Top travel tips A–Z

Foreign languages

Most Norwegians speak English, especially the younger crowd.

Many have also learned German, French or Spanish at school, but skill levels may vary.

Getting here

By plane or by train, by bus or by boat, we can help you getting to Norway.

Internet access

Internet access is good in most towns and cities, either through mobile data, or public wifi 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 wifi, but this will often require registration and have limited capacity.

LGBT

Most LGBT venues and offers are found in the big cities like Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim.

Money

Norway's currency is "kroner", abbreviated NOK. That said, how much should you tip, pay, or expect to be billed?

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 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’ 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.

Retail therapy

Here's what you need to know about shopping in Norway. And before you go, here is information on currency and prices. 

Right of access

In Norway everyone has the unrestricted right of free access in the countryside, ­including the national parks. Read more about the rights of access. 

Safety

We want you to come back, so see our tips on how to stay safe in the mountains, on the seas, or on the roads.

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 of 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 2021 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).

Toll roads

Norway has many toll roads, but the good part is that you don’t need to slow down to pay. Read more about invoicing and how to register your car.

Visa requirements and passports

Visitors from the Schengen countries do not need a passport or visa when entering Norway, but must show valid and sufficient ID. A European Union ID-card or passport is recommended.

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 at udi.no.

The regulations concerning entry to and residence in the Svalbard Islands are different from the regulations on the Norwegian mainland. Svalbard is not part of the Schengen area. Norwegian authorities do not require a visa for visiting Svalbard, but as most transport links connect Svalbard with Norway, foreigners with visa requirements to Norway/the Schengen area will need a valid visa to travel through the Schengen area.
Please read more about entry to Svalbard at sysselmannen.no

The European Health Insurance Card is not valid in Svalbard. It is therefore strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance before you go there.

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