South Africa passport → Norway

Norway visa for citizens of South Africa

Embassy / VFSSchengen Visa (Short-Stay)

Citizens of South Africa need a visa for Norway and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Schengen Visa (Short-Stay)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	15–45 days
Government fee	€90 + €30 service fee
Passport validity	At least 3 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for last 3 months showing sufficient funds for trip

How to apply

1
Check visa requirements
Visit the official Norway visa portal to confirm eligibility and required documents for South African passport holders.
2
Complete online application
Fill out the visa application form on the Norway Directorate of Immigration (UDI) portal.
3
Pay visa fee
Pay the 80 EUR visa fee online (service fee of 30 EUR paid at VFS Global).
4
Book appointment at VFS Global centre
Schedule an appointment at the VFS Global centre in Pretoria or Cape Town for biometric data submission.
5
Gather required documents
Collect all documents as per checklist: passport, photo, insurance, flight reservation, accommodation, bank statements, employment letter, etc.
6
Attend appointment
Visit VFS Global centre with all documents and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
7
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, can extend up to 45 days in some cases.
8
Collect passport
Once decision made, collect your passport from VFS Global or opt for courier delivery (additional fee).

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen area
Proof of travel medical insurance
Minimum coverage of €30,000, valid throughout Schengen area
Round-trip flight reservation
Not a ticket but a confirmed itinerary
Proof of accommodation
Hotel bookings or letter of invitation

Financial

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Must show sufficient funds for the trip

Employment

Employment letter or proof of student status
Must include salary, leave approval, and return intent

Supporting

Completed visa application form
Fill out online via Norway visa portal
Recent passport-sized photograph
Must meet Schengen photo requirements
Valid South African ID
Provide copy if applicable
Cover letter explaining purpose of trip
Optional
Optional but recommended
Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, etc.)
Optional
Only if applicable
Previous Schengen visas (if any)
Optional
Provide copies of previous visas and travel stamps

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: €50 per day of stay

Bank statements
Salary slips
Traveler's cheques

Sufficient funds must be shown for the entire duration of stay.

Good to know

Biometrics (fingerprints) are mandatory for all Schengen visa applicants – you must attend in person.
Visa application must be submitted at least 15 days before travel (and not more than 6 months before).
Incomplete applications will be rejected and fees are non-refundable.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient proof of funds

Provide clear bank statements showing enough balance for the trip and proof of regular income.

Lack of proof of return intention

Include employment letter, proof of property, or family ties to South Africa.

Invalid or expired passport

Ensure passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay and has at least 2 blank pages.

Incomplete or incorrect documentation

Double-check all documents against the official checklist before appointment.

Travel insurance not meeting Schengen standards

Purchase insurance covering €30,000 minimum, valid across all Schengen countries.

FAQ

Do citizens of South Africa need a visa for Norway?

Citizens of South Africa need a visa for Norway and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Schengen Visa (Short-Stay).

How long can citizens of South Africa stay in Norway?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Norway visa cost for citizens of South Africa?

Government fee: €90 + €30 service fee.

How long does Norway visa processing take?

Typically 15–45 days.

What documents do citizens of South Africa need for Norway?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed visa application form; Recent passport-sized photograph; Proof of travel medical insurance; Round-trip flight reservation; Proof of accommodation; and 6 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Norway?

At least 3 months.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.norway.no/en/south-africa/services-info/visitors-visa/. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

norway.no

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