Norway Travel Safety
Travel Safety in Norway
General travel safety in Norway on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Norway
Updates
Updated: 1 Oct 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions
Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travelling conditions, safety and security concerns. Laws and social customs could differ significantly. You could face terrorist attacks, civil unrest, violent crime, or unique health threats - but overall, the risks are not great.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
Narrow and winding roads may be hazardous and impassable, especially in winter and in mountainous areas. Observe posted speed limits and keep headlights on at all times. Respect signs showing animal crossings, especially for moose.
Taxis
Use only officially marked taxis, particularly in Oslo.
Public transportation
Public transportation services are efficient and reliable. Use only officially marked taxis, particularly in Oslo.
Women's safety
Norway is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise common precautions throughout your travel.
Crime
The crime rate is low. However, petty crime (pickpocketing and purse snatching) occurs, particularly during the summer tourist season, from May to September. Remain vigilant in public places and tourist areas, including airports, train and bus stations, restaurants and hotels. After dark, avoid poorly lit areas, especially the streets around Oslo's Central (railway) Station.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police112
- Fire110
- Ambulance113
Embassy of us
American Embassy in Oslo
AddressMorgedalsvegen 36
Local Law and Culture
LGBT
Norway is frequently referred to as one of the world's most LGBT-friendly nations, with high societal acceptance and tolerance of LGBT people. Recent opinion polls have found very high levels of support for same-sex marriage among the Norwegian public. The most open and inclusive community can be found in the capital, Oslo, where many gay-friendly events and venues are located including the Raballder Sports Cup and the Oslo Pride Festival.
Illegal drugs
Penalties for trafficking, use or possession, even of small amount, of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, detention or deportation. A visitor found in possession of drugs upon arrival in Norway will be charged with importation rather than simple possession. Some substances that may be legal in other European countries, such as khat, are prohibited in Norway. Deportation from Norway will also mean expulsion from the greater Schengen area. The period of expulsion can be from 2 to 5 years, depending on the severity of the offence.
Driving
An International Driving Permit is recommended. Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02 percent. Roadside checks for alcohol are frequent, and submission to a breathalyzer test is mandatory. The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless it is fitted with a hands-free device. The use of headlights is mandatory, even during day time. Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 15. Additional information on road safety and regulations can be found on the European Commission's Mobility and Transport.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Norway.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.
The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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