Norway

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 for police.
• Dial 113 for ambulance.
• Dial 116-006 for toll-free domestic violence hotline.
• Dial 02800 for the police (non-emergency).
• Dial 116-117 for Oslo Emergency Room.
• Dial 116-111 for the helpline for children and youth.
• Dial 800-57-000 for the hotline for victims of sexual assault.
• Dial 224-44-050 for DIXI Center for Victims of Rape.
• Dial 224-80-380 for Oslo Crisis Shelter.
• Dial 800-40-008 for support center for crime victims.

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Norway has a low level of crime. Violent crime is uncommon.

• The most common crimes are home and office burglaries and petty thefts.
• Pickpockets target tourists in crowded areas like hotels and transit stations. Stay aware in these high-risk locations to protect your belongings.
• The Oslo Central train station is an especially popular area for pickpockets and bag snatchers.
• Violent crimes and crimes involving weapons are rare, but they do occur in areas with drug trafficking and gang problems. This includes parts of eastern Oslo.
• As in any other urban area, always remain aware of your surroundings.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in Norway. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• Most scams involve phishing by email to steal your bank information
• Callers pose as police or bank employees. They demand immediate money transfers, sometimes using an official phone number
• Romance and online dating
• Messages claiming you have a package that requires you to pay or provide your credit card information
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Norway: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 02800.

Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
•  Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S. based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Drones

Drones are legal in Norway but heavily regulated under European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) rules. Follow the rules to avoid heavy fines, confiscation, or deportation.

• All operators must register at flydrone.no. They must be marked with your operator number and have valid liability insurance.
• Maximum altitude is 400 feet (120 meters) above ground
• Keep them 5 kilometers away from airports. Avoid military sites, prisons, and embassies. 
• Do not fly over large crowds, festivals, or people. Respect privacy and avoid flying over homes or cars. Filming people or private property without consent is prohibited.
• Many national parks prohibit or restrict drones. Check specific area rules.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs.
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally.
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

Travelers to the mountains or Norwegian backcountry should stay informed of potentially dangerous conditions. At certain times of year, there are increased risks of avalanches and hidden crevasses.

• The Norwegian Avalanche Warning Service provides updates on avalanche, flood, landslide, and fire conditions.
• Rapid weather changes may also create hazards in backcountry areas. 
• Snowmobilers should be aware of the potential dangers of crevasses, especially in glacial zones. Stay on marked trails and follow professional guides, when available.
• If you plan to travel to Svalbard, consider medical evacuation insurance.
• Travelers to Svalbard must also follow local regulations related to polar bear safety. Consider traveling with experienced local guides who are trained in polar bear safety.
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Norway seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or consulate immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Norway. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Norway prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.

• Norway is a highly accessible, inclusive, and modern destination for travelers with disabilities.
• Almost all Norwegian trains are equipped with ramps and wheelchair-accessible seating. Assistance must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
• Trams in Oslo have low floors. However, some older models may have stairs. City buses generally have wheelchair lifts or ramps.
• Most large, modern public buildings, hotels, and shopping centers have accessible facilities. Some historic sites in cities like Bergen might be difficult to navigate due to narrow streets and cobblestones.
• Between December and March, snow and ice make urban navigation challenging for wheelchair users.
• There are service businesses that offer wheelchair and scooter rentals for travelers.
• Specialist services are available or wheelchair repairs and parts in Norway.
•  Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

Academics and life

• Studying in Norway: Expect high academic standards with informal relationships between students and teachers. Non-EU and EEA students must pay tuition fees (started in 2023). The cost of living is high.  
• Budget: Plan for about 14,000 NOK monthly (over 1,500 USD) to cover living expenses. 
• Study permit: You must apply for a study permit (residence permit) after a university admits you.
• Proof of funds: You must prove you have enough money to live on to get a visa. The approximate amount is 166,859 NOK per year in 2025-26.
• Culture: Expect significant cultural differences, such as reserved social interactions.
• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

Norway is one of the safest countries in the world for women travelers. It offers high gender equality and low crime rates. It is ideal for solo adventures.

Consider dressing in layers, using enTUR for public transport, and preparing for rapid weather changes. 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Norway Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 113 for life-threatening emergencies and ambulances.
• For any non-life threatening medical issues, dial 116 117.

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Norway. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Norway.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Make sure your measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccines are up to date. If you are visiting forested areas in the southern regions during the summer, consider tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available Norway. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• Norway's healthcare system is among the best in the world. There are no Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospitals, but clinics are tightly regulated by the Norwegian Board of Health and other authorities.
• Care is very expensive. You could face high, upfront, out-of-pocket costs at private clinics.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

Medical tourism in Norway is growing, particularly MRIs, CT scans and specialized procedures like orthopedics, cardiology, and oncology. These offer significantly lower costs than in the United States.

• Norway offers English-speaking, accredited medical staff and advanced technology in a safe, efficient environment. 
• If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules.
• Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Norway.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications. 
• If you are traveling to Norway for medical purposes, you must have a resident permit that extends beyond 90 days. Check the Government of Norway’s website for more information.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, generally limited to a 3-month supply, along with your doctor’s prescription.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

• Check with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) to ensure the medication is legal in Norway.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Do not bring drugs that are not approved for use in Norway. This includes some over-the-counter medicines and supplements. 
• Please review Norwegian rules on medication.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• Surrogacy is illegal in Norway. 
• Both commercial and altruistic surrogacy are prohibited under the Norwegian Biotechnology Act. Under Norwegian law, the woman who gives birth to the child is recognized as the legal mother.

Water quality and food safety

• Norway has some of the highest-quality tap water in the world.
• Tap water is safe everywhere. Occasional contamination risks exist from old buildings or extreme weather events. 
• Stream water is famously clean in Norway. However, it is still recommended to use treated tap water.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Norway.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Travel requirements

Buy your public transportation tickets before boarding because inspectors check for proof of payment.

• Download Ruter (Oslo region) for journey planning and tickets, and Vy/Entur for intercity trains and nationwide planning/purchase.
• Buy before boarding (proof‑of‑payment; inspectors scan your QR). Zone systems apply (e.g., Oslo is Zone 1). 

Road conditions and safety

Road conditions in Norway are generally high-quality. However, there are narrow, winding rural roads and mountain passes. There are also winter hazards like snow, ice, and high winds.

• Always check the official Vegvesen.no map or app for real-time closures, particularly in winter when mountain roads may close.
• Conditions change quickly in the mountains, especially in the spring and fall months. Winter tires are required from November through April. 
• It is highly recommended to carry a shovel, brush, and ice scraper.
• Headlights must always be on, and speeds must be adjusted to conditions.
• Car rental companies in Norway typically provide roadside assistance. Check with the rental service desk about services before leaving the rental agency.

Traffic laws

• Drivers must always use headlights by law.
• Norwegian law also requires drivers to yield to vehicles coming from the right, except in a traffic circle. Drivers are required to yield to vehicles already in the circle.
• Seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and passengers.
• It is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. Fines are 10200 kroner (approximately 1,000 USD).
• Speed limits are photo enforced and often lower than in other European countries. You could face fines and even jail for violations.
• The maximum legal blood alcohol content level for driving a car in Norway is .02 percent. Police conduct frequent road checks with mandatory breathalyzer tests. Drunk driving can lead to a long jail sentence.
• U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Norway for drivers 18 years old. They are valid for up to 3 months after arrival. An international driving license is required in limited conditions.
• Drivers are required to stop immediately when involved in an accident, regardless of blame.  Additionally, the first to arrive at the scene of an accident are required to help. Dial 113 for emergency services if there are injuries.
• Vehicle-animal collisions are not a punishable offense. However, it is an offense not to report it. Report these accidents to the police by dialing 02800. They will notify the appropriate authorities.

  Taxis and ride-shares

• Taxis and ride share apps are frequently used and are safe in Norway. 
• Apps available include Taxifix, Bolt, Uber, Vy and Yango. These are widely used for booking, with fixed-price options available.

Public and commercial transportation

Public transportation is widely accessible and well developed.

• Buses and trains are the most common means of transportation across the country and regarded to be safe.
• Public transportation is sparser in rural areas.
• Taxis are of newer models with some electric taxis in city areas.
• Oslo is the only city with subway lines in Norway. Be vigilant of your belongings when traveling in cities, especially in transportation hubs.
• Visit the website of Norway’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Norway’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Norway should check the following: 

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

Weather and natural disasters

Weather Conditions

• Norway has mild, wet coastal weather and cold, snowy winters inland.

Helpful resources

• Norwegian Meteorological Institute: Real-time warnings and forecasts.
• Weatherzone Norway: Aggregates official alerts.
• Norwegian Water Resources & Energy Directorate: Flood forecasts and regional warnings.
• Varsom.no: Daily flood and landslide bulletins statewide.
• Norwegian Geotechnical Institute: Provide expert guidance, local hazard mapping and emergency response.
• “Se havnivå i kart” tool: Coastal risk mapping and planning tool.

Severe storms

• Most common from October to March.
• Expect high winds, heavy rainfall, coastal flooding, power outages, and property damage.
• Storms caused about 77 percent of disaster-related losses between 1980–2017.

Flooding and flash floods

• Occur in late spring from May to June, and autumn from September to October. These are most common during snowmelt and heavy rains.
• Expect riverine floods and flash floods in steep terrain. These cause landslides and debris flow.

Avalanches and landslides

• Occur from December through May
• Avalanches cause about 5 deaths annually. They are common in the mountain regions.
• Landslides or “quick clay” collapses could occur. Landslides are linked to rain, snowmelt, storms.

Storm-surge and sea-level events

• Common in autumn to early winter from September to December. It coincides with major coastal storms.
• Coastal flooding could happen due to storm surges and rising sea levels.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates