The new application procedure will result in shorter processing time, less queues at the Embassy/Consulate´s, as well as making it easier for applicants to re-apply for subsequent visas. Applicants can also check the status of their applications online.
Applicants using the Application Portal will be given priority.
Link to the Application Portal, Norway: https://selfservice.udi.no/
Visa applicants who wish to apply for a visa on the Internet must have an e-mail address, fill in the application form, pay the application fee (with an international credit card) and book an appointment before submitting their supporting documents at the Embassy/Consulate.
It will still be possible to submit paper applications. For print version, please click here.
Appointment
All applicants must book an appointment on the Application Portal before coming to the Embassy/Consulate to hand in their supporting documents. An appointment can be changed or cancelled (by the applicant) from 'Previous individual application(s)' / 'Previous group application(s)'on the Application Portal. It is not possible to book an appointment without a finished online registration (application).
To cancel an application, you must contact the Visa Section in the Embassy/Consulate´s. It is not possible to cancel an application using the Application Portal.
How to apply - First time users
The first time you use the Application Portal, you must register as a user with a username and a password.(Remember this username/password for later use.)Usernames and passwords should not contain any special characters such as @, %, &, etc. The password must contain at least 8 characters, at least one number and at least one CAPITAL letter (e.g. Pudong123).
When you have registered yourself as a user on the Portal, you can fill in the application form (click on 'Apply for a visa'). When finished registration you have to pay the application fee (with a credit / debit card) and book an appointment.
How to apply - Existing users (who have previously used the Application Portal)
Applicants who have used the Application Portal before can simply log on, use the last application as a template and only change details such as travel dates, etc., pay the fee and book an appointment to hand in the supporting documents.
Group registration
Applications can be registered individually, or in groups on the Portal. A group may consist of 1 - 15 applicants, however, it is a requirement that all applicants have the same nationality and are travelling on the same dates, with the same itinerary.
Registering many applications as a group saves time. However, only individual applications may be copied for subsequent applications in the future. Families or people who always travel together to Norway may therefore want to register all applications individually.
Supporting documents
A number of documents are required in order to process a visa application. Applicants must bring the complete supporting documents on their date of appointment. Please see Visa & Residence Permits for further information.
Processing time
The processing time for visa applied from the Visa Portal will be given priority. However, applicants should always apply several weeks before the intended journey and at least 15 days before.
If the case is considered complicated or the Embassy/Consulate is not in the position to handle the case, it will be handled by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration in Norway (UDI).
Application fee The application fee must be paid electronically (by credit) on the secure Application Portal when filling in the application form online. The application will not be sent to the Consulate before the payment has been successfully processed (usually within a few seconds). Applicants (sponsors, traveling agency etc.) may pay by Visa or MasterCard.
In order to avoid misuse of the Portal, all applicants who are exempt from paying must ‘pay the visa fee initially. However, the amount is only reserved on their bank account, not actually taken.
When the applicant appears at the Foreign Service Mission and submits documentation proving that he / she is exempted from paying the visa fee, the consulate can quickly release the money (refunded electronically).
Nevertheless, if the applicant has not appeared at the consulate within 14 days after paying the fee online, the money is transferred to the payment provider in Norway and later to the a bank account and a refund will thus take 2-3 weeks.
The application fee for short-stay visas to all Schengen states, including Norway, is EUR 60. For children between 6 – 12 years the fee is EUR 35. The fee is waived for visa applicants in the following categories:
• Children under 6 years
• School pupils, students, post-graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purpose of study or educational training
• Researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research, as per specific rules
• Applicants related to (spouse, descendant or dependent ascendant of) EEA citizens who are excercising their right to free movement (on production of relevant certificates (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc)).
• Applications for D-visas
• In certain cases, the fee may be waived or reduced in accordance with national legislation, when this would serve to promote cultural, foreign policy or development policy interests, other areas of vital public interest, or for humanitarian reasons.
No Internet access?
There is a number of Internet Cafes all over China where you can make an application online.
It is also possible for the sponsor in Norway to complete all (or part of the online process) for the applicant (e.g. log on and pay the application fee). Sponsors who complete the entire process for the applicant (and the applicant is unable to log on to the Portal him / herself) must send a copy of the completed application form to the applicant, so that he / she is fully aware of the information being submitted.
The application form may be viewed and / or printed out from 'Previous individual applications' on the Portal.
The applicant must also sign the cover letter (which can be printed out after an appointment has been booked or anytime after that from 'Previous individual applications' on the Portal) and submit at the Embassy/Consulate´s along with his / her supporting/ additional documents.
The application form itself should not be submitted, as this is transferred electronically from the Application Portal to the Embassy/Consulate´s inbox for Visa Applications.