Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Norway depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for NorwayEmergency Numbers
- General
- 112
Currency
- Name
- Norwegian Krone
- Code
- NOK
- Symbol
- kr
Norway is not in the EU and has not adopted the Euro. ATMs available but Norway is extremely cashless — cards accepted everywhere. One of the world's most expensive countries.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type F
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) — CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Best Time to Visit
Two seasons: June–August (fjords in full glory — Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, Nærøyfjord; midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle; Bergen's Bryggen; Preikestolen/Pulpit Rock hike) and October–March (northern lights — Tromsø is the world's best aurora-viewing city; dog sledding; Svalbard polar bears). May and September are shoulder season with good conditions.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | Not strongly expected | Rounding up appreciated; 10% is generous |
| Taxis | Round up | — |
Dress Code
- Layered outdoor clothing for all seasons
- Smart casual for Bergen and Oslo restaurants
Social Etiquette
- The Norwegian fjords (Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Hardangerfjord) are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and among the most extraordinary landscapes on earth — high cliffs, waterfalls tumbling into the sea
- Norway consistently ranks in the top 5 happiest countries in the world — a welfare state with extraordinary equality, near-universal literacy, and low corruption
- The concept of friluftsliv (open-air living) is central to Norwegian culture — Norwegians hike, ski, and kayak in weather that would keep most nations indoors
- Svalbard (78° North) is one of the world's most accessible Arctic destinations — polar bears outnumber people; Longyearbyen is the world's northernmost settlement with a commercial airport
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- LGBTQ+ rights: Norway legalised same-sex marriage in 2009; full equality
- Alcohol: subject to state monopoly (Vinmonopolet stores for wine and spirits); expensive
- Everyman's Right (Allemannsretten): you may hike, camp, and travel anywhere in Norway's nature — including private land — as long as you behave responsibly
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Norwegian) | Hei / God dag | HY / goo DAH |
| Thank you (Norwegian) | Takk | TAHK |
| Cheers! (Norwegian) | Skål! | SKAWL — always look people in the eyes |
| Outdoor life (Norwegian concept) | Friluftsliv | FREE-loofts-leev — the Norwegian philosophy of open-air living in nature |
| Fjord (Norwegian) | Fjord | FYORD — the English word comes directly from Norwegian |
Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip to Norway?
Traveller builds your personalised packing list, checklist, and travel brief in seconds.
Plan this trip with Traveller