{"slug":"norway","title":"Norway travel advice","updated_at":"2026-08-25T09:47:40+01:00","reviewed_at":"2026-08-25T08:47:40Z","change_description":"Removal of information about an ongoing air traffic controllers' strike ('Warnings and insurance' page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Norway set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how Norway’s entry requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.norway.no/en/uk\">Norwegian Embassy in the UK</a>. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements </h2>\n\n<p>Norway follows <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm\">Schengen area rules</a>. Your passport must:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>\n    <p>have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area</p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)</p>\n  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to. </p>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode\">proof of right of abode</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual Citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>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:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>as a tourist</li>\n  <li>to visit family or friends</li>\n  <li>to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events</li>\n  <li>for short-term studies or training</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>The requirements for <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-norway-for-work\">working in Norway</a> are different.</p>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>At Norwegian border control, you may also need to:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home</li>\n  <li>show proof of your travel insurance</li>\n  <li>show a return or onward ticket</li>\n  <li>prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"staying-longer-than-90-days-in-a-180-day-period\">Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period</h3>\n\n<p>To stay longer, you must meet the Norwegian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.norway.no/en/uk/services-info/visitors-visa-res-permit/\">Norwegian Embassy in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<p>If you are in Norway with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.</p>\n\n<p>Read about <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-norway#passports-and-travel\">entry processes if you live in Norway</a>.</p>\n\n<div class=\"call-to-action\">\n  <h2 id=\"new-schengen-entry-requirements\">New Schengen entry requirements </h2>\n\n  <p>The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (<abbr title=\"Entry/Exit System\">EES</abbr>) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.  </p>\n\n  <p>This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for <abbr title=\"Entry/Exit System\">EES</abbr> registration.  </p>\n\n  <p>On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.  </p>\n\n  <p>You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but <abbr title=\"Entry/Exit System\">EES</abbr> may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as <abbr title=\"Entry/Exit System\">EES</abbr> checks may take place before boarding.  </p>\n\n  <p><abbr title=\"Entry/Exit System\">EES</abbr> is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit. </p>\n\n  <p>If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.  </p>\n\n  <p>Your digital <abbr title=\"Entry/Exit System\">EES</abbr> record is valid for 3 years. </p>\n\n  <p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system\">information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area</a>. </p>\n\n  <p>If you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from <abbr title=\"Entry/Exit System\">EES</abbr> in all Schengen countries. The full list of <abbr title=\"Entry/Exit System\">EES</abbr> exemptions is on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees/to-whom-does-ees-not-apply\">the EU’s official Travel Europe website.</a> </p>\n\n  <p>If you believe you have been incorrectly entered into <abbr title=\"Entry/Exit System\">EES</abbr> or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"svalbard\">Svalbard </h2>\n\n<p>You’ll need your passport to travel to and enter the Svalbard archipelago. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/168/norway#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Norway guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules </h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.toll.no/en/travelling-to-and-from-norway/travel-to-norway/\">goods you can take into or out of Norway</a>.   You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. </p>\n\n<p>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. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"russian-vehicle-restrictions\">Russian vehicle restrictions</h3>\n\n<p>There are <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norway-is-tightening-its-restrictive-measures-against-russia/id2996416/\">restrictions on vehicles with Russian licence plates</a> in Norway.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-food-into-norway\">Taking food into Norway</h3>\n\n<p>You cannot take <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.toll.no/en/goods/food/regulations-for-meat-milk-cheese-and-other-foods/\">meat, milk or products containing them into <abbr title=\"European Economic Area\">EEA</abbr> countries</a> without special permission. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-money-into-norway\">Taking money into Norway </h3>\n\n<p>Declare cash or travellers cheques if the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.toll.no/en/goods/currency/\">value is 25,000 Norwegian krone or more</a>. 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.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<p>This guide also has safety advice for <a href=\"/foreign-travel-advice/norway/regional-risks\">regions of Norway</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism </h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-norway\">Terrorism in Norway </h3>\n\n<p>Terrorist attacks in Norway cannot be ruled out. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"political-demonstrations\">Political demonstrations  </h2>\n\n<p>Demonstrations in Norway are usually peaceful. If you’re near areas where demonstrations are taking place, follow the advice of local authorities and move away if there are signs of disorder. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime </h2>\n\n<p>There’s a small risk of petty theft, particularly at airports and railway stations in and around Oslo.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs\">Illegal drugs</h3>\n\n<p>Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.</p>\n\n<p>Airports in Norway have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"drones\">Drones</h3>\n\n<p>To fly any type of drone in Norway you need to be registered as an operator in either Norway or an EU/EFTA country and have liability insurance. Other conditions apply and certain areas are no fly zones. Familiarise yourself with local requirements at <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.luftfartstilsynet.no/en/drones/\">Norwegian civil aviation authority website</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"outdoor-activities-and-adventure-tourism\">Outdoor activities and adventure tourism </h2>\n\n<p>Get information about the risk of avalanches from the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.varsom.no/en/\">Norwegian Avalanche Warning Service</a> or the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.avalanches.org/\">European Avalanche Warning Services</a>. </p>\n\n<p>Police enforce bans on campfires in many hiking areas during the summer months. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel </h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Norway, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a> and check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/norway/\">rules of the road in the RAC’s Norway guide</a>. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.</p>\n\n<p>You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Norway for up to 90 days. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/exchange-paper-driving-licence\">update it to a photocard licence</a> or get the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">correct version of the international driving permit (<abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr>)</a> as well.</p>\n\n<p>If you are visiting Norway, you may be able to use your <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-using-it-in-the-eu/using-a-blue-badge-in-the-european-union\">Blue Badge</a> in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.</p>\n\n<p>Drink-driving is a serious offence in Norway. If you are tested and found to have a quarter of England’s legal limit of alcohol in your system you may get a fine and possible imprisonment. There are frequent roadside checks for alcohol.</p>\n\n<p>You must use winter tyres with a minimum 3-millimetre (mm) tread if there is snow or ice covering the roads. You may also need to use studded tyres or snow chains. Truck drivers must use winter tyres with a minimum 5mm tread and have enough snow chains. </p>\n\n<p>You can get the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.vegvesen.no/en/vehicles/own-and-maintain/tyre-requirements/\">full tyre requirements from Norway’s State Highways</a>. </p>\n\n<p>Keep your headlights on, but dipped, during the daytime all year round in all places. </p>\n\n<p>On roads that are not marked with a priority sign (yellow diamond), you must give way to traffic coming from the right. </p>\n\n<p>If you commit a driving offence, you could get an on-the-spot fine of up to 10,000 Norwegian krone. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"arctic-travel\">Arctic travel </h3>\n\n<p>Nearly half of Norway is in the Arctic Circle, including some very remote areas of land and sea. Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue are limited in these areas. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/arctic-travel-safety-advice\">Arctic travel safety advice</a>. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters </h2>\n\n<p>Extreme weather, floods and landslides can happen. You should follow the advice of local authorities. </p>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards</a>.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"climate-and-temperature\">Climate and temperature </h3>\n\n<p>The weather can change quickly, producing Arctic conditions even in summer on exposed mountain tops. Extreme weather can cause floods and landslides. </p>\n\n<p>The winter is long and can last well into April. 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. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"wildfires\">Wildfires</h3>\n\n<p>There is a risk of wildfires, especially during hot and dry periods. Police enforce bans on campfires in many areas.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.","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.","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.","Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.","To fly any type of drone in Norway you need to be registered as an operator in either Norway or an EU/EFTA country and have liability insurance.","If you are tested and found to have a quarter of England’s legal limit of alcohol in your system you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.","There are frequent roadside checks for alcohol."]}
