norwegian travel document to uk

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• Visas and immigration
• Travelling to the UK

Entering the UK

Before you leave for the uk.

Check what documents you’ll need to enter the UK.

You’re a British citizen

You can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents:

• a Gibraltar identity card

If you’re travelling from Ireland to Northern Ireland

You do not need any documents to enter.

If you’re travelling from Ireland to England, Scotland or Wales

A Border Force officer may ask to see proof of your identity and nationality. You can use any documents that show your identity or nationality, for example:

• a passport (current or expired)
• proof that you’ve been given British citizenship - such as a UK citizenship certificate
• a Gibraltar identity card (current or expired)
• a copy of your passport or Gibraltar identity card that clearly shows your identity and nationality

You can use more than one document - for example, a driving licence with a citizenship certificate. If you’re using an expired passport or identity card, it must be recent enough that it’s clear that it’s yours.

You’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

• an Irish passport card
• a national identity card issued by an EU country , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one

Your identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.

If you’re travelling with a passport or national identity card, it should be registered on your UK Visas and Immigration account if any of the following are true:

• you have settled or pre-settled status
• you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document when applying for a visa

You may be delayed at the border if your passport or national identity card is not registered on your UK Visas and Immigration account .

Travelling with a national identity card

You cannot use a national identity card from an EU country , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein to enter the UK unless you:

• have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme , or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
• have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
• have a Frontier Worker permit
• are an S2 Healthcare Visitor
• are a Swiss national and have a Service Provider from Switzerland visa
• are an EU, EEA or Swiss national aged 18 or under travelling as part of a French school group using a France-UK school trip travel information form

Check if you need a visa to come to the UK .

If you’re waiting for a decision on your application for settled or pre-settled status

You can still use your EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK if all of the following are true:

• you’ve applied for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
• you’ve been issued with confirmation your application is valid
• you’re not applying as a joining family member

You may also need to show evidence that you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 .

If you have not applied for settled or pre-settled status but are planning to

You must enter the UK with either:

• an EU Settlement Scheme family permit

Your family permit or visa could be issued by the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

You do not need any documents to enter Northern Ireland.

You may need a visa if you’re planning to stay in the UK - for example, to work or study.

A Border Force officer may ask to see proof of your identity and nationality.

If you’re an Irish citizen, you can use any documents that show your identity or nationality. For example:

• proof that you’ve been given Irish citizenship - such as a certificate of naturalisation
• an Irish passport card (current or expired)
• a copy of your passport or Irish passport card that clearly shows your identity and nationality

You can use more than one document - for example, a driving licence with a certificate of naturalisation. If you’re using an expired passport or Irish passport card, it must be recent enough that it’s clear that it’s yours.

If you’re not an Irish citizen, you’ll need to use either a passport or a national identity card, if you’re eligible.

Find out more about travelling to the UK from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man .

You’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.

You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from.

Check if you need a visa to come to the UK . You must have your visa before you travel to the UK.

You may also need a visa if you’re ‘transiting’ or travelling through the UK , for example you’re changing flights at a UK airport.

If you need a visa, you’ll need to show your airline or transport provider (your ‘carrier’) either:

• a valid visa
• a ‘visa exemption document’ such as a UK-issued biometric residence card or EU Settlement Scheme family permit

Before you travel, check that your visa is valid and will not expire before you enter the UK.

If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

If you would usually need a visa to come to the UK , you’ll need to show your carrier one of the following visa exemption documents:

• a UK-issued biometric residence card
• an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit

If you do not have an exemption document, you may be able to prove your immigration status online using the view and prove service . Check if your carrier allows this before you travel.

If you have a pending application to the EU Settlement Scheme you must have a valid visa or visa exemption document to travel to the UK.

If you’re travelling from Ireland

You do not need any documents to travel from Ireland to Northern Ireland. You may need a visa if you’re planning to stay in the UK - for example, to work or study.

If you’re travelling from Ireland to England, Scotland or Wales, a Border Force officer may ask to see your passport. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.

If you’re travelling from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man

You only need to show your documents if you’re stopped by a Border Force officer. They may ask to see proof of your:

• permission to come to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, if you need it - for example, a visa, biometric residence permit (BRP) or work permit

You do not have to use a passport, Irish passport card or identity card to prove your identity. You can use other documents instead - for example, a driving licence or armed forces identity card.

Travelling with children

You may be asked at the border to prove the relationship between yourself and any children travelling with you, if you do not seem to be the parent, for example if you have a different surname.

You can prove this with:

• a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child
• divorce or marriage certificates if you’re the parent but have a different surname from the child
• a letter from the child’s parent giving permission for the child to travel with you and providing contact details, if you’re not the parent

Before you board

Your carrier will check your passport and other travel documents. They’ll send this information electronically to Border Force .

You can ask to see the information about you that’s been sent by carriers.

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Travel to UK from Norway

Norwegians travelling to the UK are able to take advantage of either visa-free travel or a range of dedicated visas, depending on the purpose and length of visit.

For more information about travelling to the UK from Norway, including if you need bespoke advice for your own immigration situation, reach out to one of our legal advisers today. Call us on  (+44) 333 4149244 , or contact us  online .

Request a call back from our immigration experts

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Benefits of Choosing IAS’ Immigration Lawyers

At IAS, we understand that every case and client is unique, so we provide bespoke assessment and support to each client. With us, you get a dedicated immigration lawyer who is dedicated to ensuring your application is successful. Enjoy the following benefits with IAS:

Compassionate support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success

Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.

A personalised Letter of Representation to help compile a compelling case for approval

Continued support from your lawyer in the event of any complications.

Services we Provide

Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

Overview of Travelling to UK from Norway

The UK and Norway have long enjoyed a cordial diplomatic relationship, covering shared cultural, economic and political ties.

One of the most prominent examples of Norwegian presence in the UK comes in the form of the Norwegian Christmas tree that stands in Trafalgar Square, London every year. It is given in remembrance of the UK’s support of Norwegian forces during the Second World War, and stands as a significant symbol of the two countries’ lasting ties.

Meanwhile, Norwegian immigration to the UK might not be as prolific as other countries in Europe, but select parts of the UK, such as Shetland and Orkney, boast a large population of people with Norwegian heritage, and strong links to Scandinavian culture.

Norwegian nationals looking to travel to the UK may often do so without a visa for short periods of time. Norwegians are also eligible to apply for the  EU Settlement Scheme , or one of the UK’s many visas that allow for long-term residency or the right to work or conduct business in the UK.

Visa-Free Travel to the UK for Norwegians

Norwegian nationals are able to travel to the UK without a visa to do any of the following:

• Engage in tourism
• See family or friends
• Volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity
• Pass through the UK to another country
• Do certain business activities, such as attending a meeting or interview
• Take part in a school exchange programme
• Do a recreational course of up to 30 days
• Study, do a placement or take an exam
• Visit as an academic, senior doctor or dentist
• Visit for medical reasons

Note that you will normally only be allowed to visit the UK for up to 6 months at a time in order to carry out the above activities.

Additionally, you will not be able to do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, access public funds, or live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits.

Visa-Required Travel to the UK for Norwegians

If you’re a Norwegian intending to travel to the UK for a reason other than ones already listed, or you wish to stay in the UK long-term, you may have to apply for a visa.

Visas are available for a variety of purposes and to suit many different types of travellers. For instance, there are a range of work visas available, such as the  Skilled Worker visa  for general skilled work, the  Health and Care Worker visa  for foreign workers looking to work in the health sector, or the  Sportsperson visa , for professionals in the sports industry.

The UK also has its own  Student visa  for those looking to study courses in the UK long-term. Graduates who have studied in the UK may also apply for a  Graduate visa  to continue to stay and work in the UK.

Some Norwegians may also already have family from the UK, such as children, partners or parents. If this is the case, then you may be eligible for a  Family visa  if you plan to settle in the UK long-term.

Most UK visas have a finite window of validity, which means that you will either have to apply to extend them or leave the UK when they expire. Some will additionally allow you to apply for permanent settlement in the UK, also known as  indefinite leave to remain .

Get in touch with our immigration experts for help with your move to the UK from Norway.

UK Entry Requirements

When travelling to the UK, you will need to ensure that you have the right documents with you and that you adhere to UK government guidance on entry requirements for foreign visitors.

All Norwegian citizens must have either of the following when travelling to the UK:

• A valid passport
• A Norwegian national identity card, if you’re eligible to use one

Your document should be valid for the entirety of your stay in the UK.

Note that you will not be able to use a Norwegian national identity card to enter the UK unless you:

• Have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
• Have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
• Have a  Frontier Worker permit
• Are an S2 Healthcare Visitor

You must also ensure that you have a valid visa if you need one, such as if you intend to work in the UK or stay in the UK long-term.

Also note that you and your baggage may be checked at the border for any restricted items, or for items that must be declared. You must always ensure that you’re up to date with border and luggage restrictions when travelling to the UK.

How Can IAS Help?

The UK remains one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, even after its departure from the EU.

If you are a Norwegian looking to travel to the UK and need additional advice and assistance for your situation, IAS can help.

We offer full, bespoke and comprehensive immigration advice for individuals from both inside and outside the EU/EEA. Our range of services and packages are carefully curated to ensure that we can help all of our clients with their immigration issues, regardless of the complexity or nature of the case.

Whether you’re a Norwegian national in need of assistance when applying for a UK visa, need help liaising with your local embassy or consulate, or just need extra advice on the latest UK travel advice and entry requirements, we can help.

For more information about and what we can do for you, reach out to one of our immigration experts today. Call us on  (+44) 333 4149244 , or contact us  online  through our website, where more information about our services can be found.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i apply for a uk visa.

If you need to apply for a UK visa, you can do so online through the  Gov.uk  website in Norway before you travel.

As part of the application process, you will have to provide your personal information and upload a range of supporting documents.

You may also have to attend a local visa application centre in order to give additional information, such as your biometrics.

There is one UK visa application centre located in Oslo.

Am I permitted to travel back to Norway on a UK visa?

In most cases, you will be able to travel to Norway from the UK at any time while in the UK.

The only exceptions to this are when you’re waiting for a new visa decision while in the UK. In this instance, travelling to Norway will result in your application being withdrawn.

If your current visa will be invalidated due to you leaving the UK, you will be informed of this when you receive your visa and details of its terms.

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Can I go to Norway? Travel restrictions from the UK explained

By Sarah James

As of Friday 18 March 2022, all Covid travel rules have been dropped in the UK. This means that any travellers returning to the UK from Norway don't need to take any tests or quarantine on arrival in the UK and no longer need to fill out a passenger locator form . But what are the rules for entering Norway, and which tests are needed? Here’s what you need to know.

What are the entry requirements for Norway?

It's now much easier to travel to and from Norway. There are currently no travel restrictions upon entering Norway – the same rules as prior to the pandemic now apply. As of Tuesday 1 March, travellers arriving into Svalbard no longer have to show evidence of a negative Covid test. 

Wherever you're travelling, it's always best to check the government guidelines for your destination before booking and well ahead of your trip. It's also always wise to get travel insurance with Covid cover . 

Like this? Now read:

Traffic light system for travel: Which countries are green, amber and red?

A sustainable trip to Norway

By Rick Jordan

Oslo: the new capital of Scandi cool

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People who have been granted a residence permit in Norway and who cannot apply for a travel document from their home country, can apply to be issued a travel document from the Norwegian authorities.

Foreigners who have been granted refugee status are in principle entitled to a travel document for refugees. In cases where UNE has granted refugee status, an application for a travel document will automatically be created by the UDI. An application for renewal of a travel document should be sent to the local police district.

In UNE's opinion, applicants who have not been granted refugee status but hold another type of residence permit, can contact the authorities in their home country to apply for a passport or ID document. If they are not issued such documents, they can apply to the Norwegian authorities for an immigrant’s passport instead.

It is also possible to apply for a travel document for single journeys; read more about this on the UDI's website under the topic «Immigrant’s passport for a single journey» (external link) .

What do we consider?

A number of applications for travel documents are denied because there is doubt about the refugee's identity. The immigration authorities right to reject applications for travel documents in such cases was clarified by the Supreme Court in a verdict from October 2017. You can read about the significance of the verdict and find a link to the verdict in this news update.

UNE rejects many applications for immigrant's passports because we believe that the applicants have not done everything in their power to obtain a passport or identity documents from their home country or at a foreign service mission.

Everyone who applies for a travel document must substantiate their identity. As a rule, applicants must present ID-documents that are approved by the Norwegian authorities. UNE will reject the application if the applicant’s identity has not been substantiated.

UNE very rarely reverses decisions where the refusal is due to doubts about the identity of the applicant.

UNE can reverse a decision if we believe that the person applying for an immigrant’s passport has done everything in his/her power to obtain a passport or identity documents from the authorities in his/her home country without succeeding. Among other things, copies of all relevant documents must be presented, including the authorities’ reply.

UNE very rarely reverses decisions in such cases.

Read more at UDI regelverk:

• Utlendingsloven kapittel 7
• Utlendingsforskriften kapittel 12
• Rundskriv RS 2012-009: registrering, vurdering og endring av identitet i saker etter utlendingsloven

Selected sources

These sources are an edited selection of the sources we monitor and use in our case assessments. Please note that the content may only be available in Norwegian. The links may direct you to websites outside of UNE's control.

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