Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Norway is a very safe, prosperous Nordic country. Petty theft is uncommon; stay alert for pickpockets in central Oslo tourist areas.
- Overall risk
- Very low; among the safest countries in the world
- Main concern
- Occasional pickpocketing in busy tourist spots
- Emergency numbers
- Police 112, fire 110, ambulance 113
- Norway enjoys low crime rates, strong rule of law and reliable public services. Traffic drives on the right. Exercise normal precautions in busy areas of Oslo, Bergen and Tromsø.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go areas for tourists. The main hazards are outdoor and weather-related in the mountains and fjords.
- No-go areas
- None for typical travellers
- Main hazard
- Mountain and coastal weather, not crime
- Cities are safe day and night. Take care on hikes, glaciers and fjord excursions, where conditions change quickly. Follow local guidance and marked trails.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Prepare for extreme winter cold, ice, heavy snow and avalanche risk in the mountains. Expect midnight sun in summer, polar night in winter, aurora in the north, and rapidly changing fjord weather. Earthquakes are almost unknown.
- Winter
- Severe cold, ice, snow and mountain avalanche risk
- Daylight
- Midnight sun in summer, polar night in winter (far north)
- Fjords and coast
- Weather can change rapidly; aurora visible in the north
- Dress for extreme cold and check avalanche and weather warnings before mountain trips. The far north experiences the midnight sun in summer and long polar nights in winter, with the northern lights (aurora) often visible around Tromsø.
- Seismic activity is negligible. Fjord and coastal conditions can shift quickly, so follow local forecasts and guidance.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Norway has excellent healthcare and safe, high-quality tap water. The main seasonal risk is winter hypothermia and frostbite in cold conditions.
- Healthcare
- High-quality public and private care
- Tap water
- Safe and excellent to drink
- Winter risk
- Hypothermia and frostbite in extreme cold
- Medical facilities are modern and widely available; call 113 for an ambulance. Dress in warm layers to avoid hypothermia and frostbite in winter.
- EU/EEA visitors can use an EHIC/GHIC for necessary state care. No special vaccinations are needed for typical travel; carry any personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Crime rates are low. The main issue is occasional pickpocketing at busy tourist spots in central Oslo; violent crime against tourists is rare.
- Overall
- Low crime; very safe for visitors
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing in crowds and on public transport
- Advice
- Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- Basic caution against pickpockets is enough in Oslo tourist areas, stations and on transport. Keep bags closed and in front of you, and be wary of staged distractions.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Norway is a stable parliamentary democracy. It is a member of the EEA and NATO but not a member of the EU.
- Government
- Stable constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy
- International
- EEA member and NATO member; not in the EU
- Demonstrations
- Peaceful and rare disruption to tourists
- Political unrest is very uncommon. Occasional demonstrations are generally peaceful; avoid large gatherings as a routine precaution.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Laws are commonsense. Stronger alcohol is sold only via the state Vinmonopolet shops, and drink-driving limits are among the strictest in Europe.
- Alcohol
- Sold via Vinmonopolet; limited hours, closed Sundays
- Drink-driving
- Very low legal limit, strictly enforced
- ID
- Carry photo ID; police may ask
- Wine and spirits are sold only through the state monopoly Vinmonopolet with limited opening hours. The drink-driving limit is very low and penalties for drug and drink-driving offences are severe.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Emergency numbers are police 112, fire 110 and ambulance 113. The EU-wide 112 also works. Operators speak English.
- Police
- 112
- Fire
- 110
- Ambulance
- 113
- Use 112 for police, 110 for fire and 113 for medical emergencies; the common EU number 112 also connects. Operators generally speak English.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
EU/EEA visitors can use an EHIC/GHIC where valid, but comprehensive travel insurance is still recommended, especially for mountain and winter-sports activities and rescue costs.
- EU/EEA/UK
- EHIC or GHIC covers necessary state care
- Recommended
- Comprehensive insurance with medical and rescue cover
- Include
- Mountain, winter sports and mountain-rescue costs
- An EHIC/GHIC is not a substitute for full travel insurance. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, repatriation, winter and mountain activities, and any rescue costs.
- Entry and visa rules depend on your nationality and can change, so confirm current requirements with official sources before travel.