Norway Travel Guide:

       Travel Information

Norway: One of the Best Destinations (three of four globes)

Norway's main attraction is the scenic beauty of its coastline.  The fjords of Norway are spectacular and the principal reason for its inclusion in our "One of the Best" ratings category. 

1. Most travelers to Norway, focus their visit on the country's impressive fjords, which are ranked as the most scenic in the world.  Touring the country's fjords is best done on a cruise and the Norwegian Coastal Service or Hurtigruten provides a time-honored alternative to formal cruising.  



2. Norway is a high-priced destination it will cost you dearly to stay in most of the major cities.
A cruise may be the most economical way to see the country.


3. Norway is a good country for independent travel but the tourist needs both determination and a certain degree of wherewithal to tour the country independently.



4. ThereArePlaces recommended travel destinations for Norway can be found at Norway: Places To Visit.
   
   
5. Additional Information on travel in Norway can be found at the country's official tourism website  www.visitnorway.com .



6. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Norway is a safe travel destination for tourists.

1. No official health advisories, travel advisories, or specific terrorism warnings have been posted by the U.S. Government at this time.  Before you depart, always check with the Department of State  and CDC to insure that these conditions have not changed.  In addition, you will find that the     Foreign & Commonwealth Office  of the British Government provides excellent travel advisories.
2. Americans worldwide face the potential for terrorist attack and though Norway offers a relatively safe environment, it shares with the rest of the world an increased threat of terrorist incidents of international origin. Although Norway offers a relatively safe environment, the potential exists for trans-national terrorism. Political violence in Norway manifests itself mainly through demonstrations. Most demonstrations in Norway occur in Oslo near Norwegian Government buildings and are normally peaceful. Anti-American sentiments are most commonly expressed in small, planned, usually peaceful demonstrations against a particular U.S. policy. These protests are most often staged near the American Embassy or in central areas of Oslo and target specific official U.S. Government policies rather than U.S. citizens.   When visiting any foreign country, avoid public demonstrations (whatever the cause) and do not broadcast either your public opinions or your nationality.
3. Norway was among a list of countries named as legitimate targets in al-Qaida audiotapes released in 2003, 2004, and 2006. Americans are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution.
4. The State Department's Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444 .
5. If you have an emergency in Norway, call 112. 112 is a European Economic Community initiative to provide a one telephone number contact for ambulance services, the police, the fire service, air and sea rescue and other emergency services available within a specific country (such as mountain patrol). The 112-telephone number is designed for use in emergencies only. Calls are answered in  Norwegian and English.  Ambulance service may be contacted by dialing 113.
6. The U.S. Embassy is located in Oslo near the Royal Palace at Henrik Ibsengate 48; tel. (47) 22-44-85-50, consular fax (47) 22-56-27-51. Information about consular services can be found in the Consular Section of the Embassy's home page at http://norway.usembassy.gov/  .  On April 28, 2006 the embassy's address changed to Ibsengate 18 from Drammensveien 18 ).
7. See our article on how U.S. Counsels can help Americans abroad. 
8. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Blending In
Europeans are, generally, more reserved than Americans.  It  is the unspoken consensus among Europeans that Americans speak more  loudly than necessary and frequently smile without good reason.  Although Americans often use humor and smiles as a way of starting conversations, these actions are not conventional for Europeans.  Europeans are very good at wearing their "game face" until and unless they develop a real and sincere friendship.  So do not be put-off by the serious expressions. 

When traveling on vacation, try to blend in.  Americans often can be identified, anywhere in the world, by the "national uniform" consisting of a baseball cap and white sneakers.  Our advice for smooth traveling is to take your cues from the crowd on the streets, dress to fit in, and be open to the adventure of the moment.

A valid passport is required. U.S. citizens may enter Norway for tourist or general business purposes without a visa for up to 90 days (that period begins when entering any of the following countries which are parties to the Schengen agreement: Austria, Belgium,  the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,  Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia Spain, and Sweden).

If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports.  Other important travel documents, including visas are covered in our Information Guide on Passport, Visas, Customs.

Since March 2001, Norwegian entry visas are governed by the rules of the Schengen Agreement.   U.S. citizens may enter Norway for tourist or general business purposes without a visa for up to 90 days. That period begins when you enter any of the Schengen countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Norway and other countries.
   
Tourists who enter Norway without a visa cannot usually change status in Norway in order to reside or work there. Travelers planning a long-term stay, marriage or employment in Norway should therefore seek the appropriate visa before departing the United States.

For information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Royal Norwegian Embassy at 2720 34th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008-2714, Tel.: 1-202-333-6000, or the nearest Norwegian Consulate; and on the Internet at http://www.norway.org . Consulates are located in Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, New York City, and San Francisco. Information can also be obtained from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration at www.udi.no .

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parents or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY:  In addition to being subject to all laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on  Norwegian  citizens

In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. For additional information, please see the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at
http://travel.state.gov for an explanation of dual nationality issues. U.S. citizens who are also citizens of  any other nation are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and depart the United States documented as U.S. citizens.

Before you travel, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers. 

Be alert and avoid the situations described below.

Persons who appear affluent or disoriented may become targets of pickpockets and purse-snatchers, especially during the peak tourist seasons (May-September).

Thieves frequently target tourists in airports, train stations and hotels, particularly lobby/reception and restaurant areas. Often such thieves work in pairs, and use distraction as a method to steal purses or briefcases. While passports are frequently stolen in the course of these thefts money, credit cards and jewelry are the actual objects of interest. In some cases, stolen passports are recovered.

Violent crime, although rare, occurs and appears to be increasing. Some thieves or burglars may have weapons.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of any crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members of friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution for the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney

2.  ThereArePlaces makes every attempt to ensure that the travel information we present to you is current. Before you depart, be sure to check with official government sources to determine the status of critical information relating to a particular county.

While in a Norway, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Norway is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of roadside assistance: Fair

Public transportation in Norway is generally safe and the maintenance and condition of urban roads are generally good. Rural road conditions are fair, and the availability of roadside assistance is limited.

• The roadway system beyond Oslo's limits and other major cities tends to be simple two-lane roads. In mountainous areas of Norway, the roads also tend to be narrow and winding and there are many tunnels.
• The northerly latitude can also cause road conditions to vary greatly depending on weather and time of year.
• Many mountain roads are closed due to snow from late fall to late spring.
• The use of winter tires is mandatory on all motor vehicles from November to April.
• Norwegian law requires that drivers always use their vehicle headlights when driving.
• Norwegian law also requires drivers to yield to vehicles coming from the right.
• In some, but not all, instances major roads with “right of way” are marked.
• Seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and passengers.

The official tourism site for Norway indicates that you must carry an International Driving Permit in addition to your driver's license from your home country, if you desire to drive in Norway. (International Driving Permits are obtainable in the U.S. from American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance). 

• If you are a resident of a Nordic country or the European Economic Area (EEA) you need only a valid driver's license from your home country.
• Always check with your rental company to determine their policy regarding the need for an International Driving Permit for renting a car and driving abroad.

Norway has some of the strictest laws in Europe concerning driving under the influence of alcohol and those laws include heavy penalties for those convicted of even a low blood alcohol level. Frequent road checks with mandatory breathalyzer tests and the promise of stiff jail sentences encourage alcohol-free driving. The maximum legal blood alcohol content level for driving a car in Norway is 0.2 per cent.  ThereArePlaces recommends that you do not drink and drive.  In most foreign countries, especially in Europe and the UK, the maximum permitted blood alcohol levels are lower than those enforced in the United States. Penalties and punishments are significant. See our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries  for more information.

Automatic cameras placed by the police along roadways help to maintain speed limits, which are often lower than in other European countries.  Fines – and sometimes jail time – are imposed even for slight infractions.

Speed Limits in Norway:

1. Built-up areas - 30-50 km/h (as posted)
2. Outside Built up areas (including  dual carriageways) - 80-90 km/h (as posted)
3. Motorways - 100 km/h

Our information on speed limits is as current as possible. Always confirm the speed limits with your rental car agent and observe the posted speeds limits whenever and wherever you drive.

Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contracts.  Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of the car during your travels.  Make sure that you are familiar with the terms, restrictions and costs related to your car rental (see our article on Rental Car Costs).

The Norwegian Automobile Association (NAF) provides highway service and will respond to accidents. See your rental car agent for more specific information.

Use of mobile telephones while driving is against the law in most European countries.  The fine for violating laws against the use of mobile phone while driving is significant.  If you need to use your mobile phone while on the road, stop your car in a designated parking area and place your call.

For additional general information about road safety,  including links to foreign government sites, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html .

For specific information concerning Norwegian driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Norwegian Tourist Board office located at P.O. Box 4649, Grand Central Station, New York, New York 10163-4649 (Tel.: 212-885-9700; fax – 212/885-9710) or visit their website on the Internet at http://www.norway.org/travel.  

Medical facilities are widely available in Norway and of high quality, but may be limited outside the larger urban areas. Healthcare in Norway is very expensive and healthcare providers sometimes require payment at time of service. 

• The remote and sparse populations in northern Norway, and the dependency on ferries to cross fjords of western Norway, may affect transportation and ready access to medical facilities.
• The U.S. Embassy in Oslo maintains a list of emergency clinics in major cities.
• The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced rate (due to the use of an "out of system" provider). Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation.

Read our article on  travel insurance to learn the factors that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a travel related insurance policy.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure                         “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.  ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Health contains valuable health related advice for the traveler considering a trip abroad.