ETIAS FOR NORWAY

NORWAY’S GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE

Norway is one of Europe’s most mountainous countries, with extraordinarily steep peaks. The nation is long and features harsh beaches.

Reindeer and wolverines may be found in numerous natural locations, while breeding birds like as puffins, cormorants, and gulls can be found on coastal cliffs.

The climate in western Norway is maritime, with pleasant winters and chilly summers. Summers in eastern Norway are mild, and winters are frigid.

NORWAY IN THE 20TH CENTURY

Norway stayed neutral throughout World War I. During World War II, though, things were different. Germany attacked and conquered the nation in April 1940, and it remained occupied until the conclusion of the war.

The King returned to Norway in June 1945, and the country became a founder member of the United Nations, and it joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1949. (NATO). Following WWII, the country swiftly recovered.

Oil and gas resources were discovered in the Norwegian part of the North Sea at the end of the 1960s. These resources were first exploited in the 1970s, and by the 1980s they accounted for one-third of the country’s yearly export revenues.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF NORWAY

Humans have been recorded in Norway as early as 9,000 to 8000 B.C. The area was inhabited by Germanic tribes.

People began farming and collecting instead of hunting. This resulted in towns that grew into small autonomous nations, numbering 30 by the end of the seventh century.

SWEDEN AND DENMARK’S CONTROL OVER NORWAY

Vikings from all across Scandinavia travelled to Europe in the ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries to increase their dominion.

In 872, Harald Fairhair unified much of Norway, and Denmark and Sweden both attacked the kingdom for several years. Denmark reigned over Norway for a century before Sweden took control in 1319.

Queen Margrethe unified the three nations in the late 14th century. This union, however, did not endure. Denmark regained control of Norway in 1523 and controlled it until the beginning of the 18th century. Sweden ruled Norway for a time in the nineteenth century.

Norway finally gained independence in 1905. Norway’s population are closely related to Danes and Swedes, and the nation is home to the Sami, a herding tribe once known as Lapps.

NORWAY TODAY

Norway’s oil and natural gas continue to be vital to the country’s economy.

It is also a nation that cares about the environment. Renewable energy accounts for 100 percent of the country’s power. The government anticipates that by 2025, all automobiles will be electric.

Over the last few decades, Norway’s diversity has grown; one in every six Norwegians is from another nation. Norwegians stand up for equality and humanitarianism. They have given sanctuary to migrants and asylum seekers.

The Scandinavian country has close ties with the EU, and it has allies in other European nations. There is significant economic connection between the two, particularly in vital industries such as energy and fisheries.

Both Norway and the EU recognise the need of action and international collaboration in combating climate change.

NORWAY IN THE SCHENGEN AREA

On December 19, 1996, Norway signed the Schengen accord. However, implementation of the agreement began on March 25th, 2001.

Although the nation is not a member of the EU, it is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), which establishes a high degree of economic integration and shared standards. As a result, the government ensures that the four key freedoms created by the EEA are respected: freedom of commodities, persons, services, and capital.

The European Free Trade Association was founded by Norway (EFTA). It negotiates Free Trade Agreements with foreign nations through EFTA with Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

NORWAY AND THE EU RELATIONS

Norway, unlike Sweden and Finland, is not a member of the European Union. However, it maintains links with the EU through the European Economic Area (EEA), which was founded in 1994.

This country was one of the original members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). EFTA was founded in 1960 as an alternative to the European Economic Community (EEC), the EU’s precursor.

Norway considered joining the EEC in 1962 and the EU in 1994, but decided against both in referendums.

The Norwegian government’s cooperation plan with the EU aims to help build a secure, safe, free, and economically powerful Europe.

Norway, as a Schengen member, will require foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries to have a valid ETIAS to enter its territory once the system is operational.

TRAVEL TO NORWAY

The Schengen Agreement encourages individuals to move freely. Norwegian nationals have unrestricted movement within all Schengen member nations since Norway is a member of the Schengen Area.

As part of the Agreement, Norway follows Schengen’s visa liberalisation policy, which permits visitors from over 50 non-EU countries to enter Norway visa-free. To enter, other foreign travellers must obtain a Schengen visa.

When ETIAS is implemented, eligible travellers will be required to register online in the ETIAS system before travelling to Norway or any other Schengen nation without a visa. The procedure for obtaining this electronic travel authorization will be simple and quick.

GETTING AROUND NORWAY

Foreign tourists will have little trouble getting around because the entire country is extensively connected by trains, buses, and roads.

• Trains reach Bodø, situated way up north. There is an extra branch line which connects Narvik with Sweden further north. Travellers are advised to purchase tickets in advance to get lower prices.
• Bus Services are available throughout and major routes are fast. It’s a trustworthy service, but visitors should bear in mind that bus service is less frequent in rural areas.
• Boat Ferries connect offshore islands to the mainland. Several boat ferries take cars.
• Car roads are well-kept. Visitors can rent a car to mover around. Travel times may vary depending on the season. Summer tends to have heavy traffic.
• Domestic flights are run by SAS and Norwegian airlines.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ETIAS NORWAY

Medical insurance is not required to obtain an ETIAS Norway. Visitors will not be required to demonstrate travel or medical insurance when entering Norway. Foreign travellers are nevertheless advised to hire one before their trip.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR A SCHENGEN VISA

Foreigners requiring a Schengen Visa to enter Norway must have medical insurance in order to apply for and receive their visa.

The insurance must fulfil the following requirements:

• A minimum coverage of at least €30,000
• It should be valid for all of the Schengen Area
• Cover all expenses in case of repatriation for medical reasons
• Cover all expenses in case of an emergency, treatment
• Cover all expenses in case of death

NORWAY’S BORDER CONTROLS

All visitors must fulfil Norway’s entrance criteria in order to enter the country. Because EU legislation governs its visa policy, the nationality of the tourist will decide which requirements must be completed to enter.

Travelers with visas must also have an onward or return ticket, lodging, and medical insurance. EU citizens can enter using their national ID. Visitors without a visa must have a valid passport.

Norway removed all passport and border restrictions at bilateral internal borders after adopting the Schengen Agreement.

The Schengen Area allows European nations to reintroduce border restrictions if there is a substantial threat to security or public policy. Norway reestablished border control at internal border checks during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHENGEN VISA HOLDERS

Schengen visa holders who wish to enter Norway must present these documents to enter the country:

• A passport, issued in the last 10 years and valid 3 months beyond the intended stay
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay (credit card, cash)
• A return or onwards ticket
• An accommodation reservation or address

Border authorities may ask visitors to provide the reason for their trip and the length of stay.

ARRIVING IN NORWAY

Foreign tourists to Norway can enter by land, train, sea, or air. Gardermoen International Airport, located in the city of Oslo, is the busiest.

ARRIVING IN NORWAY BY AIR

Flytoget Airport Express trains connect the airport to the city centre. There are also local train services. To get to the centre, visitors can also use a cab.

Flesland Airport is located in Bergen, and Flybussne connects it to the city centre. There is also a railway that runs between the city and the airport.

ARRIVING IN NORWAY BY RAIL

Scandinavian nations have excellent connections to the rest of Europe. Trains connect Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Gothenburg on a frequent basis.

A fascinating truth about trains in Norway is that many of them go overnight. All trains have sleeping rooms for passengers.

ARRIVING IN NORWAY BY CAR

Despite the fact that Norway shares borders with Russia and Finland, the majority of visitors arrive by vehicle from Sweden. Customs inspections are in place regardless of where you are travelling from. Visitors arriving from Russia will face strict passport controls.

ARRIVING IN NORWAY BY BOAT

There are regular ferry lines from Denmark, Germany, and Sweden. Most operators provide package discounts for customers travelling by automobile.

VISITING NORWAY

The natural splendour of Norway is breathtaking. The beauty and charming settlements will captivate visitors.

Wildlife viewing is one of the various activities available to visitors while in the nation. Whale viewing is possible at Andenes, St, and Troms. In the interior, reindeer, moose, and Arctic foxes can be seen.

Adventure tourism is popular, attracting adrenaline addicts from all over the world. Skydiving, skiing, snowboarding, and other activities are available. Those who aren’t interested in dangerous sports can still enjoy cycling and hiking in the summer and dogsledding in the winter.

Cities are smart, dynamic, and cutting-edge. Architecture enthusiasts will discover an intriguing design with a Scandinavian flair.

Bergen, Lesund, and Trondheim are picturesque cities that are good for photographers.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN NORWAY

Norway boasts a plethora of must-see sites. Those looking to experience Norway’s refinement may prefer to remain in Oslo for a while, while nature enthusiasts may want to hit the road and see the beauties it has to offer.

Some of the reasons to visit Norway are as follows:

• Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations. There are several sightseeing and hiking trips available to experience the waterfalls. (A fjord is where a long sea inlet is found between high cliffs).
• Lofoten Archipelago, a collection of islands considered to be an alluring spot in the country. Here visitors will see traditional red fishermen’s cabins built along the coastline.
• Northern Lights, the aurora borealis are visible throughout the long nights during the Arctic winter (October to March). It’s a unique experience.
• Bergen, a charming city set amid fjords and mountains. A must-see while exploring the city is the water district of Bryggen which consists of colourful wooden buildings. Mount Floyen is the ideal spot to overlook the city. There’s a funicular railway to the top.
• Arctic Cathedral, designed by Norwegian architect Jan Inge Hovig. Built in 1965, it was built to make it look like it was made with large blocks of ice.
• Driving along the Atlantic Ocean Road. The road offers stunning views of Norway’s coastline. A perfect way to see ancient churches, villages, and nature.
• Vigeland Sculpture Park, the park features the work of Gustav Vigeland, a famous Norwegian sculptor. The park is home to over 200 bronze and granite sculptures.
• Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden, it sits about 217,48 miles (350 kilometres) inside the Arctic circle. It boasts thousands of species of plants that are of alpine or arctic variety. The garden also features waterfalls, ponds, and meandering pathways.
• Lillehammer, situated close to Lake Mjosa, attracts local and foreign tourists. One of the top attractions here is Malhaugen Park, an open-air museum featuring 100 ancient buildings.

ETIAS FOR NORWAY – FAQ