Norway visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Norway

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Norwegian Visa.

  • Correctly filled and stamped copy of application form is needed for this application.
  • Your passport has to have been issued within the last 10 years and must be valid for at least 3 months after intended date of exit from Norway. The passport must have at least 2 blank pages.
  • A visa form will be required for each person travelling with you on your travel document.
  • 2 passport photographs that are not older than 6 months and meets the visa application requirements are needed for the application.
  • You'll be required to show proof of flight reservations for Norway as well as a return ticket to prove you intend to leave at the expiry of your visa.
  • Proof of travel insurance with a minimum cover of EUR 30,000 is needed for this visa application.
  • You'll need to show proof of being able to cater for all expenses you'll incur while in Norway. This proof could be in the form of your most recent bank statements or that of a sponsor as well as a letter of declaration from your sponsor which states intent of sponsorship.
  • Proof of accommodation is important to complete your visa application. You could prove it by sharing copies of hotel reservation or a letter from your host stating purpose, duration & intent of hosting you while in Norway.
  • A signed letter from the applicant's employer written on the company's letterhead confirming position & leave approval for the exact travel dates the applicant will be out of South Africa is needed.
  • If self-employed, you need to submit your company's documents or a letter from your accountant confirming that the business exist.
  • Students are required to provide a letter from their school confirming enrollment, awareness of trip and proof of registration for the year under the university's letterhead.
  • A valid resident permit will be required from non South African citizens.
  • This visa costs €60 for South Africans 12 years and above, €35 for children between 6-11 and is free for children under 6.
  • The visa has a stay of 90 days and have a validity of 90 days as well.

Norway Visa for South Africans

Facts about Norway

Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Oslo, the capital, is a city of green spaces and museums. Preserved 9th-century Viking ships are displayed at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum. Bergen, with colorful wooden houses, is the starting point for cruises to the dramatic Sognefjord. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort.

Outside of the Middle East, Norway is the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas. The country has the fourth-highest per capita income in the world. Norway is considered to be world happiest country and also has the lowest crime rates.

Norway is best known for the complex and deep fjords along its west coast which stretches from the North Sea near Denmark and Scotland. It has amazing and varied scenery.

Homosexuality is accepted by most people and same-sex marriage was given the same legal status as traditional marriage in 2008.


Types of Norway Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 days 90 days
Transit visa 15 days 24 hours
Business visa 15 days 90 days
Student visa 15 days 90 days

General Requirements for Norway Visa

  • Correctly filled and stamped copy of application form is needed for this application.
  • Your passport has to have been issued within the last 10 years and must be valid for at least 3 months after intended date of exit from Norway. The passport must have at least 2 blank pages.
  • A visa form will be required for each person travelling with you on your travel document.
  • 2 passport photographs that are not older than 6 months and meets the visa application requirements are needed for the application.
  • You'll be required to show proof of flight reservations for Norway as well as a return ticket to prove you intend to leave at the expiry of your visa.
  • Proof of travel insurance with a minimum cover of EUR 30,000 is needed for this visa application.
  • You'll need to show proof of being able to cater for all expenses you'll incur while in Norway. This proof could be in the form of your most recent bank statements or that of a sponsor as well as a letter of declaration from your sponsor which states intent of sponsorship.
  • Proof of accommodation is important to complete your visa application. You could prove it by sharing copies of hotel reservation or a letter from your host stating purpose, duration & intent of hosting you while in Norway.
  • A signed letter from the applicant's employer written on the company's letterhead confirming position & leave approval for the exact travel dates the applicant will be out of South Africa is needed.
  • If self-employed, you need to submit your company's documents or a letter from your accountant confirming that the business exist.
  • Students are required to provide a letter from their school confirming enrollment, awareness of trip and proof of registration for the year under the university's letterhead.
  • A valid resident permit will be required from non South African citizens.
  • This visa costs €60 for South Africans 12 years and above, €35 for children between 6-11 and is free for children under 6.
  • The visa has a stay of 90 days and have a validity of 90 days as well.
Norway Tourist visa Norway Transit visa Norway Business visa Norway Student visa

Norway Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for the purpose of sightseeing, vacationing and other recreational activities in Norway.
  • The Norway tourist visa allows  tourists visit relatives and friends.
  • Applicants are not allowed to take up work with this type of visa.
  • You are not allowed to study in any institution of study during your stay in Norway.
  • Children under 18 years, travelling alone will need both parents to sign the visa application.
  • A letter of invitation from your host in Norway which clearly states your host's home address is needed. Your host will be required to provide valid means of identification.
  • You'll need to show proof that you are in good health condition by providing a valid medical report.
  • Your fingerprints must have been registered during the visa application process.
  • The visa is usually processed for about 15 days.
  • This visa costs €60 for South Africans 12 years and above, €35 for children between 6-11 and is free for children under 6.
  • The visa has a stay of 90 days and have a validity of 90 days as well. 
  • Failure to leave on expiry of visa will lead to deportation from Norway.

Norway Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • An airport transit visa allows its holder join a connecting flight from Norway to an intended destination country.
  • This visa will only allow you to stay in the airport's transit zone and does not entitle you to enter Norway.
  • The visa and flight ticket of your destination country is required.
  • You are not allowed to work or enroll into a university with this visa.
  • You'll be required to provide proof that you are in the best health condition.
  • Original birth certificate of minors will be important when applying for this type of visa.
  • Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for visa.
  • Two recent photographs that meet the visa application requirements.
  • Travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies is needed.
  • You'll be required to provide documents detailing your onward trip. This document could be return flight ticket and visa for the country you're travelling to.
  • This visa is valid for 24 hours and it expires as soon as the holder leaves the country.
  • It takes 15 days to process.

Norway Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This type of visa allows people to undertake business activities while in Norway.
  • With a business visa, you can attend meetings, trade fairs and conferences in Norway.
  • You must have a passport that is valid for at least three months after the end of your visit. The passport must be issued within the last ten years. 
  • A signed invitation from the company in Norway inviting you for business purpose must be attached to your application.
  • Proof of any preexisting business relationship with the inviting company is important.
  • You'll be required to show proof of being financially capable of taking care of your needs while in Norway. This proof must show you can spend at least NOK 500 for each day of your stay in Norway. Alternatively, if you're being sponsored by someone or an organization in Norway, you'll need to present a proof of financial guarantee.
  • The certificate of business registration of the company you are meeting with in Norway is required to complete your visa application.
  • A valid resident permit is required for non South Africans.
  • If you are less than the age of 18, your visa application form should be signed by both your parents.
  • Proof from your local doctor in South Africa that you are in good health condition is required.
  • A letter from your current employer in South Africa stating that he/she is aware of your business leave.
  • You'll be required to submit a valid travel insurance.
  • The visa costs NOK500 and takes about 15 days to be ready.
  • You must not be subject to a prohibition against entry to Norway or any Schengen country.
  • If you have been in the Schengen area in the last 90 days, you must check when it is possible for you to re-enter, and how many days you can stay in Norway.
  • If you are under the age of 18, both your parents, or other persons responsible for you, must sign your application.

Norway Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued for the purpose of studying in Norway.
  • This visa allows successful applicants multiple entry into the country.
  • A letter from the institution confirming enrollment and awareness of trip is required.
  • You have to apply for student’s resident permit.
  • Proof of financial capability is required. This proof could be in the form of receipts of paid fees or documents of scholarship (if any).
  • You'll be required to provide proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in Norway.
  • You are allowed to work part-time, for up to 20-hours a week, when school is in session and full-time during school holiday.
  • If you are less than 18 years, a letter of consent signed by both parents as well as your birth certificate is required.
  • You'll need to provide evidence that you will return to South Africa at the end of your study. This evidence could be documents showing family ties, businesses or properties in South Africa.
  • The visa is usually processed during a period of 15 days.

Norway Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (NOK)

Transit visa

60.00 (NOK)

Business visa

60.00 (NOK)

Student visa

60.00 (NOK)

Norway Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

Ozmik House 165 Lynnwood Road Brooklyn 0181 Pretoria

https://www.norway.no/en/south-africa/

emb.pretoria@mfa.no

+27 12 364 3700

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study in Norway for free?

Universities in Norway do not charge tuition for international students. But students are expected to pay a fee every semester.

Is Norway good for international students?

Norway is a highly appreciated destination for study in Europe. The educational system in Norway is ranked one of the best in Europe.

How long can I stay in Norway as a tourist?

You can stay in Norway for up to 90 days during a 180-day period.

What language is spoken in Norway?

Norway's official language is Norwegian and Sámi.

Is Schengen visa valid for Norway?
Yes, it is valid. Norway is considered to be in the Schengen area.
What's the official currency in Norway?

The Norwegian Krone (NOK) is the officially accepted currency in Norway.