ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
**Requirements due to COVID-19 are constantly changing. Please check your own country's international travel advice as well as the airline requirements before travel.**
UK guests please see the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website for latest entry and exit advice; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway/entry-requirements
US guests please see Travel State website; https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Norway.html
Passports:
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of stay. It is advised to have 1 blank page in your passport. Please be sure to fill out the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport
Visas:
Norway is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S., Canadian, Australian and European citizens may enter Norway for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. All other nationalities must check the visa entry requirements before your departure. You need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.
N.B. Please note, visa and entry requirements, regulations and restrictions can vary on a regular basis. Please ensure you check in good time prior to travel the current requirements applicable to you.
Travel Insurance
All passengers must have valid travel insurance before traveling, including health and cancellation insurance. Ensure all pre-existing medical conditions are declared to the insurer. Provide the details of your insurance to The Big Journey Company at least 6 weeks before your departure date by emailing info@thebigjourneycompany.com. Take note of important information such as the insurer’s 24-hour emergency number and your policy number.
Medical Conditions and Personal Medication
Please advise us prior to travel if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. If you have a specific medical condition, it is wise to carry the relevant doctor’s prescription with you.
Important:
- Pack a sufficient supply of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the telephone/fax numbers of your doctor.
- Please note, some countries require that prescription drugs be carried in their original container, with the label clearly visible. In the event of you losing your medication, a qualified pharmacist should be able to source a replacement.
Travelling with CPAP or other Medical Machines
Please inform The Big Journey Company that you are travelling with such a device as early as possible, and well before you travel. This is especially important in places where there may be issues with power supply, such as on safari or smaller cruise ships. Also,
- Check that you have the correct electrical and voltage adapters for the country and accommodation you are visiting;
- Check with your airline that they allow your device to be carried as additional hand luggage and ensure that your device is easily accessible and properly labelled as medical machinery;
- Always carry a letter from your medical practitioner prescribing its use for you;
- Ensure you have details of your machine separately in case of the need to secure repairs/replacements whilst you are travelling;
- Check with your medical practitioner about the use of tap or bottled water in the event that distilled water cannot be sourced in the country you are travelling to.
Please note, if you require distilled or ionised water, you must inform The Big Journey Company of this at least two weeks ahead of travel, so we are able to make preparations with our ground agents. There will be an additional charge for this.
LUGGAGE
• What to Pack and Wear
Please see our video with our suggestions of what to pack and bring with you on the tour to Norway. Please note, as some of our escorted journey to Norway is within the Arctic Circle, you will need winter clothing and boots. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q5vurIoLes&t=26s
• Luggage Allowances
International airlines are often strict about the size and weight of checked in baggage and carry-on luggage. Prior to your departure, please contact your airline or visit their website for specific luggage requirements, as size and weight limitations may vary according to the airline and destination.
Northern Lights Tour – This tour includes an internal flight in Norway. Please check with The Big Journey Company regarding specific luggage allowances for this flight.
LANGUAGE
The main language of Norway is Norwegian, though English is spoken widely across the country, especially by younger generations.
WEATHER
The weather in Norway in winter is very cold, but usually dry. Please remember to pack your warmest clothes and layers.
ELECTRICITY
In Norway, the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. You will need a European plug adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.
MOBILES & INTERNET COMMUNICATION
Moblie coverage is widely avaliable across Norway, be sure to check with your mobile provider for coverage and rates, as data roaming can be extremely expensive.
MONEY
• Currency
The currency of Norway is the Norwegian Kroner (NOK). Many shops and the majority of hotels in Norway are now cash-free, payments solely via card or digital payment.
Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards however many places do not accept cards such as Diners Club or American Express. If you intend to use any of your debit or credit cards whilst away, please make sure that you contact your bank before you leave to inform them that you will be travelling in order not to cause any problems using your cards or whilst on the trip.
Important Note - European countries use chip-and-pin credit cards, so cards with magnetic strips on the back (commonly used in North America) may not work with certain automated machines. You might want to carry some extra cash in your wallet to use in these situations just in case. You may be asked to provide ID if you cannot pay by chip and PIN.
After feedback from previous guests, we offer a group tipping package for this tour, more information on this will be shared in the 'Pre-Tour Emails'.
WATER
The tap water in Norway is generally of excellent quality. Unless otherwise advised, you can drink the local tap water. It is not advisable to drink the tap water on board the train nor boat. Bottled water can be bought at supermarkets, kiosks and many shops.
SAFETY & SECURITY
As visitors, tourists may be more vulnerable to petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams, so we recommend staying aware and taking simple precautions.
RELIGION
Norway is mostly Lutheran Christianity, with over 70% of the population belonging to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norway. Catholicism is the next largest religion.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Norway offers photo opportunities one after another. You will return with many photos that can never be repeated. Remember to pack your camera, along with the charger, spare batteries and a spare memory card!
ARRIVAL IN NORWAY
Please note, standard hotel check-in is around 3pm, so should you arrive earlier than this, your room may not be available upon arrival. For those arriving early morning, we will do everything we can to work with the hotel to get you an earlier check-in subject to availability.
If you have any other questions that we have not covered here; then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com
Disclaimer: The above information is provided as a guideline only. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in this document.
Updated November 2024