The European Visa Waiver for Norway is being introduced to improve security and to tighten immigration control in the European region. The online ETIAS application will be quick and straightforward to complete
NORWAY: BASIC INFORMATION
Set in the north of Europe, Norway is a narrow country part of the Scandinavian Peninsula,
along with Sweden and Finland. The nation’s coastline is known for its fjords, which are sea inlets between cliffs.
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Norway(basic infomation)
Capital City: Oslo
Official language: Bokmal Norweigian and Nynorsk
Currency: Norwegian kroner
Population: 5,372,191
EU member state since: Norway is not an EU member State, however, it is a member of the European Free Trade Association
The Svalbard island chain and three more islands in the Antarctic are Norweigian territories as well.
Officially the Kingdom of Norway, it shares borders with these ETIAS countries:
Finland to the north-east
Sweden to the east
Denmark to the south
Norway is also bordered by Russia on the north-east.
NORWAY’S GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
One of the most mountainous countries in Europe, Norway features extremely steep peaks. The country has an elongated shape and rugged coastlines.
Reindeer and wolverines populate several natural areas while sea cliffs are home to nesting birds that include puffins, cormorants, and gulls.
Western Norway has a marine climate, with mild minders and cool summers. Eastern Norway features warm summers and cold winters.
Norway
Capital City: Oslo
Official language: Bokmal Norweigian and Nynorsk
Currency: Norwegian kroner
Population: 5,372,191
EU member state since: Norway is not an EU member State, however, it is a member of the European Free Trade Association
A BRIEF HISTORY OF NORWAY
Records show that humans have lived in Norway as early as 9,000 to 8000 B.C. Germanic tribes populated the area.
Instead of hunting, people began farming and gathering. This led to settlements that eventually became small independent states, which amounted to 30 by the end of the eighth century.
SWEDEN AND DENMARK’S CONTROL OVER NORWAY
During the 9th, 10th, and 11th centuries, Vikings from the whole of the Scandinavian region went to Europe to expand their territory.
Harald Fairhair united most of Norway in 872, and both Denmark and Sweden invaded the country for several years. First, Denmark ruled over Norway for an entire century and in 1319, Sweden took over.
Queen Margrethe, in the late 14th century, united all three countries. However, this union did not last. In 1523, Denmark ruled Norway once again until the beginning of the 18th century. For some time during the 19th century, Sweden controlled Norway.
Norway became independent in 1905 at last. The people of Norway have close ties to Danes and Swedes, and the country is home to the Sami, a herding people who used to be called Lapps.
NORWAY IN THE 20TH CENTURY
During World War I, Norway remained neutral. However, things were different during World War II. Germany attacked and invaded the country in April of 1940 and it continued to be occupied until the war ended.
In June 1945, the King returned to Norway and the country became a charter member of the United Nations, and in 1949 it joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). The nation quickly recovered after WWII.
Towards the end of the 60s, oil and gas deposits were discovered in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The exploitation of these resources began in the 70s and by 1980s they became one-third of the country’s annual export earnings.
NORWAY TODAY
Norway’s oil and natural gas remain important for the country’s economy.
It is also an environmentally conscious nation. One hundred percent of the country’s electricity comes from renewable sources. The government hopes that by 2025 all cars run on electricity.
Following the terrorist attack in 2011, the response of the people was of solidarity and tolerance. Diversity in Norway has increased over the past decades, one in 6 Norwegians comes from another country. Norwegians defend equality and humanitarianism. They have welcomed refugees and asylum seekers.
The Scandinavian nation has strong relationships with the EU and several European countries are its allies. There is a considerable degree of economic interdependence between the two, especially in key sectors such as energy and seafood.
Norway and the EU both agree on the need for action and international cooperation to tackle climate change.
NORWAY IN THE SCHENGEN AREA
Norway signed the Schengen agreement on 19 December 1996. The implementation of the agreement, however, began on March 25th, 2001.
The country is not a member of the EU, but it is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), which sets a high standard of economic integration and common rules. As such, the country makes sure to respect the 4 relevant freedoms established by the EEA: free of goods, persons, services, and capital.
Norway is a founding member of the European Free Trade Association, (EFTA). Along with Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, it negotiates Free Trade Agreements with third countries through EFTA.
NORWAY AND THE EU RELATIONS
Unlike Sweden and Finland, Norway is not a member of the European Union. However, it maintains relations with the EU through its relationship with the European Economic Area (EEA), established in 1994.
This nation is a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). In 1960, EFTA was established as an alternative to the European Economic Community (EEC), which is the EU’s predecessor.
Norway contemplated joining the EEC in 1962 and the EU in 1994 but after respective referendums, the country opted out of both.
The Norwegian Government’s strategy for cooperation with the EU is to contribute to a secure, safe, free, and economically strong Europe.
As a Schengen member, Norway will require foreign nationals to have a valid ETIAS to enter its territory once the system is up and running.
TRAVEL TO NORWAY
The Schengen Agreement promotes the free movement of people. As a member of the Schengen Area, Norwegian nationals can move freely within all member countries.
As part of the Agreement, Norway applies Schengen’s visa liberalization policy which allows travellers from over 60 non-EU countries to enter its territory visa-free. Other international visitors must have a Schengen visa to enter.
When ETIAS is officially introduced, eligible travellers will have to register online in the ETIAS system before travelling to Norway or any other country in the Schengen Zone. The process to obtain this electronic travel authorisation is going to be straightforward and quick
GETTING AROUND NORWAY
Foreign visitors can easily get around, the entire country is well connected through 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.
DO I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE TO VISIT NORWAY?
International travellers that require the Schengen visa to enter Norway for tourism or business purposes must have medical insurance. Visa applicants are required to hire insurance to obtain a Schengen visa.
Visa-exempt travellers are not obligated to have medical insurance. However, if travellers have an emergency during their trip, they will need to cover their medical expenses. All travellers are advised to have insurance to avoid dealing with financial issues during their visit.
European nationals can apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to travel within Schengen territory.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ETIAS NORWAY
To get an ETIAS Norway, medical insurance is not mandatory. When entering Norway, visitors will not be requested to present travel or medical insurance. Still, foreign visitors are recommended to consider hiring one before their trip.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR A SCHENGEN VISA
Foreigners who need a Schengen Visa to enter Norway must have medical insurance to apply and get their visa.
The insurance should meet the following criteria:
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
To enter Norway’s territory, all visitors must meet the country’s entry requirements. EU law determines its visa policy, therefore, the traveller’s nationality will rule which requisites must be met to enter.
ARRIVING IN NORWAY BY AIR
The airport is connected to the city centre via Flytoget Airport Express trains. There are local train services as well. Visitors may also take a taxi to reach the centre.
Flesland Airport is in Bergen and Flybussne connects it to downtown. There’s also a train that connects the city with the airport.
ARRIVING IN NORWAY BY RAIL
Scandinavian countries are extremely well connected to the rest of Europe. Trains run regularly between Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Gothenburg.
An interesting fact about trains in Norway is that many of the journeys take place overnight. Travellers will find sleeping compartments in all trains.
ARRIVING IN NORWAY BY CAR
Most visitors are likely to arrive in Norway by car when coming from Sweden, even though the country also borders with Russia and Finland. Regardless of where you are travelling from customs checks are in place. When entering from Russia, visitors will find full passport control checks.
ARRIVING IN NORWAY BY BOAT
Regular ferry routes are available from Denmark, Germany, and Sweden. Most operators offer package deals for those travelling in their car.
VISITING NORWAY
Norway’s natural beauty is mesmerizing. Visitors will fall in love with the landscape and pretty villages.
Wildlife sightseeing is one of the many things that visitors can do while in the country. Whale watching can be done in Andenes, Stø or Tromsø. It’s possible to spot reindeer, moose, and Arctic foxes in the interior areas.
Adventure-tourism is on trend and it draws in adrenaline junkies from all over. Skydiving, skiing, snowboarding, and more. Nonetheless, those less attracted to risky activities can enjoy cycling and hiking during the summer or go on a dogsled in the winter.
Cities are sophisticated, vibrant, and modern. Architecture lovers will find a fascinating design with a Scandinavian flair.
Bergen, Ålesund, and Trondheim are picture-perfect cities, ideal for photography addicts.
WHAT TO SEE IN NORWAY
Norway has a great number of attractions worth seeing. Those interested in experiencing the sophistication of Norway may want to stay in Oslo for some time, while nature lovers may want to hit the road to explore the wonders it has to offer.
Some of the reasons to visit Norway include:
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.