United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Norway passport holders
Norwegian citizens can visit the United Kingdom visa-free for up to 180 days (6 months). However, the UK now requires Norwegian nationals to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding. The ETA costs GBP 16 and is valid for 2 years.
Great news! Norway passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
Apply for the UK ETA online at gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta or via the UK ETA app. Cost is GBP 16. Most applications are approved within hours but allow up to 3 working days. The ETA is valid for multiple trips over 2 years, with each stay up to 6 months.
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
For Your Visa Application
Valid Norwegian Passport
The UK ETA is electronically linked to your specific passport. Carry that same passport when traveling to the UK.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Apply at gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta or via the UK ETA app before travel. Cost: GBP 16. Valid for 2 years, multiple entries. Each stay up to 6 months.
Credit or Debit Card
Required to pay the GBP 16 ETA fee online.
Email Address
A valid email is required to receive ETA approval notification.
Required at Entry
Accommodation and Onward Travel Details Recommended
UK immigration officers may ask for your accommodation address and onward travel plans. Have hotel booking confirmation or itinerary available.
Current Travel Situation
Norway to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The UK left the Schengen Area and the EU, and now operates fully independent immigration controls. Norwegian passport holders do not need a visa for tourism, but the UK ETA is mandatory since January 2025 for visa-exempt visitors including Norwegians. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport and must be obtained before departure.
How to Get There
The UK is not in Schengen. Days spent in the UK do NOT count toward the Schengen 90/180-day limit. This makes the UK a convenient destination to "park" time outside Schengen for travelers needing to reset their Schengen count.
Money & Banking
The UK uses the British pound sterling (GBP). Northern Ireland also uses GBP. Cards are widely accepted across the UK. London is one of Europe's most expensive cities, comparable to Oslo in cost. Outside London, costs are generally lower.
Practical Tips
London (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN, LCY, SEN) is well connected from all Norwegian airports. SAS, British Airways, Norwegian Air, and easyJet all operate routes. Oslo (OSL) to London is about 2-2.5 hours. UK immigration officers may ask about accommodation and sufficient funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Norwegians need a visa for the UK?
No traditional visa. Norwegian passport holders can visit the UK visa-free for up to 180 days. However, as of January 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at GBP 16 must be obtained before travel.
What is the UK ETA and how do Norwegians apply?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a pre-travel requirement for visa-exempt visitors including Norwegians. Apply at gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta or the UK ETA app. Cost: GBP 16. Valid for 2 years, multiple trips.
Does the UK count toward the Schengen 90-day limit for Norwegians?
No. The UK is not in the Schengen Area. Days spent in the UK are completely separate from the Schengen 90/180-day count. The UK's 180-day allowance is independent.
How long can Norwegians stay in the UK?
Up to 180 days (6 months) per visit as a visitor.
Can Norwegians work in the UK visa-free?
No. The visitor status allows tourism and short business visits only. Working in the UK requires a work visa.
Are there many flights from Norway to the UK?
Yes. London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton) are among the busiest routes from Norwegian airports. Edinburgh, Manchester, and other UK cities are also well connected.
Does the UK use the euro?
No. The UK uses the British pound sterling (GBP). Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland use GBP alongside their own banknotes. Cards are widely accepted throughout the UK.
Can Norwegians drive in the UK?
Yes. Norwegian driving licenses are valid in the UK. Remember that traffic drives on the left side of the road in the UK.