Norway travel advice

Latest updates: Health – editorial update

Last updated: ET

On this page

Risk level

Norway - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Norway

Back to top

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs, particularly during the tourism season, from May to September.

Thieves work alone or in groups and may use various techniques to distract you and steal your belongings.

They are especially active in crowded areas, such as:

  • airports, train stations and public transportation facilities, including Oslo’s Central (railway) Station
  • hotel lobbies
  • restaurants, patios and outdoor cafés
  • tourist attractions

Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Violent crime

Violent crime is uncommon, but gang-related violence may occur in certain areas.

While tourists are not specifically targeted, you could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, particularly after dark.

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. When using debit or credit cards:

  • pay careful attention if other people are handling your cards
  • use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
  • avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
  • cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
  • check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
  • never save your debit or credit card’s details in unknown laptops or electronic devices

Overseas fraud

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

  • government buildings, including schools
  • places of worship
  • airports and other transportation hubs and networks
  • public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant during:

  • religious holidays
  • public celebrations
  • major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

The Government of Norway maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Local authorities publish threat level changes online and through local media.

Threat assessment - Norwegian Police Security Service (in Norwegian)

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur from time to time. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Adventure and Arctic tourism

Adventure tourism may lead to serious safety concerns if not well-organized. Weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

In winter, heavy snowfall can make it difficult to reach certain areas. Roads may become impassable. There is also a risk of avalanches, some of which can be fatal.

If you undertake adventure tourism, such as trekking, glacier climbing or skiing, especially in the Arctic regions and remote areas of Norway:

  • never do so alone
  • obtain detailed information on each activity before setting out
  • buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
  • ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
  • don’t venture off marked trails
  • ensure that you’re properly equipped
  • carry a cellphone or a GPS that can generate your position in case of emergency
  • ensure that you’re well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
  • inform a family member or friend of your itinerary

Svalbard archipelago

The presence of polar bears in the Svalbard archipelago may put your safety at high risk.

Do not venture outside of the settlements without a guide and proper equipment.

Useful links

Cruise ship travel

Unpredictable weather in Norway may disrupt cruise ship travel and lead to rough seas, cancellation, delays and itinerary changes without notice. Rescue operations may also be very limited in remote areas, particularly in Nordic regions and Svalbard.

If you decide to take a cruise in Norway:

  • choose a well-established and reputable cruise company
  • ensure that your travel insurance covers cruise ship travel and includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation

Advice for Cruise Travellers

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are good.

Some roads may be narrow, hazardous and impassable in winter, particularly in northern areas.

Road accidents involving wildlife are common.

Be particularly vigilant if driving at night.

Public transportation

Public transportation services are efficient and reliable.

Trains and buses

Norway has an extensive railway network that connects main cities. Oslo also has a metro.

Most cities have good public bus systems. Long-distance bus lines are also available.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available but may be expensive.

Use only officially marked taxis, particularly in Oslo.

Ferry

There are daily ferry connections with Denmark, Sweden and Germany.

Getting around Norway - Visit Norway

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Back to top

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Norwegian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Schengen area

Norway is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Useful links

Temporary border controls

The Norwegian government has reintroduced internal border controls at certain ports of entry.

You may need to pass through immigration controls when entering Norway, even if arriving from another Schengen area country.

Vehicles with Russian license plates

Since October 2023, Norway has enforced an entry ban on vehicles registered in Russia with nine or fewer seats. This restriction is currently in place at the border and mirrors existing European Union sanctions against the Russian Federation.

Vehicles registered in Russia carrying Russian license plates will be refused entry into Norway.

Norway is tightening its restrictive measures against Russia – Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Svalbard archipelago

While Svalbard is a Norwegian territory, it’s not part of the Schengen area.

You must have a valid passport to enter Svalbard and meet Schengen area entry regulations when returning to Norway’s mainland.

Entry and residence - Governor of Svalbard

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Business visa: not required
Work visa: required
Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Back to top

Health

Relevant Travel Health Notices

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Hepatitis B

 Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Influenza

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites. The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Rabies

In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •  washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent. Services are available throughout the country. However, access to emergency medical assistance may be very limited in Arctic and remote regions.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Back to top

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Norway are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Norway to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Norway authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences, heavy fines and deportation.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Norway.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Norway, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Norway.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Norway, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Norwegian court.

If you are in this situation:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Norway to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

Driving

You can drive in Norway with your Canadian driver’s licence for up to 3 months.

You should carry an international driving permit.

You must keep headlights on at all times.

Drinking and driving

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02%. Roadside checks for alcohol are frequent, and submission to a breathalyzer test is mandatory.

Congestion charges and low-emission zones

Certain cities, including Oslo, have put in place toll charges and low-emission zones to reduce traffic and air pollution.

Make sure you are aware of the regulation in effect.

Useful links

Money

The currency of Norway is the Norwegian krone (NOK).

If you are carrying NOK 25,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave Norway. This includes sums in:

  • cash
  • cheques
  • money orders
  • traveller’s cheques
  • any other convertible assets

Back to top

Natural disasters and climate

Norway is prone to severe weather. The climate can be unpredictable at any time of year.

Monitor weather reports closely.

Weather forecasts and warnings - Norwegian Meteorological Institute

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains, particularly in spring and summer, can cause severe flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

  • Exercise caution, particularly in areas around major rivers and coastline
  • Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
  • Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Wildfires

Forest fires may occur, particularly during the summer months.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

  • stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
  • monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation
  • follow the advice of local authorities

Avalanches

There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous regions, especially following heavy snowfalls. Some of them can be fatal.

  • Monitor the latest warnings
  • Download and consult the Varsom app

Avalanches warnings - Norwegian Avalanche Warning Service (Varsom)

Back to top

Need help?

Local services

Emergency services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 112
  • medical assistance: 113
  • firefighters: 110

Consular assistance

Oslo - Embassy of Canada
Street AddressWergelandsveien 7 (4th floor)Postal AddressP.O. Box 4076 AMB 0244 Oslo, NorwayTelephone47 22-99-53-00EmailOSLO-Consular@international.gc.caInternethttps://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-NorwayFacebookEmbassy of Canada to NorwayTwitterCanada in NorwayOther social mediaEmbassy of Canada to Norway
Stavanger - Honorary consul of Canada
Street AddressOlav Kyrres gate 21, Stavanger, NorwayPostal AddressPostboks 277, No-4066 Stavanger, NorwayTelephone+47 51-82-29-00Emailsnorre.haukali@cms-kluge.comInternethttps://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-NorwayFacebookEmbassy of Canada to NorwayTwitterCanada in NorwayOther social mediaEmbassy of Canada to Norway

Please call before visiting the consulate.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Norway, in Oslo, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Disclaimer

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services.

Date modified: