💳 Do you need to prove financial solvency when travelling to Norway: requirements and advice for tourists

Financial solvency is an important, albeit often formal, step in preparing for a trip to Norway. Norway is a member of the Schengen Agreement, and therefore tourists from non-EU countries are required to prove that they have sufficient funds when obtaining a visa and when crossing the border. How much money you need, which documents are required, and how to avoid problems at the border — we explain everything in detail in 10 detailed FAQ answers (110–130 words each). We also share useful tips from the sections ‘Planning & Budget’, ‘Useful Tips for Tourists’, ‘Prices and Costs’ and other categories of our blog.

❓10 FAQs about financial solvency when travelling to Norway

1. Is it necessary to prove financial solvency when entering Norway?

Formally, yes, proof of financial solvency is a mandatory requirement for tourists from non-EU countries to enter Norway.

In reality, border guards do not check this very often, but they always have the right to request such documents. Upon entry, you must be able to prove that you have sufficient funds for the entire duration of your stay in the country — approximately 500–600 Norwegian kroner (50–60 euros) per person per day. It is best to prepare bank statements, cash or a credit card in advance to avoid any problems at the border. For more information about documents and procedures at the border, see the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

2. How much money do I need for a trip to Norway?

The official recommendation from the Norwegian authorities is approximately 500–600 NOK (50–60 euros) per person per day of stay. For example, for a week-long trip, you will need to confirm approximately 3500–4200 NOK (350–420 euros) per person.

This amount covers standard accommodation, food and transport costs. If hotels and transport have already been paid for, present your booking confirmations — the amount of cash required may be less. Tourists travelling with their family or in a group should also calculate and show the total amount in advance. For information on how to calculate your travel budget accurately, see the section ‘Planning & Budget → Expense Calculators’.

3. What documents are acceptable as proof of financial solvency when entering Norway?

The following documents are accepted at the border as proof of financial solvency:

• Bank statement for the last 3 months in English (preferable).
• Credit or debit card (preferably with a statement or screenshot of the balance).
• Cash in Norwegian kroner or euros.
• Traveller's cheques.
• Proof of paid accommodation and tickets (reduces the amount of cash required).
• It is better to have 2-3 options for documents, for example, a bank statement and a credit card. Detailed instructions on how to prepare documents can be found in the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

4. Do they check your financial resources when issuing a Schengen visa to Norway?

Yes, the Norwegian consulate requires proof of financial solvency when applying for a Schengen visa. This is one of the main conditions for obtaining a visa.

You will need to attach a bank statement for the last 3 months showing sufficient funds for the trip (approximately 50–60 euros per day). Letters from your employer stating your income, documents confirming sponsorship of the trip by relatives, or an official sponsorship letter are also acceptable. Without proof of financial solvency, your visa may be refused. For more information on submitting visa documents, please refer to the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

5. Can I use a credit card to confirm my financial status at the border?

Yes, credit cards are accepted as proof of financial solvency at the Norwegian border. It is advisable to have a statement or ATM receipt confirming your available balance with you. If you do not have such a document, simply show the card itself and the mobile app with your balance. Please note: if the card only has a credit limit and no funds of your own, it is advisable to have other documents with you, such as cash or a bank statement, as border guards may ask for further details. For tips on using cards in Norway, please refer to the section ‘Prices and costs’.

6. Can I prove my financial solvency with cash?

Yes, cash is acceptable as proof of financial solvency when entering Norway. The amount should be equivalent to approximately NOK 500–600 (EUR 50–60) per person per day of stay. Take cash in Norwegian kroner or euros — other currencies may be accepted reluctantly or require conversion at the current exchange rate. However, cash alone is usually not enough to obtain a visa — consulates prefer bank statements. For details on the best options for confirming your financial resources, see the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

7. How can I prove my financial solvency if the trip is paid for by a relative or friend?

If the trip is paid for by another person (a relative, friend or company), they must provide an official sponsorship letter. The letter must state that the sponsor is paying for the entire trip and covering all of the tourist's expenses (accommodation, meals, transport). The letter must be accompanied by a bank statement from the sponsor confirming that they have sufficient funds in their account and a copy of their passport or ID card. Such a sponsorship letter is standard practice for visas. Templates and samples of sponsorship letters can be found in the ‘Useful tips for tourists’ section.

8. What mistakes do tourists make when confirming their financial solvency?

Common mistakes made by tourists:

• They provide an old bank statement (older than 3 months).
• They show bank accounts with insufficient funds (less than the recommended amount for the trip).
• They use third-party accounts without a sponsorship letter.
• They do not have cash or bank cards as additional means of confirmation.
• They confuse currencies or provide documents without translation into English.
• The tips in the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’ will help you avoid mistakes and prepare the perfect set of documents.

9. How often is financial solvency actually checked at the Norwegian border?

Financial checks at the Norwegian border are rare and usually random. It is usually sufficient to present your passport, visa and accommodation booking. However, border guards are officially entitled to request documents proving your financial means, especially if they have doubts about the purpose of your visit. For your own peace of mind, it is best to have these documents with you. For more information about typical situations at the border, please refer to the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

10. Can I show paid tickets and reservations instead of cash at the border?

Yes, if you have already paid for your hotel, tickets and transfers, this significantly reduces the amount you need to confirm with cash or a bank statement. For example, if you have paid for your hotel in full, you only need to confirm your funds for food and personal expenses. In this case, the confirmation amount may be lower than the recommended €50–60 per day. The main thing is to have printouts of your bookings and payments. For tips on preparing all the necessary documents, see the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

Proof of financial solvency when travelling to Norway is a simple but important formality. Use our recommendations, prepare your bank statements and cash reserves, and you will cross the border with peace of mind and confidence. Good preparation of documents is the key to a perfect trip without unexpected problems.