Norway Visa RequirementsFor Somalia passport holders
Somali citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Norway. The Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi processes applications. Norway has one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in Scandinavia.
Somalia passport holders require a visa to enter Norway.
Somali citizens typically apply at the Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. Required documents include a valid Somali passport, completed Schengen application form, passport photos, travel insurance (EUR 30,000 minimum), confirmed return flights, accommodation proof or invitation letter from Norwegian host, bank statements, and employment documentation. A strong invitation letter from a Norway-resident host significantly helps the application. The Schengen fee is EUR 90 (~$98 USD). Processing takes 10-15 business days.
Norway is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Completed Schengen visa application form
Valid Somali passport or travel document (minimum 3 months validity beyond stay)
Two recent passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
Travel health insurance (minimum EUR 30,000, valid in all Schengen states)
Confirmed return flight bookings
Accommodation proof or invitation letter from Norwegian host
Bank statements showing sufficient funds
Employment letter or income documentation
Current Travel Situation
Somalia to Norway: What You Need to Know
Norway hosts one of Scandinavia's largest Somali communities, with most Somali Norwegians residing in Oslo and other major cities. The Somali community established itself in Norway primarily through refugee resettlement in the 1990s-2000s. Norwegian development aid and humanitarian support has been significant in Somalia. The Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi processes Schengen visa applications from Somali nationals in East Africa. Norway is not an EU member but participates in the Schengen area.
How to Get There
From Mogadishu (MGQ): Turkish Airlines MGQ-IST then IST-OSL (Oslo Gardermoen). SAS also connects via various hubs. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa to Oslo. Total journey from Mogadishu to Oslo is approximately 12-16 hours.
Money & Banking
Norway uses the Norwegian krone (NOK). Norway is one of the world's most expensive countries; budget NOK 1,200-2,000 ($110-185 USD) per day for mid-range travel. Visa/Mastercard cards are universally accepted.
Practical Tips
Oslo's museums include the Viking Ship Museum (three original 9th-century Viking longships), the Munch Museum (Edvard Munch's "The Scream" and other works), and the National Museum. The Norwegian fjords (accessible by train or cruise from Bergen or Flam) are among the world's most spectacular landscapes. The Northern Lights are visible from northern Norway October-March. The Somali community in Oslo has established mosques, cultural centres, and halal restaurants in areas like Groenland and Stovner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a large Somali community in Norway?
Yes. Norway has one of Scandinavia's largest Somali communities, established primarily through refugee resettlement in the 1990s-2000s. Most Somali Norwegians live in Oslo, particularly in the Groenland and Stovner areas.
Where do Somali citizens apply for a Norwegian Schengen visa?
Somali citizens in East Africa typically apply at the Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. If you legally reside in another country, apply at the Norwegian embassy there. An invitation letter from a Norway-resident host greatly strengthens the application.
How do I fly from Mogadishu to Norway?
From Mogadishu (MGQ): Turkish Airlines flies to Istanbul (IST) with onward connections to Oslo (OSL). SAS and other airlines also connect via European hubs. Total journey is approximately 12-16 hours.