General Questions
Q1: Do I need a visa to visit Norway as an Indian citizen?
Yes, Indian passport holders must obtain a Schengen visitor visa to enter Norway. This applies to all purposes including tourism, business, and family visits.
Q2: How long can I stay in Norway with a tourist visa?
A Schengen tourist visa allows you to stay in Norway and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Q3: Can I visit other European countries with a Norway Schengen visa?
Yes! A Norway Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within all 27 Schengen member states without additional visas or border checks.
Q4: What is the 90/180-day rule?
You can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. The 180-day period is a rolling window, not a fixed period.
Q5: Can I extend my Norway tourist visa while in Norway?
Tourist visas can only be extended in exceptional circumstances (medical emergency, force majeure). Extensions are rarely granted and must be applied for before your current visa expires.
Application Process Questions
Q6: How far in advance should I apply for a Norway visa?
You can apply up to 6 months before your intended travel date, but no later than 15 calendar days before departure. We recommend applying 2-3 months in advance.
Q7: Where do I submit my Norway visa application in India?
Applications must be submitted at VFS Global Visa Application Centres located in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Hyderabad.
Q8: Is an appointment mandatory at VFS?
Yes, appointments are mandatory. You must book an appointment online through the VFS Global website. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Q9: Can someone else submit my application on my behalf?
No, you must appear in person to submit your application and provide biometric data (photograph and fingerprints).
Q10: Do I need to provide biometrics every time I apply?
No, biometrics are valid for 5 years. If you've provided biometrics for any Schengen visa after November 2015, you don't need to provide them again within the 5-year period.
Document Questions
Q11: What is the minimum bank balance required for a Norway visa?
While there's no official minimum, aim to show at least ₹50,000-₹75,000 per week of stay. For a 2-week trip, maintain ₹1.5-2 lakhs minimum.
Q12: Should I buy flight tickets before applying for a visa?
No! Only provide a flight reservation or itinerary. Do not purchase actual tickets until your visa is approved.
Q13: What type of travel insurance do I need?
You need travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, valid for all Schengen countries, covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Q14: Can I use hotel bookings from Booking.com or Airbnb?
Yes, confirmed bookings from reputable platforms are acceptable. Choose refundable options until your visa is approved.
Q15: Do I need an invitation letter for a tourist visa?
Not for tourism. However, if visiting family or friends, an invitation letter and guarantee form from your host are required.
Fee and Payment Questions
Q16: How much does a Norway visa cost for Indians?
The visa fee is EUR 90 (approximately ₹8,000) for adults, EUR 45 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. VFS service fee is additional EUR 8.
Q17: Is the visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No, visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Q18: What payment methods are accepted?
Visa fees are paid online during application registration. VFS service fees can be paid online or at the center via cash, card, or demand draft.
Q19: Are there any hidden charges?
No hidden charges, but optional services like courier return (EUR 5.60), SMS updates (EUR 1), and photo services (EUR 5) are available at extra cost.
Processing Time Questions
Q20: How long does it take to process a Norway visa?
Standard processing time is 15 calendar days, but can extend up to 45 days in special cases. Most applications are processed within 14-21 working days.
Q21: Can I get my Norway visa in 7 days?
Norway does not offer expedited processing for tourist visas. All applications follow the standard 15-day timeline.
Q22: How can I track my visa application status?
Use your application reference number to track status on the VFS Global website or through SMS updates if you opted for the service.
Q23: What does "application under process" mean?
It means your application has been received by the Norwegian Embassy and is being reviewed. This is a normal status during processing.
Travel and Entry Questions
Q24: What documents should I carry when traveling to Norway?
Carry your passport with visa, travel insurance policy, hotel bookings, return flight tickets, proof of funds, and invitation letter (if applicable).
Q25: Can I enter Norway before my visa start date?
No, you can only enter on or after the visa start date mentioned on your visa sticker.
Q26: What happens at Norwegian border control?
Border officers will check your passport, visa, purpose of visit, accommodation proof, return tickets, and financial means. Answer honestly and have all documents ready.
Q27: Do I need to show cash at the border?
While not always required, it's advisable to carry some cash (EUR or NOK) along with credit/debit cards as proof of financial means.
Q28: Can I work in Norway on a tourist visa?
No, tourist visas strictly prohibit any form of employment or business activities. Violations can lead to deportation and future visa bans.
Rejection and Reapplication Questions
Q29: What should I do if my visa is rejected?
Read the rejection letter carefully, understand the reasons, address the issues, and reapply with a stronger application. You can also appeal within the specified timeframe.
Q30: How long should I wait before reapplying after rejection?
There's no mandatory waiting period, but it's advisable to wait until you've genuinely addressed the rejection reasons and strengthened your application.
Q31: Will a previous rejection affect my new application?
Not necessarily, if you've addressed the issues that led to rejection. Be transparent about previous rejections and show how your circumstances have improved.
Q32: Can I appeal a visa rejection?
Yes, you can appeal within the timeframe specified in your rejection letter. Appeals must be submitted with additional supporting documents.
Special Circumstances Questions
Q33: I'm a student. Can I apply for a Norway visa?
Yes, students can apply with a bonafide certificate, leave approval from institution, and parent's financial documents if sponsored.
Q34: I'm self-employed. What documents do I need?
Provide business registration certificate, GST registration, ITR for last 2-3 years, bank statements showing business transactions, and company profile.
Q35: Can I apply for a Norway visa if I'm unemployed?
Yes, but you must show sufficient funds and a sponsor (family member) who will cover your expenses. Include sponsor's financial documents and a sponsorship letter.
Q36: I have a diplomatic passport. Do I need a visa?
Indian diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for stays up to 90 days, but require a Note Verbale from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Q37: Can I apply for a multiple-entry visa?
Yes, you can request a multiple-entry visa, but it's granted at the discretion of the embassy based on your travel history and purpose.
Post-Visa Questions
Q38: My visa has an error. What should I do?
Report errors immediately to VFS Global. Errors in dates, names, or visa type must be corrected before travel.
Q39: Can I travel to Norway if my visa expires during my stay?
No, you must exit the Schengen Area before your visa expiry date. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and future visa bans.
Q40: What if I need to cancel my trip after getting the visa?
You can cancel your trip, but the visa fee is non-refundable. The visa remains valid for the dates mentioned, and you can use it for future travel within those dates.
