Do Norwegian citizens have the right to work in EU countries?

Yes, Norwegian citizens have freedom of movement and the right to work throughout the EU/EEA area despite Norway not being an EU member. Through the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement, Norwegians can live, work, and study in all 27 EU member states plus Iceland and Liechtenstein without needing work permits or visas. This also applies to Switzerland through separate bilateral agreements.

Is military service mandatory for Norwegian passport holders?

Yes, Norway has mandatory military service (conscription) for both men and women aged 19-44, though women were only included from 2015. The initial service period is typically 12-19 months. However, not everyone is called up due to capacity limitations. Norwegian citizens living abroad may be exempt, but should verify their status with the Norwegian Armed Forces. Dual citizens may also be subject to conscription.

Can Norwegians travel to the USA without a visa?

Norwegian passport holders can travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). However, they must obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before departure, which costs $21 USD and is valid for 2 years. ESTA applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before travel. This does not apply for work, study, or stays exceeding 90 days.

Which countries require Norwegian citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

Norwegian passport holders must obtain a visa in advance for 17 countries including Afghanistan, Algeria, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo (Rep.), Eritrea, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, Sudan, Turkmenistan, and Yemen. Additionally, 23 countries require an e-visa (online visa) including India, Russia, China (under certain conditions), Cuba, Myanmar, Pakistan, and several African nations like Cameroon, Nigeria, and Benin.

Do Norwegian passport holders need a visa for China in 2025?

As of 2025, China offers visa-free access to Norwegian passport holders for stays up to 15 days for tourism, business, transit, or family visits. For longer stays or other purposes (work, study), Norwegians must apply for the appropriate Chinese visa in advance. The 15-day visa-free policy was introduced in late 2024 as part of China's efforts to boost tourism and business exchanges with select countries.

Can Norwegians travel to Canada without a visa?

Norwegian citizens do not need a visa for short visits to Canada (up to 6 months for tourism or business), but they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying to Canada. The eTA costs CAD $7, is applied for online, and is typically approved within minutes, though it's recommended to apply before booking flights. The eTA is valid for 5 years or until passport expiry. This requirement does not apply when entering Canada by land or sea.

What documents do Norwegian citizens need for travel within the Schengen Area?

Norwegian citizens can travel throughout the 27 Schengen Area countries using only a valid Norwegian passport or national ID card. No visas, additional permits, or border checks are required for travel between Schengen countries. However, it's recommended to carry a valid passport or ID card at all times as spot checks may occur, and airlines/hotels require identification. Norway is part of the Schengen Area despite not being an EU member.

How long does it take to renew a Norwegian passport and what are the requirements?

Norwegian passport renewal typically takes 2-4 weeks for standard processing when applying within Norway. Applications can be submitted online through the Norwegian Police Service website or at police stations. Requirements include: valid photo (biometric), completed application form, payment of NOK 580 (regular passport) or NOK 980 (express 3-day service), and personal appearance for biometric data. For Norwegians abroad, processing may take 4-8 weeks through Norwegian embassies or consulates. Passports are valid for 10 years for adults.

Do Norwegian passport holders need a visa for Australia and New Zealand?

Norwegian citizens do not need a visa for short visits to Australia or New Zealand, but electronic travel authorizations are required. For Australia, Norwegians must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) or eVisitor visa online before travel, allowing stays up to 3 months for tourism or business. For New Zealand, an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is required, costing NZD $23 online, allowing visits up to 90 days. Both should be obtained before departure.

Norway Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 186 Countries

The Norway passport ranks 6th globally in 2025 and provides visa-free access to 186 destinations worldwide, making it one of the most powerful travel documents for international mobility. Norwegian passport holders enjoy exceptional travel freedom, with access to the majority of countries without prior visa requirements. Historically, Norway has consistently maintained a top-10 ranking, peaking at 3rd place in 2015 and reaching its highest visa-free count of 191 destinations in 2024. This strong passport ranking reflects Norway's diplomatic relations, economic stability, and international standing, offering citizens significant advantages for business, tourism, and global travel.

Global Rank

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

186

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Norway passport

141

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Norwegian Citizens

Popular destinations where Norway passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
France	Up to days	FR
Singapore	Up to days	SG
Thailand	Up to days	TH
United States	Up to days	US
Japan	Up to days	JP

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Norway passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

141 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

29 countries

🔐 ETA Required

16 countries

💻 E-Visa

23 countries

❌ Visa Required

17 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Norway's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 2 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official Norway Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)

🔗

Norwegian Police - Passport Services

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Travel Information

🔗

Norway Travel Advice Portal

Compare Norway Passport with Other Passports

See how Norway's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Norway (You are here)	#6	186	95/100	57/100
Switzerland	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Spain	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Germany	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Norwegian passport holders can access 186 destinations visa-free or with visa on arrival in 2025. This includes 157 visa-free destinations, 29 visa on arrival countries, and 16 electronic travel authorisation destinations. Norway ranks 6th globally on the Henley Passport Index for 2025, making it one of the world's most powerful passports for international travel.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Norway's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Norway Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 186 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Historical Ranking Trend

Norway's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 2 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Norway Passport with Other Passports

See how Norway's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Norway (You are here)	#6	186	95/100	57/100
Switzerland	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Spain	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Germany	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Norway passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Norwegian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Norway's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Norway Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Norway Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Norwegian passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Do Norwegian citizens have the right to work in EU countries?

Is military service mandatory for Norwegian passport holders?

Can Norwegians travel to the USA without a visa?

Which countries require Norwegian citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

Do Norwegian passport holders need a visa for China in 2025?

Can Norwegians travel to Canada without a visa?

What documents do Norwegian citizens need for travel within the Schengen Area?

How long does it take to renew a Norwegian passport and what are the requirements?

Do Norwegian passport holders need a visa for Australia and New Zealand?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Norway passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Norwegian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Norway's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Norway Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Norway Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Norwegian passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Do Norwegian citizens have the right to work in EU countries?

Is military service mandatory for Norwegian passport holders?

Can Norwegians travel to the USA without a visa?

Which countries require Norwegian citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

Do Norwegian passport holders need a visa for China in 2025?

Can Norwegians travel to Canada without a visa?

What documents do Norwegian citizens need for travel within the Schengen Area?

How long does it take to renew a Norwegian passport and what are the requirements?

Do Norwegian passport holders need a visa for Australia and New Zealand?

Explore More Passport Rankings