Russia Visa RequirementsFor Norway passport holders
Norwegian citizens need a visa to visit Russia. The standard single-entry tourist visa costs USD 160. Norway is NOT on Russia's eVisa list due to Norway's NATO membership and sanctions stance. Applications must be submitted at the Russian Embassy in Oslo.
Norway passport holders require a visa to enter Russia.
Apply in person at the Russian Embassy in Oslo (Drammensveien 74). Required documents include a completed visa application form (available at stuba.ru), an invitation letter (from a Russian hotel, tour operator, or private host), 2 passport photos, and your passport valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates. Fee is USD 160 (or equivalent). Processing takes 4-20 business days. Note that Norwegian-issued biometric passports are required. Check current Norwegian Foreign Ministry travel advisories at regjeringen.no before applying.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Norwegian Passport
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay, with at least 2 blank visa pages. Norwegian biometric passports required.
Russian Visa Application Form
Complete the Russian visa application form online at stuba.ru or the Russian Embassy website. Print and sign the completed form.
Invitation Letter (Voucher)
An official invitation is required: either a tourist voucher from a Russian licensed travel agency, a hotel confirmation letter, or a private invitation from a Russian citizen (requires notarized registration). Most tourists use a travel agency voucher.
2 Passport-Sized Photos
Two recent color passport photos (35x45mm, white background, neutral expression).
Visa Fee (USD 160)
Pay the USD 160 single-entry visa fee at the Russian Embassy in Oslo. Confirm accepted payment methods in advance.
Current Travel Situation
Norway to Russia: What You Need to Know
Norway and Russia share a land border in the Arctic north (the Storskog/Boris Gleb crossing, the only official crossing point). Despite geographic proximity, Norwegian citizens face the standard Russian visa process. Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the Norwegian government advises against all non-essential travel to Russia, and Russia has placed Norway on its list of unfriendly countries. Visa processing times have increased significantly.
How to Get There
St. Petersburg and Moscow were the main Norwegian tourist destinations in Russia. Trans-Siberian Railway journeys attracted adventurous travelers. Given current conditions, most overland routes are impractical or closed.
Money & Banking
Russia uses the Russian ruble (RUB). Due to international sanctions following the Ukraine invasion, most Western payment cards (Visa, Mastercard) do not work in Russia. Travelers must bring sufficient cash in euros or USD to exchange locally. ATMs for foreign cards are not reliably functional. Financial transactions into and out of Russia face severe restrictions for Norwegian residents.
Practical Tips
The Storskog border crossing (Norway) to Boris Gleb (Russia) connects Kirkenes in northern Norway to Nikel and Murmansk in Russia. This is the only land crossing between Norway and Russia. It has been heavily restricted since 2022. Most travelers fly Oslo (OSL) to Moscow (SVO/DME) when the route operates, typically via a third country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Norwegians need a visa for Russia?
Yes. Norwegian passport holders require a Russian visa. Norway is NOT on Russia's eVisa eligible countries list (due to NATO membership). Apply at the Russian Embassy in Oslo.
Why is Norway not eligible for the Russian eVisa?
Russia's eVisa program excludes countries it has designated as "unfriendly." Norway, as a NATO member that imposed sanctions following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, is on Russia's unfriendly countries list. Norwegians must apply for a full tourist visa at the Russian Embassy.
Does Norway share a land border with Russia?
Yes. Norway and Russia share a 195 km border in the Arctic north, with the Storskog/Boris Gleb crossing connecting Kirkenes (Norway) to Nikel (Russia). This crossing has been heavily restricted since 2022.
What is the current Norwegian government travel advice for Russia?
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Utenriksdepartementet, regjeringen.no) advises against all non-essential travel to Russia due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the deterioration in Norwegian-Russian relations, and the risk of arbitrary detention. Check the current advice before any travel plans.
How much does the Russian tourist visa cost for Norwegians?
USD 160 for a single-entry tourist visa. Processing times have become unpredictable. Apply in person at the Russian Embassy, Drammensveien 74, Oslo.
What is required for a Russian tourist visa invitation letter?
A tourist voucher from a licensed Russian travel agency, hotel confirmation, or a private invitation. Most Norwegian tourists use a voucher from a Russian travel agency that can be arranged online from companies specializing in Russian visa support.
Can Norwegians pay with Visa or Mastercard in Russia?
No. Visa and Mastercard suspended operations in Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Norwegian bank cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay do not function in Russia. Travelers must carry cash (euros or USD) to exchange locally.