Any foreigner planning a trip to Norway may need to know the Norway Schengen visa processing time if they will need to apply for a visa. Visitors from visa free countries do not need Schengen visas, but those from non visa free countries will need visas to visit the Nordic country. A Schengen visa is a permit that allows the holder into Norway or any Schengen-affiliated country. This visa can best be described as a multinational visa because it gives holders access to almost all the countries in Europe.
Norway Schengen Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a visa application starts counting after the visa officer at the Norwegian embassy receives your application form and documents. The standard processing time may take up to 15 calendar days, but this is not always the case for all applicants.
Sometimes, the application may take up to 30 days or more, depending on several factors. For the avoidance of delays, travelers are advised to submit their application at the embassy at least six weeks before the date they plan for their trip. Early submission will give sufficient time for the embassy to process the application and for them to prepare for the trip.
Factors That May Affect Processing Time
Several factors may affect Schengen visa processing time, and here are some of them.
Season: The season you submit your application matters. During some months in the year, particularly when it will be summer in Norway, the number of travelers and the application volume increase. During this period, the embassy may have a significant volume of applications to deal with, which may lead to slight or extended delays.
Visa Application Centers: Some Norway embassies do not accept visa applications directly from applicants in some countries but through visa application centers. If that is the case in your country, you should expect a little delay because processing will not start until your documents get to the embassy, which may take a few days. If there is no embassy in your country, it may take up to a week or more before the documents reach the nearest embassy.
Your Country: If Norway is a favorite of tourists from your country and the Schengen visa application is high all year round, the embassy will have its hand full, which may cause delays.
Additional Documents: In some cases, the embassy may request other documents to process your application and will place the process on hold until the documents are provided. In this scenario, how soon they commence the procedure will depend on how quickly you can provide what they require.
Another thing to consider when submitting your application is the possibility of making mistakes which may lead to outright rejection of your application. Most embassies will not ask for the correction of errors or request missing documents if some are missing; they would reject your application outright, and if you need the visa, you will have to apply afresh. This is why applicants are advised to submit their applications only after checking for errors and sorting out their documents.
Where Can You Visit With A Schengen Visa?
You can visit Norway and 26 other countries with a Schengen visa. All 27 countries that are signatories to the Schengen agreement accept the visa even if it is not issued by their embassies abroad. Besides these Schengen nations, holders may also enter Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania, and Croatia, which are currently not members of the Schengen Bloc.
Can UK Citizens Enter The Schengen Zone Without Visa?
UK citizens used to enjoy visa free trips to other EU countries, and they still do even after leaving the EU; however, citizens will need ETIAS visa Waiver since they are no longer members of the bloc. ETIAS is not a visa but a new waiver agreement that is set to become active at the start of 2024. It is called the European Travel Information Authorization System, a visa waiver document required from all visitors from visa-free countries to Schengen Europe.
How Long Can I Stay In Norway With A Schengen Visa?
You can stay in Norway with this visa for 90 days. The visa is valid for six months and can be used once, twice, or multiple times depending on whether you get a single, double, or multiple entry visa.
Schengen Visa Requirements
The visa requirements for the visa are as follows
Application form
Valid passport
Travel medical insurance
Cover letter
Invitation letter, if applicable
Proof of financial means
Travel Itinerary
Civil status certificate
Two identical photos in line with Schengen photo requirements
Proof of accommodation
Always remember the Norway Schengen visa processing time in mind when applying for a visa, so you are not forced to change your timetable.