Acquiring a Norway Visa
Overview
Norway, the Land of the Midnight Sun, is the northernmost country in Europe. The country is known for its fjords, mountains and coastline. The country boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world. Norway attracts a lot of tourist from around the world. The natural beauty of the country appeals those that are looking for adventure as well as those that want peace and tranquillity. The tourism industry of the nation is booming despite its apparent challenges. As the name ‘Land of the Midnight Sun' suggests, Norway receives a lot of daylight from late May to late June due to high altitudes. In fact, large parts of the nation receive up to 20 hours of daylight. However, from late November to Late January, days are very short.
Still, the landscape and the standard of living of the nation drives tourism forward. The country is also home to a lot of business. Recently, a lot of international businesses are thriving in the nation. Especially, seasonal businesses are thriving in the nation. The Kingdom of Norway does not have too many higher colleges or universities, but the quality of education is very high in Norway. Therefore, the education of Norway attracts a considerable amount of international students.
Why is Norwegian Visa Needed?
Indian citizen needs to have a Norway visa if they want to visit the Kingdom of Norway. It is mandatory to get either national visa, transit visa or Schengen visa for Indian citizens to visit Norway. The visa that you need will depend on the nature and purpose of your visit along with the duration.
Norway Visa Eligibility
The eligibility for the visa depends on the type of visa that you need for your visit. There are primarily three types of visas:
Schengen Visa: The Schengen visa permits a stay up to a maximum of 90 days in six-month duration. The visa allows you to visit all the states under the Schengen region. It means that in addition to visiting Norway, you will also be able to visit Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France, Latvia, Slovakia, Iceland, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, Greece, Austria, Finland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Switzerland, Estonia, Malta, Luxemburg, and Poland. Furthermore, you will face no restrictions even e=if you were to enter and exit a Schengen region multiple times.
National Visa D: The national visa allows a stay of 91 days to 180 days. There are many reasons for the issuance of Visa D including but not limited to a researcher, guest researcher, seasonal worker, short-term worker, volunteer and student among others. The national visa D can be issued for a single as well as multiple entries depending on the purpose and nature of your visit.
Transit Visa: The transit visa is very different from Schengen and national visas. A prime feature of the transit visa is that it is for a very short duration, lasting a few days at maximum. It is commonly issued to aid tourists and travellers. Transit visa allows the travellers to enter the nation while they are waiting for a connecting flight, train or ship.
All three visas have other eligibility requirements based on the reason for your visit. However, many of the requirements are common for all of them. This is true especially for Schengen and national visa. However, the difference is limited to the requirement of documents based on the purpose and nature of the visit. The following could be the reasons for travelling to or visiting Norway:
Transit
It is for travellers who need to stop in the Kingdom of Norway for a few days at maximum to either get a train, ship or flight out of the country.
Tourism
The unique combination of serenity and thrill offered by the landscape of the Kingdom of Norway attracts a lot of tourists. Therefore, there are a lot of requests for a tourist visa. Furthermore, those already have a Schengen visa can enter and exit Norway without having to apply for a separate visa.
Visiting Friends or Family
This is visa is for those who have family members or friends that are either citizens of Austria or the Schengen region. Furthermore, you can also state this as your reason, if your friends or family are staying on a National Visa in Norway. However, you will need to present a referral letter from your friend or family member at the time of the visa application process
Business
This type of visa is for individuals who need to travel to Norway for any business-related matters. You will also need to apply for the same. A business visa is also required if you are employed by a company and organisation operating in Norway.
Medical reasons
The medical visa is issued to an individual who needs to travel to Norway for medical reasons. However, they will require a letter of references in which a doctor has prescribed the individual along with a letter from the treatment facility or doctors in Norway.
Study Purposes
A student visa is needed for people who intend to study in one of the educational institutes in Norway.
Cultural, Sports and Film Crews
It is issued to Indian citizens who wish to travel to Norway to either attend or participate in events or activities related to sports, culture or religion.
Other Purposes
If your purpose does not appear in the categories above, then you need not worry. When you are applying for the visa, attach a letter that explains your purpose and other relevant application during the application process.
Norway Visa Application Process
How to Apply for Norwegian Visa:
The visa application process for a Norway visa is very straightforward unlike the visa application process for other countries such as the US. Before applying for the visa, you should check the eligibility requirements based on your purpose of visit. You can apply for a Norwegian visa by submitting it to The Embassy of Norway at New Delhi. However, the official website of the embassy suggests that you use VFS Services to apply for the visa.
The first step in applying for the visa is to choose you’re the type of visa and pertinent category depending on the purpose of your visit.
You will need to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the visa and that you have the necessary documentation that will be required for the same.
The second step is to apply for the visa by submitting the visa application form along with the relevant documents.
The third step is to book an appointment. Remember that you will need to visit the embassy or general consulate for your visa appointment. After you arrive at the embassy or consulate for your appointment, you will be called to the visa application submission counter. You will need to submit the required documents along with your photograph and passport.
If you are issued a visa, then you will need to collect the visa from the embassy or consulate in person. You will not be allowed to send someone in your stead. However, the following can be considered as representatives if you cannot appear in person:
- Family members: Parents, Siblings, Spouses and Children
- An individual, if you are travelling as a group, but the individual will need to be a member of the group
- A government authorised an individual, but he or she will need an approval letter from the government
- Company’s official representative, but a letter of approval along with necessary identification will be required
Any representative in the cases mentioned above will need to present the following:
- Government issued ID Card
- Original ICR
- Approval letter from the applicant granting authority
In order to apply for the visa, the first thing that you will need to do is chose the visa category depending on the nature and purpose of your visit, and go over the requirements for the same.
The second thing that you will need to do is book an appointment before you submit your visa application . Once you arrive at the visa application centre, you will need to take a token from the entrance then proceed to the waiting area. You will be called to the visa application submission counter to submit your application and the required documents. The documents along with your photograph and passport will be scrutinised and verified for their authenticity and validity.
Lastly, you will receive a receipt for the services and fees charged during the process. DO ensure to carry all the originals of your documents.