How to Apply for a Norway Tourist Visa in Qatar

Scandinavian countries are known for their Viking heritage and deep fjords. These places also boast of the best beaches in Northern Europe. If you want a chance to visit such a country, you could start by going to Norway.

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Among the things you should know about this country is that it is the birthplace of a popular toy. Additionally, Norway is the best country to see the northern lights. So if you have a holiday coming up, consider adding Norway to your itinerary. However, please note that as a Philippine passport holder, you would first need to obtain a tourist visa.

Fjords of Norway

Tourist Visa Application for Filipinos 

For tourists who hold a Philippine passport and have plans to visit Norway, obtaining a visa is a must. This document allows the visitor to stay in Norway for up to 90 days and also permits entry to other Schengen countries.

Other applicants seek a visa to visit their family and friends. However, they are not allowed to engage in employment while on a tourist visa.  

Requirements for Visa Application

The UDI website provides the necessary information for those applying for a tourist visa. The details are customized depending on the applicant’s nationality and which country they are applying for. 

Here are the requirements for Filipinos applying from Qatar:

  • Travel checklist: You can download this from the Royal Norwegian Embassy Abu Dhabi. Once you have accomplished the checklist, attach your signature at the bottom.
  • Cover letter: It should explain the purpose of your trip to Norway. Use an A4 paper.
  • Original valid passport: The passport must be issued within the last 10 years, and must be valid for at least 3 months. Ensure that there are at least 2 pages left.
  • Photocopy of bio data page
  • Passport photo: Should be taken within 6 months or less. Do not staple the photo .
  • Qatar residence permit
  • Travel itinerary: Must include the dates and places you want to visit, the people who will join you on the trip, as well as the means of transportation .
  • Bank statement: Must show the last three months of transactions: it should also show the salary you receive, as well as having an amount equivalent to NOK 500/month per person. 
  • Travel medical insurance: The coverage should be valid throughout your stay, and with minimum coverage of € 30.000.
  • Invitation letter and sponsor’s documents (if applicable)
  • Flight reservation: You don’t have to purchase flight ticket right away.

Other supporting documents:

  • Original letter from employer stating your status, position, and length of stay
  • Information on the length of stay in Qatar
  • Qatar ID of other family members (if traveling as a group)
  • Proof of consent (if traveling with children without the other parent)

Procedure for Visa Application

Your journey to Norway starts with your visa application. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Prepare your application no later than 15 days before your intended flight, while the earliest would be 6 months. Register with the website online before you can hand in your application. Be ready to provide your biometrics when you process your application. 

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents.

Step 3: Register with UDI (online portal) if you are using this account for the first time. Pay the visa fee once you have completed your registration. Wait for the confirmation email which you need to print and attach with the other documents. 

Step 4: Submit your documents at VFS Visa Global on your appointed date. You will also give your fingerprints and photos. The visa processing center may reach out to you if they need additional documents. 

Step 5: Wait for the visa to be processed. The lead time is approximately 15 to 45 days.

Step 6: Wait for the result of your application. You can either receive a text message or phone call for your result. You can then pick up your passport at the embassy or have it delivered via courier. Make sure to check the duration of your stay in Norway, which will be indicated on your visa. 

Visa Application Fees

Here is the list of visa application fees:

  • Adult: € 80
  • Children 6 to 12 years: € 40
  • Children 6 years and below: FREE

Additional Fees from VFS Global

  • SMS: QAR 8
  • Courier inside Doha: QAR 60
  • Courier outside Doha: QAR 80

Video on Tourist Visa Application

To learn more about the platform you will use in your application, you can refer to this YouTube video from “Your Neighbor Stephie.” The vlogger provides comprehensive information regarding the application process. 

Please note that the video is intended for Filipinos based in the Philippines. However, you can still benefit from her presentation.

You can watch the full video here:

Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on personal experiences that the vlogger shared in the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the vlogger by commenting on their video or on their social media accounts.

Address and Contact Details of Consular Contact for Norway in Qatar

  • Contact person: Simon Davies
  • Address: Tabah Gardens 78, Al Waab, Qatar
  • Telephone: +974 3350 9193/ +974 7030 0018
  • Email address: simon.davies@maneo.me

Address and Contact Details of Royal Norwegian Embassy in Abu Dhabi

  • Address: Etihad Towers 3, Level 11, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • Email address: emb.abudhabi@mfa.no
  • Telephone (UAE): 02 403 8400
  • Office hours:  Monday to Thursday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM / Friday 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Note: The Norwegian Embassy in Abu Dhabi handles the diplomatic relations between Qatar and Norway.

Address of VFS Global in Doha

1st Floor, Al Nuaimi Building,
Next to Oqba Bin Nafea Metro Station
Airport Road Zone No. 45

Map of VFS Global in Qatar

Getting to Norway from Qatar

There are three airlines that fly to Norway: Qatar Airways, Pegasus Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. The travel time is approximately 7 hours, and most travelers prefer to land in Oslo, the country’s capital.

Popular Tourist Spots in Norway

One interesting fact about Norway is that its capital wasn’t always Oslo. The first two capitals were Trondheim and Bergen. For a brief period, Copenhagen also served as the capital, due to a union with the neighboring country Denmark. 

Even the name Oslo was changed to Kristiana in the late 1800s. Eventually, in 1924, the capital city returned to its original name, Oslo, which remains the name and the capital up to the present.

The Oslo Region

The country’s capital is full of attractions and activities for guests. The good thing about Oslo is that you can experience city life by visiting museums and art centers while also being able to enjoy nature on a short drive.

If you can time your visit to the country in December, you can witness the presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize awards, as the awarding ceremony is held in the capital.

Tromsø

Located in Northern Norway, this is the place to go if you want to watch the northern lights and witness the midnight sun in this region. To help you enjoy your stay, you can check out one of the ice hotels located in Kirkenes and Varanger.

Bergen

Bergen is the second-largest city in the country and is home to the progressive music scene and top museums. There are trendy restaurants and fashion houses including some UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

You should not miss the Bergen Railway Line and Flåm Railway Line, which are considered the most beautiful train journeys.

Most importantly, you can see the famous fjords in the country, with the Sognefjord being the longest and deepest. There are also other fjords that are equally beautiful but not as frequently visited.

Jutland

The town of Jutland is home to Billund, where the first Lego toy was invented. If you ever want to include this town in your itinerary, don’t pass up the chance to visit the original Lego factory.

You can also go to Legoland Billund Resort to enjoy the park. This is a perfect place to go, whether you are traveling with children or by yourself.

Enjoying the Midnight Sun in Norway

With its location, Norway is one of the perfect places to watch the midnight sun. The best months to see this phenomenon are from May to July.

This event is marked by longer sunsets and sunrises happening simultaneously, emitting a reddish-yellow light in the heavens. There are many places in the North Cape where you can witness the midnight sun, or you can visit Bodø, Lofoten, Tromsø, and other neighboring areas.

While enjoying the midnight sun, you can go swimming, paddling, island hopping, or fishing. Some tourists are also known to go hiking. For first-timers, it would be better to get a guide to help you navigate the terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Do I still have to present my bank statement if I have a sponsor?

There is no need to present your proof of funds if you have a sponsor. However, the sponsor will be the one to prove to the embassy that they can fund your trip. 

  • Can I enter Norway without a visa?

Most tourists are required to enter Norway with a visa. There is a select few who can enter without one, including citizens with passports from a country that has a visa exemption agreement with Norway, and those with residence permit in an EU or EEA country, or those with a special passport. 

  • Can I get married in Norway with my tourist visa?

Yes you can. To be allowed to marry in Norway, you must have entered legally. One of the ways to enter the country is with your tourist visa. You should also get in touch with the Norwegian Tax Administration to know more about the other requirements to get married. 

Summary

Norway is famous for its Northern Lights, midnight sun, and fjords. It also boasts of other heritage sites for tourists to enjoy. For Philippine passport holders, you must apply for a tourist visa to be allowed to visit. 

The steps are straight forward. Once you have the documents ready, you will create an online account and request an appointment with the visa processing agency. The next step would be to wait for the result of your application in the next 15 to 45 days.

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