A Guide to Traveling to Norway and Its Fjords
Norway does not belong to the European Union but is part of the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area, so the visa requirement for short stays follows the same rules as the rest of the Schengen bloc, with 30,000 euros in medical insurance for anyone who needs to apply for one.
The fjords in the west of the country are most accessible between May and September, while September to March is northern lights season in the north, especially in the Tromsø region, above the Arctic Circle.
Norway is also one of the most expensive countries in Europe, and that extends to healthcare: a medical consultation, a glacier rescue, or a night in the hospital without insurance can cost considerably more than in most neighboring countries.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Norway is not a member of the European Union, but it is part of the Schengen Area: many nationalities need a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days; check the requirement for your passport.
Health & travel insurance: Norway is one of the countries with the highest cost of living in Europe; a medical emergency or a mountain rescue without insurance can result in very high bills for an uninsured visitor.
Best Time to Travel
May to September is ideal for touring the fjords by ferry or kayak with stable weather. September to March, especially near Tromsø, offers the best conditions for seeing the northern lights, though with below-freezing temperatures.
Typical Entry Requirements
- Passport valid for at least three months after leaving the Schengen Area.
- Short-stay Schengen visa with 30,000 euros in medical insurance for those who need one.
- A generous budget, given that Norway has one of the highest costs of living in Europe.
Fjords, Glaciers, and Rescue
Glacier hikes or trekking routes in remote fjords carry a risk of falls or hypothermia if the weather changes abruptly, which is common in Norway. A rescue in remote areas may require a helicopter, at a high cost for anyone without insurance.
Why Travel Medical Insurance Makes Sense Here
Given Norway's high cost of living, an Assist-365 plan with solid hospital and rescue coverage reduces the financial risk of any emergency during a trip to the fjords or the Arctic Circle. Get a quote with the code MEDALLOADV2023 before your trip.
Travel checklist for Norway
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Norway.
- Check the visa requirement for Norway based on your passport: Norway is not a member of the European Union, but it is part of the Schengen Area: many nationalities need a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days; check the requirement for your passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Norway is one of the countries with the highest cost of living in Europe; a medical emergency or a mountain rescue without insurance can result in very high bills for an uninsured visitor.
- Save Norway's emergency number: 112 (also 113 for medical emergencies), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Norwegian krone (NOK)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
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Norway Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | Oslo |
| Currency | Norwegian krone (NOK), not the euro |
| Language | Norwegian |
| Best time to visit | May-Sep (fjords) or Sep-Mar (northern lights) |
| Emergency number | 112 / 113 (medical) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norway part of the European Union?
No, but it is part of the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area, so the Schengen visa requirement applies the same way as in neighboring EU countries.
Is healthcare expensive for tourists in Norway?
Yes, Norway has one of the highest costs of living in Europe, and that includes private or emergency medical care for visitors without coverage.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Norway?
Between September and March, with the best odds in the Tromsø region, away from city light pollution.
Does travel insurance cover a glacier or mountain rescue?
It depends on the plan; it's worth confirming rescue and mountain-activity coverage specifically before undertaking them.
