Start with the right application

The correct route depends on your nationality, reason for travel, intended length of stay and personal circumstances. Norway is part of the Schengen Area.

A visitor visa generally covers eligible short visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. It is not a work permit and should not be used as a substitute for a residence permit. If you intend to work, study long-term or join family in Norway, check the relevant residence route before applying.

Explore the main visa and permit routes

Visitor visa: what to prepare

For a Schengen visitor application, follow the checklist for the country where you apply. Requirements can vary by nationality, residence, trip purpose and whether a host or sponsor is supporting you.

• Valid passport meeting Schengen validity and issue-date rules.
• Completed online application, confirmation and proof of fee payment where required.
• Recent photograph and biometrics where applicable.
• Travel medical insurance meeting Schengen requirements.
• Evidence of sufficient funds or an accepted sponsorship arrangement.
• Travel purpose evidence, such as itinerary, accommodation details or invitation.
• Evidence of employment, studies, family ties, residence status or other circumstances relevant to the application.
• Return or onward travel plan where appropriate, plus any additional documents listed in the official checklist.

Do not treat this overview as a substitute for your personal checklist. The Norwegian authorities decide which documents are required for your case.

How the application process usually works

1. Choose the correct route.
   Use UDI’s application guide to identify whether you need a visitor visa or a residence permit.
2. Read the country-specific checklist.
   Check the documents, translations, legalisations and financial evidence required for your circumstances.
3. Register online.
   Complete the correct application through the official portal and pay any required fee.
4. Book and attend your appointment.
   Submit your passport and supporting documents at the designated application centre or mission; provide biometrics if required.
5. Wait for a decision.
   Processing times vary. Avoid non-refundable travel commitments until you have checked the official advice and received the necessary permission.
6. Check the outcome carefully.
   If approved, review the visa sticker or permit decision, validity dates, entry conditions and any restrictions before travelling.

Work and study: plan before travelling

Working in Norway

Do not assume a visitor visa permits employment. Check the relevant work immigration category, qualification or job-offer conditions, and whether the employer or applicant must provide specific documentation. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed employment, a guaranteed permit or a visa in exchange for an unofficial fee.

Studying in Norway

Confirm that your educational programme qualifies for the appropriate permit and review the current financial support, admission, insurance and documentation rules. Permission to work alongside studies, if any, is governed by the conditions attached to the permit.

Joining family

Family immigration is not automatic. Eligibility can depend on the relationship, the family member’s status in Norway, income or housing conditions where applicable, and other case-specific requirements.

Fees and processing times

Fees and waiting times depend on the application type, age, nationality, application location and current official rules. For a visitor visa, Norway’s official South Africa page currently lists a standard Schengen fee of €90 for adults and €45 for children aged six to under twelve, with exemptions for certain categories. Separate visa-centre service fees may apply.

The same official page states that visitor visa cases are normally processed within up to 15 calendar days after the embassy or consulate receives the application, while cases referred to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) may take up to 45 calendar days. These are guidance figures, not guarantees; allow additional time for appointments, courier transit or requests for further information.

Check official visitor visa fees and processing guidance for South Africa ↗

If applying from another country, use the Norwegian mission page responsible for your place of legal residence. Always recheck fees and timelines before paying or booking.

Official resources

Use government websites for final eligibility checks, application forms, fee information and case-specific instructions.

• Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) — choose an application type
• UDI — visitor visas
• UDI — work immigration
• UDI — studies
• UDI — family immigration
• Norway in South Africa — visa and residence information
• VFS Global — Norway applications in South Africa

Frequently asked questions