Internet access
Internet access is good in most towns and cities, either through mobile data, or public Wi-Fi in cafés and other public areas. Mobile data coverage will be patchy in sparsely populated areas. Most hotels have free Internet access in the rooms, but if it is important to you, it’s best to ask the hotel before you book. Many buses, express buses and trains offer free onboard Wi-Fi, but this will often require registration and have limited capacity.
LGBTIQ+
Most Norwegians have a liberal attitude towards sexuality and gender identity, and Norway was early on to enact anti-discrimination laws against gays and lesbians. Most LGBTIQ+ venues and offers are found in the big cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim.
Pets
Make sure you read the full instructions at the Norwegian Food Safety Authority in good time prior to your travel.
Dogs, cats, and ferrets from all EU countries must have pet passports and ID marking. Unless from Sweden, the animal also needs valid anti-rabies vaccination. In addition, dogs from most EU countries must be given approved tapeworm treatment minimum 24 and maximum 120 hours before arrival. Small rodents, cage birds, and rabbits must have valid import permits issued by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
Certain dog types are prohibited in Norway. Norway is amongst the few rabies-free countries thanks to high awareness and strict rules.
Additional rules apply to non-EU countries. For further information not found on the Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s website, please contact the Norwegian Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Public holidays
Norwegian public holidays are New Year's Day (1 Jan), Labour Day (1 May), Constitution Day (17 May), Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25-26 Dec). Movable holidays are Easter, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, and Whit Monday.
Most shops will be closed on public holidays, and public transit may run with reduced frequency and capacity. Many restaurants and bars will be open, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Many museums are open on Sundays and some public holidays, but will often be closed on the following Monday.
Smoking
Indoor smoking in most public places is prohibited. This includes hotels, bars, restaurants and all other establishments where food and beverage are served.
You must be over 18 years to buy tobacco in Norway.
E-cigarettes that contain nicotine are prohibited in Norway, but can be imported for personal or medical use. Citizens from the EU/EEA area can enter the country with a maximum quantity of one year's consumption. Citizens from outside the EU/EEA are only allowed to import a quantity that doesn't exceed three months of consumption. When importing e-cigarettes that contain nicotine, it's a good idea to bring along documents, such as a prescription or medical certificate that proves that the products were legally bought for personal use.
The Norwegian Directorate of Health states that in the course of 2023 a new regulation of e-cigarettes should come into force, that would allow nicotine e-cigarettes in Norway. Until this regulation has been approved, it is forbidden to produce, trade and import e-cigarettes and e-liquids with nicotine in Norway.
Storage of luggage
You will find storage lockers for your luggage at Oslo S/Oslo Central Station. You are welcome to keep your belongings in the lockers at all hours, but you will not be able to access the same lockers when the station is closed between 01:10 am and 04:30 am. Make your payment for the use of storage lockers by cash, Visa or Mastercard.
Time zone
All of Norway uses Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).
Visa requirements and passports
Visitors from the Schengen countries do not need to show a passport or visa when entering Norway. You may still be asked to identify yourself at some point during your trip, so it is highly recommended to carry a valid passport or national ID card with you.
A number of countries have introduced temporary border controls at the internal borders in Schengen.
Citizens of some countries outside the EU/EEA have to apply for a visitor's visa. You can easily check if this is required for you, and what rules apply to your country with on the webpages of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Due to Svalbard being outside the Schengen area, identity control is performed for all guests travelling to and from Svalbard. This also includes Norwegians. All guests, both Norwegian and foreign citizens, must bring their passport or national ID-card.
Please read more about entry to Svalbard at sysselmannen.no
Note that The European Health Insurance Card is not valid in Svalbard. It is therefore strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance before you go there.
Norwegian weather is liable to change from day to day, so bring a selection of clothes that you can layer. That way, you can add or remove layers depending on temperature. In addition, bring at least one warm jumper, waterproof coat and/or umbrella and comfortable walking shoes, boots, or trainers.
If you go during the winter, you will need an overcoat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots.
In autumn and spring, you may want to bring waterproof trousers and boots.
For the summer, lighten up, but remember that even summer evenings and nights can be chilly, particularly in the mountains. Read more about Seasons & climate in Norway.
