Visa

To avoid any last-minute complications, we strongly recommend starting your visa application well in advance. Below, you will find answers to frequently asked questions regarding the visa process for Norway.

For general and complete information on visa application process and where to apply, please see information provided by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) at www.udi.no. This website will guide you safely through the whole application process.

For information about the visa application process please press here.

1. Do I need a visa to attend IGF25 in Norway?

Check the UDI's website, to find out if you need to apply for a Schengen visa to travel to Norway for attending the conference. Please note that if you already have a Schengen visa for multiple entries valid for the travel, you do not need to apply for another visa to travel to Norway.

If you are the holder of a United Nations laissez-passer, you can travel to Norway visa-free if you also bring your national passport. It is only when you travel with these documents in combination that you are exempt from the visa requirement.

2. How and where can I apply for a visa to attend IGF25?

You start the application process by going to the UDI's website, which will guide you further through the application process. This is the application process in short:
‍

Register the application electronically in UDI’s application portal.
Pay the application fee (it will be refunded after the processing of the application) and book an appointment for in-person attendance at the VFS Global application center.
Gather the necessary documents according to the country specific checklist you will find link to through the UDI website. Make sure to attach the registration approval for your participation sent by the United Nations (Indico).
Bring the application form and all necessary documentation and submit your application in person at the visa application center and provide your fingerprints.
The application will be transferred to the responsible Norwegian embassy.
The embassy in charge of visa applications from your country will process the application.
You will be contacted when your application is ready, and you can collect your passport.

3. How much does it cost to apply for a Schengen visa?

Participants to the IGF 2025 in Norway are exempted from the visa fee requirement. You pay the application fee in the online application portal, but the visa fee will be refunded as the application is processed. Please note, however, that a service fee will be charged by the external service provider VFS Global, for receiving the application on behalf of Norway.

4. How far in advance can I apply for a visa?

Apply well in advance! We advise you to apply at least four weeks before the intended visit. Many tourists want to visit Norway during the same period as the IGF conference takes place, and your application will be received by the embassy along with many other applications for visas. It is therefore very important to apply as soon as possible and well in advance of the departure, to minimize the risk that you will not be able to get a visa in time.

Note that if you apply in the same city as the responsible embassy, they will receive it within one day. If you apply from an application center situated in another city than the responsible embassy, the physical transportation of the application and the passport may take up to several days each way between the application center in one country and the responsible embassy in another.

5. What is “Schengen consultation” and how can it affect the waiting time?

Applications from certain nationalities must be approved by all Schengen countries. These applications are sent to a so-called “Schengen consultation” procedure, that normally should take up to 8 days. Please see the UDI’s website for more information about the consultation procedure. Please note that due to some technical issues, we can experience longer response times.

6. Will I receive an invitation letter?

Please note that participants will not receive any official invitation letter in addition to the registration approval.

7. What documents do I need to bring along with the visa application form?

You must attach the registration approval for your participation sent by the United Nations (Indico). Please provide all other required documents listed in the Schengen visa checklist applying for you. You will find which specific checklist that applies to you at the UDI’s website. Please read it carefully.

8. Where do I submit my application if there is no Norwegian application center in my country?

In some countries where we do not receive visa applications ourselves, we have concluded representation agreements with other Schengen Member states. This means that another Schengen Member state handles visa applications on behalf of Norway. This is possible because the Schengen states have common rules and regulations for processing visa applications.

The representation agreement is a service to visa applicants who resides in countries without a Norwegian application center, but please note that some Schengen Member states might have longer waiting time for submitting applications for visas.

Please see the UDI’s website to check whether this applies to you.

Please note that you are always welcome to apply to a Norwegian application center in your region, if you prefer.

9. Is there something I can do to ensure a smooth visa application process?

Yes:

Apply well in advance – at least one month before the intended date of travel.
Ensure that you enclose all necessary documents mentioned in FAQ 6 above.

10. Are accommodation details and proof of finance required for an application for visa?

Yes:

You must provide a reservation for a hotel or other proof of accommodation for the duration of the entire stay when completing the visa application.
You must have enough money to finance your stay in Norway and your return journey. If you are included in a sponsor scheme that covers the stay and travel, you must provide documentation confirming this.

11. Do I require medical travel insurance to apply for a visa?

Yes, you need a travel medical insurance valid for the entire trip and the entire Schengen area, with coverage of at least EUR 30,000.

12. Can I obtain a visa upon arrival in Norway?

No, Norway does not issue visas on arrival. You must obtain a visa before traveling.

13. How long does it take to process a visa application?

Processing times vary by country, but it generally takes 15 days. However, it can take longer during peak seasons or if additional documentation is required.

14. What happens if my visa application is denied?

If your application is denied, you will receive a notification explaining the reason and how to appeal. You may appeal the decision or reapply with additional supporting documents and explanations. For more information about the appeal procedure, please see the UDI’s website.

15. Can I extend my visa while in Norway?

Short-stay Schengen visas are generally not extendable unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies. You should plan your stay according to your visa validity.

For visa inquiries for IGF 2025, please contact  visa-IGF2025Norway@mfa.no.

We look forward to welcoming you to IGF25 in Norway!