Norway

Terrorists have attacked some European cities in recent years. Targets have included public transport and transport hubs, and public places foreigners frequent.

European security services have stopped several planned attacks.

In August 2019, a gunman attempted an attack on the Al-Noor Islamic Centre in Baerum, outside Oslo. One person was injured.

In April 2017, Norwegian authorities found and detonated a bomb in Central Oslo.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• report suspect actions or items to police

• check the media for possible threats

• follow advice from local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

• Norwegian Police Security Service Threat Assessment (Norwegian)

Civil unrest is rare.

Check the media and avoid possible unrest.

If there's a protest near you, follow the advice of local authorities.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

Serious crime is rare.

There have been some sexual assaults against foreigners. 

Violent crime with weapons has occurred in areas where criminal gangs operate, such as parts of eastern Oslo.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is increasingly common. The risk rises during the peak tourist season from May to September.

Thieves often work together and use various tricks to distract travellers.

To stay safe:

• avoid walking alone in isolated places, like parks

• avoid walking alone at night

• pay attention to your belongings in airports, train stations, hotel lobbies and restaurants

More information: 

• Sexual assault

There are many adventure activities in Norway. These include mountaineering, trekking, skiing and glacier climbing.

Check you have everything you need for these activities, including the right equipment.

Ensure you're fit enough to do these activities.

When skiing:

• follow local advice

• stay on marked runs and paths

• only ski in recommended areas

• check weather forecasts

• always let people know where you're going

The weather can be unpredictable even during summer months.

Check your travel insurance covers these activities. Include coverage for helicopter rescue and medical evacuation.

If you're travelling to Svalbard, follow local safety advice.

Polar bears have killed and injured travellers in Svalbard. Avalanches and accidents on glaciers and boats have also killed travellers.

More information:

• Governor of Svalbard

Norway experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• avalanches and rockslides in some mountain areas

• flooding

• landslides

Check advice on weather and safety conditions before skiing or mountaineering.

If there's a natural disaster:

• follow the advice of local authorities

• get updates from the Norwegian Government

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

The northernmost parts of Norway are above the Arctic Circle. Take care in these areas. Follow the advice from local authorities. Be ready to change your plans if you need to.

The Arctic is a vast region.

If you're planning to visit:

• work out how far you'll be from search and rescue, evacuation and medical facilities

• make contingency plans

If you're travelling by ship:

• check the onboard medical care

• ask cruise operators about medical arrangements

• discuss any pre-existing medical conditions

Search and rescue services may take a long time to arrive. They would be many 100s of kilometres away. Stranded vessels may wait several days for help, particularly in bad weather.

We may not be able to give you full or prompt consular assistance in remote areas. 

To reduce your risks, have travel insurance or funds to cover:

• the cost of search and rescue

• any medical treatment

• your return home or to another city or country

More information

• Going on a cruise

*This advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

More information:

• Travel insurance

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health 

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Norway. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for your own use 

More information:

• Medicine

COVID-19

Norway has confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Folkehelseinstituttet) website has a dedicated English language page providing updates and guidance.  There are two COVID-19 hotlines (open Monday-Friday, 08.30-15.30) on +47 815 55 015 for general enquiries and +47 116 117 if you believe you may have been infected.

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (WHO)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Smartraveller)

Other health risks in Norway are broadly similar to those in Australia.

Medical facilities

Hospitals in cities offer a high standard of care. Many medical staff speak English.

Services are limited in rural and remote areas.

If you need treatment in the remote area of northern Norway or Svalbard, medical teams may evacuate you for medical care. This will take time. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Australia has a healthcare agreement with Norway. You can access immediate emergency medical services.

The agreement won't cover ongoing treatment of existing health conditions. You still need private travel health insurance.

More information:

• Medicare and reciprocal healthcare agreements

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

If you break the law in Norway, you may be banned from the Schengen area for either a limited time (up to 10 years) or permanently.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences, even for possession of small amounts, include:

• heavy fines

• imprisonment

• being removed from the Schengen area

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

If you assault someone in any way, you may be jailed.

The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.02%. There are frequent roadside checks for drink driving.

If you speed or drive under the influence:

• penalties are severe

• you may face jail or deportation

• you may be banned from the Schengen area

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Norway doesn't recognise dual Norwegian-Australian nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

If you're male and also a Norwegian citizen, you may have to do national service.

Norway recently passed a law to allow dual citizenship. This is likely to come into effect in early 2020.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

The following information will only apply once COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted.

Visa conditions

Norway is part of the Schengen area, along with many other European countries. You may be able to enter Norway without a tourist visa. In other situations, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Norway for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Travel via Svalbard

The Norwegian territory of Svalbard is not part of the Schengen area.

If you're travelling to Svalbard, you'll need a valid passport to enter.

You also need to meet Schengen area entry requirements when returning to Norway's mainland.

COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, Norway has closed its borders and foreign travellers won't be allowed to enter the country unless they have a Norwegian residency permit. While airports are operational, expect travel disruptions as many flights are banned from entering Norway. Departure options are becoming more limited and key transit hubs between Norway and Australia have closed or are becoming severely restricted.

A quarantine period of 14 days will apply to those permitted to enter. Cruise passengers won't be allowed to disembark at many Norwegian ports. Check with your travel provider on disruptions.

Large gatherings are banned, schools, universities and public institutions are closed and the use of public transport is discouraged. Monitor the media for latest information.

If you can't or don't want to leave, follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe and well. If you need urgent consular assistance call +61 2 6261 3305.

Norway has border controls at:

• ferry crossings from Sweden, Denmark and Germany

• at the land border between Sweden and Norway

Always carry your passport to enter and exit, even if you're travelling within the Schengen area.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Border crossings

Always carry your passport when crossing borders, including within the Schengen area.

Get an entry stamp in your passport from border control staff when you first enter the Schengen area.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Currency

Norway's official currency is the Norwegian Kroner (NOK). Norway won't accept the Euro in most situations.

You can bring up to 25,000 NOK in cash into Norway.

You need to pay a customs toll and a fine if you arrive with more than 25,000 NOK.

More information:

• Directorate of Norwegian Customs

Access to money

Norway accepts some foreign debit and credit cards in some outlets. These may incur a surcharge fee.

Credit card transactions usually need a credit card with a microchip and PIN, not a signature.

Driving permit

To drive in Norway, you will need either:

• a Norwegian licence or

• an International Drivers' Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

Roads can be dangerous in winter due to ice.

Rural roads are usually 2 lanes. They can be narrow and winding in mountainous regions.

Take particular care when driving outside urban areas. Check signs for animal crossings, such as moose or deer crossings.

By law, when driving, headlights must be on at all times and it's illegal to use your mobile phone.

Winter tyres must be fitted from 1 November to the first Monday after Easter Monday. Carry snow chains in your vehicle if you intend to drive in the mountains during this period.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check that your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorcycle.

Always wear a helmet.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Norway's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 110.

Medical emergencies

Call 113.

Police

Call 112.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

The Australian Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, provides consular help to Australians in Norway. If you need consular help, contact:

Australian Embassy, Copenhagen

Dampfaergevej 26

2nd floor

2100 Copenhagen Ø

Denmark

Phone: +45 7026 3676

Fax: +45 7026 3686

Email: genenq.cpgn@dfat.gov.au or consular.copenhagen@dfat.gov.au

Website: denmark.embassy.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Denmark, Norway and Iceland

Twitter: @AusEmbDK

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an Embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia