Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need a visa to enter Norway. Find information on the website of The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

Note that there is a processing fee applicable to all visa applications.

Schengen

If you need a visa to enter Norway, the procedure is according to the EU visa regulations (Schengen). A visa normally grants you the right to stay in the entire Schengen region for up to 90 days. Find more information here: https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/visit-and-holiday/visitors-visa-to-norway/?resetguide=1.

Long stays (>90 days)

It depends on your citizenship whether you need a residence and work permit to be able to work in Norway.

Nordic nationals (Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Iceland) only need to report a move to the National Registry.

Citizens of EU/EEA member states do not need a visa nor a work permit, but need to register with the local police.

Non-EU/EEA citizens need a visa and work permit. You can read about long-term visas here: https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/work-immigration/?resetguide=1.

If working on a contract, registration with the Norwegian tax office is also necessary regardless of your citizenship.

Importantly, in-person appointments need to be made with the tax administration and registrations with the police have to be handed in in person.

Instrumentation (Import/Export)

General import and export rules can be found at the website of the Norwegian Customs authority.

You can receive exemption from customs duties and value added tax on the importation of equipment for use by foreign scientific expeditions: https://www.toll.no/en/goods/goods-for-technical-and-scientific-use/.

Samples (Import/Export)

Norway is a party to CITES and the Norwegian Environment Agency is the agency with responsibility for implementing CITES in Norway.

Information on CITES regulations in Norway are available only in Norwegian: https://www.miljodirektoratet.no/ansvarsomrader/arter-naturtyper/handel-med-truede-arter-cites/internasjonal-handel-med-trua-arter/.

Note that most countries have restrictions on the import of biological material. Norwegian authorities may assist in obtaining any documentation needed for import to other countries.

For exporting samples for research from non-threatened species, a customs declaration needs to be filled out. Diverse custom documents can be found here: https://www.toll.no/no/verktoy/skjema/.

If samples are sent by mail, a custom declaration needs to be filled out as well. The exact requirements for documentation depend on the service provider. Find one example here: https://www.bring.no/tjenester/toll (in Norwegian).

It is important to describe the exported samples precisely, including number/amounts and a declaration that the samples are used for scientific purposes only (no resale value). Further, it is important to declare the preservative types and amounts of preservative used.

For exporting specimens in ethanol on a plane, it is important to know that there are limits in terms of the preservative types and amounts transported. The samples should be accompanied by a letter from the sending institution/local collaboration partner and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. An example can be found here: Example Letter

Invasive species (i.e. animals, plants, soils)

Import of invasive species is forbidden. For more information on the Norwegian’s strategy on invasive species, see: https://www.regjeringen.no/globalassets/upload/md/vedlegg/planer/t-1460_eng.pdf.

There is a public repository of invasive species found in Norway for further information: https://www.artsdatabanken.no/fremmedartslista2018 (List in Norwegian and Latin species names).

Import/Export of fish and fish products


Find information about export duty for fish and fish products here: https://www.toll.no/en/goods/fish/export-of-fish/export-of-fish—registration-marketing-and-research-fee-for-fish-and-fish-products/.

Norwegian Seafood Council

Directorate of Fisheries

Import/Export of plant samples

Find information about import of plants and seeds here: https://www.toll.no/en/goods/plants-and-seeds/import-of-plants-and-seeds/.

Import/Export of antiques and cultural monuments


It is not permitted to import or export antiques or objects with special artistic, cultural or historical value without a special permit. Find more information here: https://www.toll.no/en/goods/cultural-monuments-and-antiques/travelling-with-cultural-monuments-and-antiques/.

More information on the import and export of cultural monuments and how to apply for an export permit is available from Arts Council Norway (in Norwegian).

Chemicals

In general, it is recommended to use a shipping/transport agency, in order to assure compliance with complex regulations. Research stations and institutions may provide access to some types of chemicals that can be used by visiting scientists.