Norway travel guide for Americans

US citizens do not need a visa for Norway for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. This includes all of Norway. From 2026, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before flying, which is an online application, not a visa.

Plan for a high-cost destination: budget around $150–$250 per person per day for accommodation, meals and transport. Flights from the US to Oslo take about 7–9 hours nonstop from the East Coast, longer from the West Coast.

Your US passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area. You do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but you must have proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket if asked.

From 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require US citizens to apply online before travel. The application is expected to take minutes and cost about €7. It is valid for three years or until your passport expires. Check the official ETIAS website for the exact start date.

The US Embassy in Oslo is the main point of contact for passport services, notarial acts and emergency assistance for US citizens. If you lose your passport or need help in an emergency, contact the embassy's American Citizen Services section.

For consular services, you can also use the embassy's website to schedule appointments. In a crisis, call the embassy's emergency line, which is available 24/7 for US citizens.

Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Budget roughly $150–$250 per person per day for a comfortable trip, including a mid-range hotel, meals out and local transport. Hostels and self-catering can cut that to $100–$150.

Flights from the US to Oslo typically cost $400–$900 round-trip, depending on season and departure city. Within Norway, trains and buses are efficient but not cheap; a Oslo–Bergen train ticket is about $60–$100 one way if booked in advance.

Nonstop flights from the US East Coast (New York, Newark, Boston) to Oslo take about 7–8 hours. From the West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco), expect 10–11 hours with a connection. Major airlines include SAS, Norwegian, United and Delta.

Oslo Airport (Gardermoen) is the main international gateway, about 30–40 minutes by express train (Flytoget) to the city centre. Bergen and Stavanger also have international airports with some US connections, but most travellers fly into Oslo.

Norway uses 230 V, 50 Hz electricity with plug types C and F (the standard European two-round-pin plugs). US devices with 110 V plugs will need a voltage converter if they are not dual-voltage, plus a plug adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage, so a simple adapter is usually enough.

Service is included in restaurant bills and hotel rates, so tipping is not expected. Locals often round up the bill or add 5–10% for good table service. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but rounding up is appreciated. Tour guides may receive a small tip if you are happy with the service.

In an emergency, dial 112 for police, 113 for ambulance, and 110 for fire. For non-urgent medical help, call 116 117 for the out-of-hours doctor. The emergency numbers are free and operators speak English. Save them in your phone before you travel.