Norway

Norway is a highly developed, stable democracy with a modern economy. The cost of living in Norway is high; tourist facilities are well-developed and widely available. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet on Norway for additional information on U.S.-Norway relations.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Road conditions in Norway can differ significantly from those in the United States. Public transportation in Norway is generally safe, and the maintenance and condition of urban roads is generally good. Rural road conditions are fair and the availability of roadside assistance is limited. Roadside assistance is mainly provided by two service providers in Norway, Viking (phone number +47 06000) and Falck (phone number +47 02222). Both service providers operate with 24/7 duty phones. Most roadways beyond the city limits of Oslo and other major cities tend to be simple two-lane roads. In mountainous areas of Norway, the roads tend to be narrow and winding, and have many tunnels. The northerly latitude can cause road conditions to vary greatly, depending on weather and time of year. Extreme weather, floods, and landslides can occur. This can disrupt rail as well as road travel. The Norwegian Government’s Crisis Information website provides information and advice to the public before, during and after a crisis. Many mountain roads are closed due to snow from late fall to late spring. The use of winter tires is mandatory on all motor vehicles from November to April.

Norwegian law requires that drivers always use headlights when driving. Norwegian law also requires drivers to yield to vehicles coming from the right. In some, but not all, instances, major roads with “right of way” are marked. Seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and passengers. It is illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving; violators risk a fine of 1,300 kroner (approximately $215).

Norway has some of Europe’s strictest laws on driving under the influence of alcohol; they prescribe heavy penalties for drivers convicted of having very low blood-alcohol levels. Frequent road checks with mandatory breathalyzer tests and the promise of stiff jail sentences encourage alcohol-free driving. The maximum legal blood alcohol content level for driving a car in Norway is .02 percent. 

Automatic cameras placed by the police along roadways help to maintain speed limits, which are often lower than in other European countries. Fines—and sometimes even jail time—are imposed for violations.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. For specific information concerning Norwegian driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, contact the Norwegian Tourist Board office at P.O. Box 4649, Grand Central Station, New York, New York 10163-4649, tel.: 212-885-9700; fax: 212-885-9710.

TRAVEL BY SEA: Extreme weather can cause delays and/or alternative routes. For information about safety on water, visit the Official Travel Guide to Norway.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed that Norway’s Civil Aviation Authority is in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Norway’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Norway has been subject to terrorist incidents in the past and the potential for terrorist incidents remain. In November 2014, Norway’s Police Security Service (PST) announced an increased risk of a possible attack in Norway aimed at police and military presence which was related to Norway’s support of the U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition. In July 2014, Norway’s Minister of Justice announced a heightened terrorist threat posture, related to the return of foreign terrorist fighters from Syria and Iraq. Several years ago, a right-wing extremist attacked government buildings in Oslo and a youth camp on an island in the Oslo Fjord, leaving 77 dead. Like other countries in the Schengen area, Norway's open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility of terrorists entering/exiting the country with anonymity. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Norway’s website, Facebook and Twitter feed.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Norway has a relatively low level of crime in comparison to the United States and Western European countries. The most likely forms of crime, especially in the Oslo metropolitan area, include residential and office burglaries and petty thefts. In Oslo and other major urban areas, crime has been centered in the inner city and high transit areas. Instances of pick-pocketing and petty theft are common in major tourist areas, hotel lobbies, train, and transit stations, and surrounding areas. The Oslo Central train station is an especially popular area for pick-pockets and bag snatchers. Although rare, violent and weapons-related crimes do happen. These crimes usually occur in areas known to have drug trafficking and gang problems, such as certain parts of eastern Oslo. As in any other urban area, you should exercise basic security awareness at all times.

• Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, but if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law. 

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime in Norway, you should contact the local police and the U.S. embassy in Oslo. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

Norway has a program to provide financial compensation to victims who suffer serious criminal injuries. Claimants can obtain application forms from the Norwegian Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Oslo for further information.

The national emergency telephone numbers in Norway, equivalent to the “911” emergency line, are: Police 112; Fire 110; and Ambulance 113.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.