On 25 March
2001 Norway became a signatory to the 1995 Schengen
Agreement.
Since March 1995, a 'borderless' region known as the Schengen
area has been declared covering the following states:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, The Netherlands, Portugal,
Spain and Sweden.
Schengen countries now issue standard Schengen visas,
and nationals holding visas issued by one of the Schengen
countries are, in principle, permitted to travel freely within
the borders of all 15. However, since Schengen states are
still free to decide their own visa requirements, entry regulations
may vary and nationals not requiring a visa for one Schengen
country may require one for other Schengen countries. This
has various practical implications and for example, travellers
may be refused entry to a Schengen country for which they
do not require a visa if holding onward tickets to a country
for which they do require a visa. Travellers should check
with the authorities of the country they intend to visit as
to whether they require a visa to enter. If visiting more
than 1 Schengen country, the traveller should apply for the
Schengen visa to the Embassy/Consulate of the first or main
country to be visited.
There are 3 types of Schengen visa: Airport Transit,
Transit and Short-stay visas. For
stays of over 3 months, a long-stay visa will be required,
and will be valid only in the country of issue.
PASSPORTS
Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended period
of stay required by all.
Note
In some circumstances, some nationals of European Union or
EEA countries may travel to Norway for touristic purposes
with a valid national ID card only if issued in their home
country.
There are also circumstances when nationals of EU or EEA countries,
plus certain other nationals, may travel to Norway with a
passport that only needs to be valid during the duration of
their stay and not beyond this intended period. However, since
regulations are constantly changing, it is advised
that all nationals contact their nearest Embassy/Consulate
for further details since this passport exemption is not guaranteed
and entry may be refused.
Visas
Required by all except the following for stays of up to 3
months:
a. nationals shown in the chart above
b. nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bermuda (only holders
of BDTC (Bermuda) passports), Brazil, Bolivia, Brunei, Bulgaria,
Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras,
Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Macau
(SAR), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama,
Paraguay, Romania, Singapore, San Marino, Switzerland, Uruguay,
Vatican City and Venezuela
c. nationals of Nordic countries (including Årland,
Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland).
Types
of visa and cost
A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa,
is issued for tourist, business
and private visits.
The cost of a visa is £25 but prices are subject to
frequent change against the exchange rate and a Fee is payable
when visa is issued. Enquire at the Embassy for further information.
Cost of Visa Conversion Table:
£10 US$18
£30 US$55
£50 US$91
£60
US$109
£70 US$127
£90
US$164
£100 US$182
£120 US$218
£150 US$273
Note
Spouses and children of European Union or EEA nationals (providing
spouse’s/dependent's passport and birth certificate
and [if applicable] the original marriage certificate are
produced), and nationals of some other countries, receive
their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy for information).
Validity
Up to 3 months in any 6 month period. For renewal or extension,
apply to the Embassy.
Application
Consulate (or the Consular section at Embassy. An appointment
must first be booked (telephone number: (09065) 540 725, for
United Kingdom residents not residing in Scotland or Northern
Ireland).
If applying in the United Kingdom and living within the London
area, all applications must be lodged in person at the Embassy.
Travellers visiting just 1 Schengen country should apply to
the Consulate of that country, travellers visiting more than
one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the
country chosen as the main destination or the country they
will enter first, if they have no main destination.
Application requirements
a. Valid passport with at least 1 blank page and this
should not be submitted until the applicant
is informed that a visa has been granted.
b. Completed application form.
c. 2 recent passport-size photos.
d. Fee, payable in cash (the exact money only), cheque supported
by a cheque card or postal order (visa fees are non-refundable
and payable on submission of the visa application).
e. Further documentation such as a letter of invitation, proof
of accommodation or a letter from an employer explaining nature
and duration of stay may be required, depending on purpose
of the visit.
f. Evidence of sufficient funds for stay (a recent original
bank statement, travellers cheques or credit card with credit
limit statement, cash not accepted).
g. Parental consent for minors (under 18 years).
h. Evidence of occupation or student status. If unemployed,
social security booklet must be submitted.
i. Proof of adequate and valid travel insurance
(valid throughout the Schengen territory and win a minimum
coverage of €30,000).
Working days required
The length of processing time depends on nationality and individual
circumstances.
Temporary
residence
Apply to Embassy for residence and work permit if the stay
exceeds 3 months. |
