The Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
A Schengen visa issued by an Embassy or Consulate of one of the above mentioned countries allows the holder to travel in all Schengen countries for the duration of the visa. Your stay in the Schengen area is not to exceed 90 days in a 6 month period. The ninety days period begins when entering the first country in the Schengen States.
As it may take up to 5 months to process your visa application, it is essential to apply in sufficient time. The minimum processing time for a visa is 10 business days.
Where to Apply:
- If you intend to visit only one (1) Schengen country, you need to apply at the Embassy or Consulate of that particular country.
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is your main destination.
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, but do not have a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country which is your first point of entry.
- If you do not need a visa for the Schengen country that is your main destination or first point of entry, please note that you may require a visa for other Schengen countries you wish to visit. You should then apply at the Embassy or Consulate of the first Schengen country which does require a visa.
- Some nationals are subject to "Airport Transit Visa" or "Transit Visa" when passing through one of the Schengen countries. Make sure you contat the appropriate Embassy or Consulate for that information.
- Applications should be submitted in person at the Embassy or Consulate in the jurisdiction in which you reside. To find the Embassy or Consulate nearest you, go to www.norway.org.
Requirements and what to submit:
- Application form. Each passport holder must complete form #10479 (this form may be downloaded from www.udi.no, or found below) in original, completed in detail (typed or block letters) and duly signed at the Embassy or Consulate.
- Travel documents. Your valid travel document with validity of at least three (3) months beyond your stay in the Schengen area. Your travel document must be recognized by all parties to the Schengen Agreement.
- Valid residence. Applicants must hold a valid US Visa or a Resident/work visa (Resident Alien Card/US visa) with validity of at least three (3) months beyond your stay in the schengen area. If you are in the US on an F-1 or an M-1 visa, you have to have a current I-20 or DS-2019 signed by the school or IAP-66 or I-512L if applicable. You must be in possession of a valid visa – if required – to any other country of destination after your stay in the Schengen area. If your US visa has expired, please have it renewed before applying.
- Photo. One (1) passport-size picture in color or black and white - not more than 3 months old. The photo must meet the requirements as stated in “Photo requirements”.
- Flight itinerary.
- Proof of accomodation, i.e. hotel reservation for the entire duration of the stay in the Schengen area.
- Travel insurance. When your visa has been approved, you need to show proof of Travel-Health/Accident insurance valid throughout the territory of the Schengen countries. Destination must be listed as (Europe) (not only Norway). Minimum coverage US$ 37,000 pr.person (U.S. health insurance cards are not considered proof of international coverage.) The travel insurance must be in your name and cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment and have no deductible.
- All copies must be dated and notarized. Do not send originals. We will not return originals and will not be responsible for any originals forwarded to this office.
- Applications not notarized (certified) by one of our offices, and mailed directly to this office, will be returned.
- In individual cases, you may be required to provide additional documents.
If you are traveling on a business trip to Norway/Schengen area, we need in addition to the general requirements listed above:
- An original signed letter from your company verifying your employment, the purpose of the trip and the dates you will be traveling.
- An original signed letter of invitation from the business contact in Norway and/or the country you are visiting. Scanned copy of the original will be accepted if sent directly from the inviting company in Norway. The letter head must include the company’s registration number in Norway.
- If you are self-employed, please include your business registration, your tax return, and your personal bank statement for the last 3 months.
If you are a tourist or staying with family/friends, we need in addition to the general requirements listed above:
- Form GP 7018B/E (Guarantee Form for Visits/Garantiskjema for besøk) must be completed and signed by the person you are visiting, and notarized (stamped) by the local police in Norway. The form must also be signed by you and submitted in original with your application. We also need the name, address and a copy of the friend’s/relative’s passport. A copy of the residence permit is an additional requirement if your friend/relative is not a Norwegian national.
- An original letter from your employer verifying your employment and your vacation must be enclosed.
- If you are funding the trip yourself (tourist), please show proof of sufficient funds (bank statements in your name for the last 3 months or copies of traveler checks in your name).
- An informal invitation letter from your friends/relative or proof of hotel reservation(s).
- If the applicant is a minor under age 18, the application must be signed by both parents or by the child's custodian/guardian with custody of the child (include a copy of the court order). Present the the original birth certificate when submitting the application. Both parents must be present when application is signed. Parents must also show ID.
The visa fee is payable in Cash or Money Order only, and payable upon submitting the application (non refundable). Please provide the exact amount of change.
- Visa for max. 90 days – one (1) to multiple entries - $80.00*
- Child under age 6 - No charge*
*For the Consulate to be able to return your passport, you must include, with your application, a prepaid self-addressed Courier envelope together with the form ”Declaration of Waiver and Hold Harmless.”
The Visa Section at the Consulate General in Houston accepts applications Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 09:30 am and 12 noon. We do not accept applications on Wednesdays. The Visa Section is available on the telephone only at the times indicated above.
Inquieries about the status of visa application should be directed to cg.houston@mfa.no.
Nationals of countries on this list are exempt from visa requirements by all Schengen states.
#10479 Application form for visa
Photo Requirements
Declaration of Waiver and Hold Harmless
GP 7018B/E Guarantee Form for Visits