Norway is a popular destination for Indian tourists and students because of its breathtaking landscapes, the northern lights, and great educational opportunities. Every year, many Indians visit Norway to see the sights or study. In the first 5 months of 2025 alone, 11,000 visas have already been issued to Indian passport holders. This is about a 16% increase from the numbers achieved in 2016.

In 2025, Norway has released new rules for people visiting for a short time, like tourists, students, and business people. These new rules are part of a bigger plan in Europe to make immigration easier to control, make borders safer, and help people settle in better.

For Indians, these changes might seem a bit confusing at first, but if you have the right information, it will be much easier to follow the new rules.

What’s New with Norway’s Immigration Rules

Norway’s new immigration rules for 2025 are made to be more efficient, check documents efficiently, and follow the rules of the Schengen area. Here are the main changes:

• All applicants applying for a short-stay visa (like for tourism or business) need to give biometric data, like fingerprints and a photo, mandatorily. It should be done in person at the Visa Application Centre (VFS).


• It is necessary to provide proof of stay for the duration of the trip to Norway (and the Schengen region). Also, bookings for round-trip travel with confirmed dates are required.


• Travel insurance with a minimum €30,000 coverage for the Schengen area is mandatory.


• You can only apply online now through the official Application Portal or the VFS Global website, and there are stricter deadlines. They also use computers to check your information.


• Some applicants may be required to attend an interview before being granted entry, depending on individual circumstances


• The rules for how long a Schengen visa is valid and how days are counted have been updated, especially for those visiting multiple Schengen countries. The maximum stay remains 90 days within any 180 days, but travellers must carefully track their Schengen days using official calculators

These changes are to stop fake applications, make border checks faster, and make Norway’s immigration system safer.

How This Affects Indian Tourists

If you are an Indian tourist planning to visit Norway, you need to be more careful and prepare more. Here’s what’s different:

• How to Apply:You must apply online through Norway’s new visa website. They don’t accept offline applications at the VFS centres anymore.


• Fingerprints and Photo:Even if you have given your fingerprints and photo for a Schengen visa before, you will need to do it again because of the new systems.


• Documents:You now need to show confirmed proof of where you will stay (like hotel bookings) and bank statements that show you have enough money for your trip.


• How Long Does it Take:It usually takes 15 working days to process your visa, but it’s best to apply 4–6 weeks before your trip because they are checking documents more carefully.

So, if you want to see the midnight sun or explore Oslo, make sure you understand the Norway visa process well and apply correctly.

How This Affects Indian Students

Indian students who want to study in Norway need to know about some important changes to the study permit process:

• Money Proof:You need to show enough money in your bank account to cover your living costs. This money must be in a Norwegian bank or an account approved by the UDI (Directorate of Immigration).


• Where to Live:You need to show that you have a confirmed place to live. Temporary housing is not enough anymore.


• Application Time:It can take up to 60 days to process your application. If you want to start studying in August, you should apply by mid-May.


• Working:You can still work part-time (20 hours a week during school), but they will check your employer’s documents more carefully.

If you want to study in Norway, start your application early, double-check all your papers, and make sure your money documents follow the new rules. If you don’t, your entry might be delayed or you might not be allowed in.

What About People Passing Through or on Short Business Trips?

Indian people who are just flying through Norway or coming for short business meetings will also see changes.

Transit Travellers:

• Transit Visa Needed:If you are flying through Oslo or other Norwegian airports, you now need a transit visa. This is unless you have a valid visa or permit from certain countries (like Schengen countries, the US, or the UK).


• Proof of Your Next Trip:You need to show confirmed flight bookings and valid papers to enter your next destination.

Business Visitors:

• Invitation Letters:Letters from your business partners in Norway must be on company letter paper, signed digitally, and registered with Norway’s Immigration Authority’s system.


• Visas for Events:If you are going to conferences or exhibitions, you need to provide your full schedule, including where you will stay and who is sponsoring you.

If you are travelling for business, it’s important to plan and talk to your Norwegian contacts to avoid any problems.

Helpful Advice and Resources for Indian Citizens

Here are some helpful steps and websites for Indian citizens to understand Norway’s new immigration rules:

• Official Website:Start your application on www.udi.no, the official website of Norway’s Directorate of Immigration. It has details for tourists, students, and business travellers.


• Checklists:Use the PDF checklists for your specific visa type to make sure you submit all the right documents.


• Local Help:For submitting documents and giving your fingerprints and photo, go to the nearest VFS Global centre that works with the Norwegian embassy.


• Contact Information:
  
  
  
  • Embassy of Norway, New Delhi: For questions about your application.
  
  
  • UDI Contact Centre: You can email them for questions about student visas.
  
  
  
  


• Prepare Early:Keep both digital and paper copies of all the documents you submitted. If there is any problem with your documents at the border, you might not be allowed to enter, even if you have a visa.

Conclusion

Norway’s new immigration rules for 2025 mean that getting a visa will be more organised and focused on security for Indian tourists, students, and short-term visitors. While the process is stricter now, it is still possible to travel to Norway.

If you plan well, have all the right documents, and follow the new rules, you can still enjoy everything Norway has to offer, from the beautiful city of Bergen to the great universities in Oslo.

As immigration rules in Europe change, it’s best to stay informed and be prepared. Don’t be afraid to ask for expert help if you need it. Your next trip to Norway starts with a well-prepared application.

Disclaimer: Immigration rules can change. Always check the official Norwegian immigration authority (UDI) website for the latest updates before applying.