The Schengen area comprises the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, German, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,The Czech Republic, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
A visa for Norway and the rest of the Schengen countries has a maximum duration of 90 days. The visa cannot be extended once the holder has entered the Schengen area. The total duration of stay in the Schengen area cannot exceed 90 days in the course of the last 6 months (180 days).
The visa granted for Norway is valid for all countries in Europe that are party to the Schengen agreement. You must leave the Schengen area before your visa expires, if you do not this may have consequences for any future entry.
Who must apply for a visa to visit Norway?
In principle, everyone needs a visa to visit Norway. However exemptions are made for citizens from countries with an agreement with Norway waiving the visa requirement. A list of visa waiver countries is available at the following :
http://www.udi.no/templates/Tema.aspx?id=7403#excempt
Where do I apply for a visa for Norway?
You must submit your application IN PERSON at the nearest Foreign Service mission. That is an Embassy or an Honorary Consulate. The Embassy and Honorary Consulate addresses can be found at the following :
http://www.norway.org.au/Embassy/Consulates1/
· If you are applying for a visa for Norway in Fiji, you have to apply at the French Embassy.
· If you are applying for a visa for Norway in New Zealand you have to apply at the Netherlands Embassy.
NOTE: If you intend to spend more time in another Schengen country than Norway, you should apply to that country’s Embassy, for example if you intend to spend 5 days in Norway but 6 days in France, you should apply for your Schengen visa at the French Embassy. In this instance the visa issued by France permits travel to all Schengen countries.
Special arrangements for persons applying for a Norwegian visa in Sydney
In Sydney it is the Royal Danish Consulate General that processes applications for Norway. The application fee that applies is the Danish fee. The Royal Danish Consulate General, Sydney, will inform you of the progress and decision regarding your visa application.
The Royal Danish Consulate General is located at: Gold Fields House, Level 21, 1 Alfred Street, Circular Quay, Sydney, NSW 2000, Telephone; (02) 9247 2224 or email: sydgkl@um.dk
Fee:
The fee must be paid when the application is submitted. A list of fees is available at the following :
http://www.norway.org.au/Embassy/Visa-and-other-permits1/
Processing time for a visa application:
The minimum processing time is 4 weeks however this depends upon the workload of the Foreign Service mission in question. The Embassy in Canberra advises you to expect a minimum of 4 weeks before you receive a reply to your application. If your application is forwarded to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) in Norway, the processing time will be longer. The following link gives the UDI processing times: http://www.udi.no/templates/Page.aspx?id=4938
Documentation required:
All documents must be original documents or certified copies.
· A completed application form. The application form can be obtained from the following :
http://www.udi.no/upload/Skjema/VisumBesok/SchengenVisaApplication.dot
· Two passport sized photographs approved for a visa label. Photo requirements can be found at the following :
www.udi.no
· A valid passport or travel document. The passport / travel document must be valid for 3 months after departure from the Schengen area.
· A valid permit for stay in Australia for 3 months after departure from the Schengen area or a visa for another country or a return ticket to your home country.
· Explanation of your purpose for visiting Norway with supporting documentation. This should include one of the following:
1. A written invitation from a Norwegian person (business partner/relative/other)
2. Confirmation from employer of journey (if travelling on a business trip)
3. Proof of family relationship (if invitation is from a family member)
· Documentation of how the visit will be financed.This should include the following:
1. Current Bank statement commencing 3 months prior to making application
2. Guarantee letter from employer
3. Quotes for hotel accommodation bookings (if not staying with friends/relatives)
4. Quotes for travel itinerary
5. Quotes for travel insurance to cover the period in the Schengen area
6. Guarantee letter from host if staying with friends/relatives, see the following : http://www.udi.no/upload/Skjema/VisumBesok/GP7018GarantiNoEn.pdf
7. The Embassy may request any or all of the documents above and any other documents or information in order to reach a decision regarding the grant of a Schengen visa.
If your application is approved.
Before your visa is issued you must show the Embassy that you have valid travel and sickness insurance to cover your stay in the Schengen area. The minimum coverage is EUR 30,000 (Approx AUD 50,000). The Policy must cover the time that you will be in the Schengen area.
You must have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Norway. If you arrive at the border without funds, you can be stopped even though you have been issued a visa.
Can I appeal if my application is rejected?
YES :
· If you appeal a decision by a Foreign Service Mission, your case will be sent to the UDI for consideration.
· If you appeal a decision by the UDI, your case will be sent to the Immigration Appeals Board (UNE). There is no fee payable for an appeal.
Further information:
If you have any questions about Schengen visas then contact your nearest Norwegian Foreign Service Mission.
If you are in Norway you should contact UDI at the following :
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, Hausmannsgate 21, Oslo
PO Box 8108 Dep 0032 Oslo
email : ots@udi.no
Phone : 23 35 15 00