified for their authenticity and validity.

Lastly, you will receive a receipt for the services and fees charged during the process. DO ensure to carry all the originals of your documents.

Norway Entry Restrictions in Response to Coronavirus

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, Norway, as well as the other EU and Schengen Area members imposed an EU-wide entry ban on third-country nationals in mid-March 2020.

Currently, only the following categories of persons from countries outside the EEA/Schengen area or the UK can also travel to Norway, but they have to self-quarantine for ten days:

Those who have a work and residence permit in Norway
Those who have family or a partner in Norway
Students or workers with technical competence that is exempt from the residence permit requirement
Employees in non-profit, religious and humanitarian organizations
Children and stepchildren over the age of 21 to a person resident in Norway
Parents and stepparents of children over the age of 21 living in Norway
Grandparents and grandparents of a person resident in Norway
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren of a person resident in Norway
Children of established boyfriend/girlfriend (a relationship that has started at least nine months before, and both parties have met physically)
Spouse, registered partner, cohabitation and children of Norwegian citizens residing abroad and traveling to Norway together with the Norwegian citizen
EEA citizens and their family members residing in third countries