According to information released by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), passport holders from the vast majority of African countries are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Norway.
Norway allows visa-free entry for citizens of countries that have signed visa exemption agreements with the country.
The same privilege also extends to holders of passports issued by EU and EEA member states, as well as individuals with a valid Norwegian residence permit or an existing Norwegian entry visa.
African Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to Norway
A review of the complete list of eligible countries outside the EU and EEA shows that Mauritius and the Seychelles are the only African nations whose citizens can enter Norway without first applying for a visa.
These two countries remain the sole African states whose passport holders are permitted to travel to Norway without obtaining a visa in advance.
Outside Africa, the visa-free list is dominated by countries across the Americas, the Asia-Pacific region, and sections of Eastern Europe.
It includes nations such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States, in addition to a number of smaller island nations and territories.
What Visa-Free Entry Means for Travellers
Visa-free access does not provide unrestricted or indefinite entry into Norway. It is intended only for short-term stays, and travellers are still expected to present a valid passport upon arrival.
For some countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine, the visa exemption is available only to travellers carrying biometric passports.
In addition, certain categories of passport and permit holders are eligible for visa-free entry irrespective of their nationality.
This includes people with valid Norwegian residence cards and travellers entering Norway with valid D visas previously issued by the Norwegian authorities.
