Acquiring a Norway Visa
Overview
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 tourist from around the world. The natural beauty of the country appeals those that are looking for adventure as well as those that want peace and tranquillity. 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.
Still, the landscape and the standard of living of the nation drives tourism forward. The country is also home to a lot of business. Recently, a lot of international businesses are thriving in the nation. Especially, seasonal businesses are thriving in the nation. The Kingdom of Norway does not have too many higher colleges or universities, but the quality of education is very high in Norway. Therefore, the education of Norway attracts a considerable amount of international students.
Why is Norwegian Visa Needed?
Indian citizen needs to have a Norway visa if they want to visit the Kingdom of Norway. It is mandatory to get either national visa, transit visa or Schengen visa for Indian citizens to visit Norway. The visa that you need will depend on the nature and purpose of your visit along with the duration.
Norway Visa Eligibility
The eligibility for the visa depends on the type of visa that you need for your visit. There are primarily three types of visas:
Schengen Visa: The Schengen visa permits a stay up to a maximum of 90 days in six-month duration. The visa allows you to visit all the states under the Schengen region. It means that in addition to visiting Norway, you will also be able to visit Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France, Latvia, Slovakia, Iceland, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, Greece, Austria, Finland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Switzerland, Estonia, Malta, Luxemburg, and Poland. Furthermore, you will face no restrictions even e=if you were to enter and exit a Schengen region multiple times.
National Visa D: The national visa allows a stay of 91 days to 180 days. There are many reasons for the issuance of Visa D including but not limited to a researcher, guest researcher, seasonal worker, short-term worker, volunteer and student among others. The national visa D can be issued for a single as well as multiple entries depending on the purpose and nature of your visit.
Transit Visa: The transit visa is very different from Schengen and national visas. A prime feature of the transit visa is that it is for a very short duration, lasting a few days at maximum. It is commonly issued to aid tourists and travellers. Transit visa allows the travellers to enter the nation while they are waiting for a connecting flight, train or ship.
All three visas have other eligibility requirements based on the reason for your visit. However, many of the requirements are common for all of them. This is true especially for Schengen and national visa. However, the difference is limited to the requirement of documents based on the purpose and nature of the visit. The following could be the reasons for travelling to or visiting Norway:
Transit
It is for travellers who need to stop in the Kingdom of Norway for a few days at maximum to either get a train, ship or flight out of the country.
Tourism
The unique combination of serenity and thrill offered by the landscape of the Kingdom of Norway attracts a lot of tourists. Therefore, there are a lot of requests for a tourist visa. Furthermore, those already have a Schengen visa can enter and exit Norway without having to apply for a separate visa.
Visiting Friends or Family
This is visa is for those who have family members or friends that are either citizens of Austria or the Schengen region. Furthermore, you can also state this as your reason, if your friends or family are staying on a National Visa in Norway. However, you will need to present a referral letter from your friend or family member at the time of the visa application process
Business
This type of visa is for individuals who need to travel to Norway for any business-related matters. You will also need to apply for the same. A business visa is also required if you are employed by a company and organisation operating in Norway.
Medical reasons
The medical visa is issued to an individual who needs to travel to Norway for medical reasons. However, they will require a letter of references in which a doctor has prescribed the individual along with a letter from the treatment facility or doctors in Norway.
Study Purposes
A student visa is needed for people who intend to study in one of the educational institutes in Norway.
Cultural, Sports and Film Crews
It is issued to Indian citizens who wish to travel to Norway to either attend or participate in events or activities related to sports, culture or religion.
Other Purposes
If your purpose does not appear in the categories above, then you need not worry. When you are applying for the visa, attach a letter that explains your purpose and other relevant application during the application process.
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 you’re the 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 travelling as a group, but the individual will need to be a member of the group
- A government authorised 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 chose 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 centre, 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 scrutinised 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.
Where to Apply for Norway Visa?
| New Delhi |
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place New Delhi- 110001 |
| Gurgaon |
Norway Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. ILD Trade Centre, 4th Floor, Sector 47 Sohna Road, Gurgaon - 122001 |
| Jaipur |
Norway Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.Manglam Ambition Tower 1st Floor, Agrasen Circle (Malan ka Chauraha), Subhash Marg, C Scheme Jaipur, 302001 |
| Jalandhar |
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd 3rd floor, Aman Plaza, Plot No 310, Lajpat Nagar, Mahavir Marg, Nakodar Chowk, (opposite to lovely autos), Jalandhar, Punjab – 144001 |
| Mumbai |
VFS Global Norway Visa Application Centre Trade Centre, 3rd Floor, ‘G’ Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400 051 |
| Chennai |
VFS Global Services Pvt.Ltd. Fagun Towers, Third Floor, No 74, EthirajSalai, Egmore, Chennai - 600 008 |
| Bangalore |
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd Global Tech Park, No 11 First Floor O’ Shaughnessy Road, Langford Town, Bangalore 560025 Helpline: +91 22 67866008 |
| Kolkata |
Norway Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Rene Tower, Building No. 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Rajdanga, Landmark: Near Geetanjali Stadium Kolkata, 700107, India Helpline: +91 22 67866008 |
| Ahmedabad |
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd First Floor, Emerald House, Near Parimal Garden Cross Road, Off C G Road, Ahmedabad – 380006 |
| Chandigarh |
B-209, 2nd Floor, Elante, Industrial Area Phase 1, Chandigarh, India – 160002 |
| Kochi |
1st Floor, Coastal Chambers (Manoj Tower), MG Road, Ravipuram, Cochin 682015 |
| Goa |
Gera Imperium 1, 3rd Floor, Office No. 301, Patto Plaza, Panjim, Goa 403001, India |
| Hyderabad |
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd 8-2-700, 3rd Floor, Srida Anushka Pride, Road No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500 034. |
| Pune |
Norway Visa Application Centre 4th Floor, F core Marvel Edge Near Bajaj Finserv VimanNagar, Pune 411014 |
| Puducherry |
Norway Visa Application Centre Good Shepherd Square, No.33., East Coast Road, Elaipillaichavady, Pudupalayam Village, Puducherry-605 005. |
| Trivandrum |
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd, First Floor - Asiatic Business Centre, T c 2/2408-3, Attipra Village, Kazhakuttam, Trivandrum-695583 |
How to Book Appointment?
You can book the appointment online on the website of the embassy, or you can contact VFS Services to book an appointment for you. However, VFS Services charge a fee for any service that you will avail from them.
How to Check Status of Norway Visa
You cannot check the status of your Norway visa online. However, you will be intimated of the same through your email or phone. Furthermore, if your visa application has been rejected, the reason for the rejection will also be mentioned. Moreover, you can also appeal the decision if you think that your merit was good.
Norway Visa Document Requirements
Documents Required for Norway Visa application
| 1 |
Application form |
| 2 |
Passport: (a) It should be valid for at least three months from your date of departure. The departure could be any Schengen Member States (b) it shall have at least two blank pages (c) The data page of the passport should not have any handwritten amendment or alteration |
| 3 |
Two photographs: according to the standards of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) |
| 4 |
Valid permit of return (may not be applicable in every case) |
| 5 |
Minimum travel medical insurance of 30,000 Euros |
| 6 |
A cover letter that should clearly explain and provide a valid purpose of visit |
| 7 |
Travel Itinerary for round-trip flight bookings |
| 8 |
A) Minor travellers will need to be accompanied by at least one parent or guardian. Additionally, they will need to provide notarised NOC by the other parent along with relevant identification proof B) If the minor is travelling alone, then both parents or legal guardians will need to provide a NOC along with relevant identification proof |
| 9 |
Copy of the present passport in its entirety |
| 10 |
Original(s) of previous passport(s) or proof of loss |
Norwegian Tourist Visa
What is Norway Tourist Visa?
Norway tourist visa is issued for those who intend to visit the Kingdom of Norway for tourism.
Duration of Norway Tourist Visa
Under Schengen type C Visa, the duration for the visa would be up to 90 days. The visa will also act like a tourist visa for all Schengen states.
Eligibility Criteria for Norway Tourist Visa
The eligibility criteria and the process of the visa application for Norway tourist visa are the same other types of visa. The only change will be the documents that are required for a tourist visa.
Documents required for Norway Tourist Visa
The following documents in addition to the standard requirements will be needed:
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of occupation; salary certificate for the three and NOC from company to leave
- Self-employed people will need a letter that proves the same from a chartered accountant, lawyers, or Chamber of Commerce
- Students will need to produce a NOC from school/college
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Income Tax Acknowledgement / ITR-V from the past three years.
Norway Visa Fees
Fees for Immigrant Norway Visas
The fee for Schengen Visa C: Euros 60 is the fee that you will need to pay at the time of visa application. The payment will need to be done in the currency of Indi, i.e. rupees. The current exchange rate at the time of the visa application will be used to determine the amount. No visa fee is charged for children below the age of 6 years. However, a fee of 35 Euros is charged for children between 6 to 12 years.
The fee for National Visa D: 150 Euros is charged as the visa, and it is to be paid at the time of application. A fee of 75 Euros is charged for children under 6 years
FAQs
Where to get a Norway visa in India?
The Embassy of Norway in Delhi issue visas for Norway.
Is the visa valid for Norway only?
Schengen visa or tourist visa gives you access to all Schengen countries, but the duration for the same is 90 days. If you intend to stay for a longer duration, then you need to apply for the Norway National Visa.
How to contact the Norway Visa Application Centre?
You can send them a mail or visit their website. Additionally, you can also contact VFS Services for the same.
How to contact the Norway Visa Application Centre?
You can send them a mail or visit their website. Additionally, you can also contact VFS Services for the same.
Which visa type should I apply?
You will have to decide that based on the purpose of your visit to Norway.
Should I get travel insurance?
Taking travel insurance during a trip to abroad is always recommendable. Travel insurance allows you to enjoy your travel experience rather than stressing over things that can go wrong. Moreover, it allows you an easy way to deal with emergencies that may arise during your travel.
What are the benefits of travel insurance?
Buying travel insurance from Bharti AXA is a straightforward and hassle-free process. You can get the policy online instantly without paper work involved. Furthermore, the comprehensive policy covers all major emergencies that can arise during travel. The important aspects of travel insurance policy is that it covers medical emergencies, personal accidents, loss of passport & documents, loss of checked-in luggage, flight delay etc.
Click here to get your customized quotes based on your travel plans.
