Is Norway part of the Schengen Area?
Schengen, the EU, visas and the Svalbard exception.
Short answer
Yes, Norway has applied the Schengen rules since 25 March 2001, together with the other Nordic countries, even though it is not a member of the EU. There are no routine passport checks between Norway and other Schengen countries, and a Schengen visa covers Norway too. The 90-day limit counts days in the whole Schengen Area.
Why
- Norway signed its current agreement to join Schengen in 1999 and became an operational member in 2001.
- Norway takes part as an associated country, together with Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, not as an EU member.
- Visa-free visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period in Norway and the rest of the Schengen Area combined.
Details
Schengen removes routine passport checks at internal borders, but it does not cover customs. When you enter Norway, the Norwegian duty-free quotas for alcohol and tobacco still apply. With a regular Schengen visa you can travel freely in the whole Schengen Area, including Norway, while the visa is valid.
Tip
Count your days in the whole Schengen Area, not only in Norway: days in Sweden or Denmark on the same trip use up the same 90 days.
What may differ
Svalbard is not part of Schengen. Between the mainland and Svalbard you must show a passport, or a national ID card if you are a Nordic or Schengen citizen. If you need a visa, apply for a multiple-entry visa so you can return to mainland Norway.
Common misconception
Norway is in the EU, because it is in Schengen.
What actually happens
Norway is not an EU member. It joined Schengen through a separate agreement with the EU and takes part as an associated country.
People also ask
- Is Norway in Schengen?
- Is Norway a Schengen country?
- Is Norway in Schengen if it is not in the EU?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Entry rules are set by the Norwegian authorities and may change, so check UDI before you travel.
Travelling and moving to NorwayRelated questions
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Does Norway have a working holiday visa?
Norway gives working holiday permits only to young citizens of six countries: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Andorra and Canada.
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Do I need to stop at customs when driving into Norway from Sweden?
When you drive into Norway from Sweden, you only need to stop at customs if you have goods over the quota or value limit to declare.
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What happens if I bring more than the duty-free quota into Norway?
If you declare the goods over the quota and pay the duty, you keep them, but undeclared goods found by customs lead to a fine and are confiscated.
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How do I declare goods at Norwegian customs?
You declare goods either in Tolletaten's Kvoteappen before you reach the border or in the red channel at a staffed customs office, where you pay the duty.