Category: Schengen Visa

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Countries Schengen Visa

How to apply for Norway Visa?

Norway, the Land of the Midnight Sun, is a traveller’s envy and a paradise for the nature admirers. Situated in the northwestern part of Europe, the picturesque country with its lush greenery and snow-clad mountains allures tourists from all over the world. Indian travellers too, yearn to explore the splendid country and immerse into its natural beauty. The first step for it is to apply for the Norway Visa. This article will provide you a comprehensive guide on the procedures and the documents required for Norway Visa.

Content: 

  1. Types of Noway visa
  2. Documents required for Norway visa application
  3. Photograph specifications
  4. How to fill Norway visa application form
  5. Where to submit visa application? & Norway Embassy in India
  6. Noway visa fees
  7. Visa processing time
  8. Norway visa extension
  9. Visa application process
  10. FAQ

What are the different types of Norway Visa?

Depending on the purpose of the visit, there are different types of Norway visa for Indians:

  • Norway tourist visa – for tourism or visiting friends and family, medical purposes, sports, religious, film events, academic learning, spouse of a Norwegian citizen.
  • Norway business visa – for business meeting and discussions with any company or firm in Norway.
  • Norway work visa – for a stay in Norway due to work for more than 90 days. It is also known as the residence permit wherein a person can stay in Norway for a longer duration.

Tip: Apply for your Norway visa at least 15 days in advance of your date of travel.
It is advisable not to book travel tickets unless you get the final result of your visa approval. And if booked you must ensure the tickets are refundable.Hotel bookings must be done under refundable option or booked at cheap rates to avoid monetary loss in case of visa rejection or unusual delays.

What are the documents required for applying for a Norway Visa?

Norway visa for Indians mandates the documents mentioned below, to be submitted at the authorized Norway visa application centers:

  1. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of application of your visa
  2. Photocopies of the first and last pages of your passport
  3. Passport must contain at least 2 blank pages for the visa stamping
  4. Two photographs as per the specifications (Mentioned below)
  5. Duly filled and signed Norway visa application form. (Learn how to fill the application form below)
  6. A confirmation on the return date and reservation details of the tickets
  7. Residential proof in India eg. Voter’s card, passport address
  8. Proof of the accommodation for the stay duration in Norway. For example a hotel reservation or the residence proof of the friend or relative whom you will be visiting.
  9. Evidence of adequate funds available during the entire stay duration in Norway
  10. Travel health insurance of a minimum amount of 30,000 Euro
  11. For Norway business visa, you need to provide last 6 months bank statement, employment proof, invitation letter from the employer and Income Tax return acknowledgement forms
  12. In case you are self-employed then you need to provide the company bank statement for 6 months, a proof of the company’s registration and the Income Tax returns
  13. For a student, it is mandatory to submit the enrollment proof and letter from the school or the university for the Norway Schengen visa
  14. For a Norway tourist visa, it is essential to provide an invitation letter from your family or friend. If you are travelling through any travel agency, then you need to submit a letter from the agency office situated in Norway
  15. Indian nationals visiting Norway for medical treatments need to provide medical proof of their health condition. They also need to submit the appointment and payment details in a hospital or a doctor in Norway
  16. Spouses of Norwegian citizens need to provide the marriage certificate and the evidence of citizenship
    Norway visa application for under-aged children requires submission of income evidence of parents or guardian and consent from parents or guardian for their travel to Norway

Read: How to write a convincing Invitation letter for visa

Please Note: Under-aged children need to be occupied by their parents or guardians while attending the interview at the Norway visa application centers.

What are the photograph specifications for a Norway Visa?

While applying for a Norway Schengen visa, it is advisable to strictly follow the specifications to avoid visa delay or rejection. The rules are enlisted below:

  • The photograph must not be older than 6 months from the date of Norway visa application
  • It should be coloured on a white or light background
  • The face should be directly looking at the camera and should not be tilted
  • Your head should occupy almost 70 – 80% of the total photo area
  • The size of the photo must be 35mm X 45mm
  • The facial expression must be normal
  • The face must be clearly visible

Read More: Guide To Visa Photo Size Requirements

Tip: Wear a dress with contrasting colour to the background. Try to click the photo in studios which specialize in Visa photography.

How to fill up the application form for a Norway Visa?

The Norway visa for Indians mandates to fill up an application form.You can also login to the portal with your email id. An account needs to be first created for logging into the portal.

The particulars to be filled in the Visa application form are:

  • Name, date, place, and country of birth
  • Marital status
  • Passport details including the passport number, issue, and expiry dates, address and contact numbers
  • Current occupation details
  • Purpose of the visit
  • Past Schengen visas
  • Details of the family or friend whom you will be visiting in Norway. In case it is a business visa, details of the employer need to be filled up
  • The details of the expenses

Once the form is filled up, it must be signed and submitted. After submission, you will receive an email with a cover letter. A print out of the cover letter must be obtained and submitted along with the required documents. The cover letter must be signed before submission.

Also read: A quick guide to your Austria Visa

A reference number is generated after submitting the form. Norway visa tracking can be done from the online portal by using the reference number.

Tip: It is recommended to refer a sample application form while filling up the details. Please ensure saving the form at each step to avoid losing data in case of a connectivity issue.  Before submitting the form, it is advisable to take a print out of the form and check for any incorrect data or mistakes.

Did you know?
The Embassy of Norway has the discretion to correct any mistakes in the application form. Thus, eliminating the need of the applicant to submit another form in case of any error.

Where to submit the Visa application form and the required documents for a Norway Visa?

All applicants for Norway visa must take a prior appointment at the authorized visa application centers. They need to appear in person for the interview and the biometric along with the passport, print out of the application form and the mandatory documents.

The embassy and the visa application centers for Norway visa in India are:

  1. Norway embassy in New Delhi
  2. Visa Application Center in Chandigarh
  3. Visa Application Center in Mumbai
  4. Visa Application Center in Ahmedabad
  5. Visa Application Center in Pune
  6. Visa Application Center in Kolkata
  7. Visa Application Center in Chennai
  8. Visa Application Center in Bangalore
  9. Visa Application Center in Hyderabad
  10. Visa Application Center in Goa
  11. Visa Application Center in Kochi

Suggested read: Visa Interview – Questions, Answers, Tips

The addresses of each of the centers can be found here. The opening and closing hours are also mentioned in the link. The centers have a fixed time for passport collection. Please ensure to follow the timing to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Did you know?
The Embassy and the Visa application centers are closed during official holidays in India.

What are the fees for a Norway Visa?

The Norway visa fee needs to be paid while applying for a visa in the online portal. You can use your credit or debit card or net banking to pay the Norway visa fee. In case you are unable to access the payment gateway of the online portal, then you need to submit the fee at the embassy or the visa application centers.

For adults, the Norway visa fee is 60 EURO and for children between ages 6 to 12 it is 35 EURO. Details of the fees are mentioned in here. Since you would be submitting the application, passport, and documents at the Visa application centers which are external agencies, you will be charged a service fee. The service fee is 20 EURO per person. The service fee is not required if you submit the application at the Embassy in New Delhi.

Please note: You must take a print out of the Norway visa fee payment while attending the interview at the visa application centers

What is the processing time for Norway Visa?

The processing time for Norway visa is 15 working days from the date the application is received at the Embassy in New Delhi. The days are counted till the time the passport is couriered to the desired location. The exact days may vary depending on the preferred location of delivery. It is advisable not to follow up before the scheduled 15 days of visa processing time.

For Delhi, it is advisable to consider an additional of 2 days more and other locations an additional of 4 to 6 days more to receive the visa. In certain cases, the application is sent to UDI which is the Directorate of Immigration. The decision at UDI may take a longer time, which may extend up to 60 days.

Please note: For Norway visa tracking, you must first check the status online only when the application is received at the Embassy. In case of unusual delays, you can contact VFS Global Services Ltd. at +91 22 67866021 or email at info.norwayin@vfshelpline.com.

For how long can the Norway visa be extended?

Norway visa extension can be requested if the visitors want to extend the stay more than the permitted duration stamped by the Embassy. But for short term visas, the total stay with extension cannot exceed 90 days. In case you need to stay beyond 90 days, then you need to apply for a residence permit.

Also read: A guide to obtaining Italy visa from India

Extension of Norway visa can also be granted for special cases:

  • Serious illness or encountered a natural disaster. You need to pay the application fee and your stay duration must not exceed the 90 days mandate.
  • For a sudden journey to any country which is outside the Schengen boundary, you may apply for an extra entry into Norway. In this case, too, you need to pay the application fee and your stay duration must not exceed the 90 days mandate

Know-Hows for the Applicants

  1. You can collect your Norway visa stamped passport from the VFS application centers or you can opt to deliver at your residence or office address against an additional courier charge
  2. On receiving the visa, you must check the number of entries granted, the duration of the stay, validity period, passport number and your name and surname
  3. In case of any discrepancies, you must immediately contact the Norway Visa application centers
  4. If your visa is rejected then you will receive the reasons for the rejection. You can appeal against the rejection if you are not in agreement with the decision
  5. Visa fees or any service fees charged during the process of the application are not refunded back in case the visa is rejected by the Embassy. Even if you withdraw the application, the fees are not refunded back.

Must read: Covering Letter For Visa: What it is and how you can make one

The sequence of steps that need to be followed while applying for Norway visa are:

  • Select the visa type that you need to apply depending on your purpose of visit
  • Select the embassy or the authorized visa application centers for applying for a visa
  • Collect the documents and the photographs required for applying for Norway visa
  • Schedule an appointment at the embassy in New Delhi or the authorized visa application centers
  • Attend the interview at the scheduled date with your passport, documents, photographs and the print out of the application form
  • Pay the visa fee either while submitting the online application form or during the appointment
  • Wait for 15 days for receiving your visa stamped passport

Please note: All Norway visas are processed at the Embassy in NewDelhi. It is the discretion of the embassy to decide on the duration granted for the visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to get a visa to Norway?

The Norway visa fee is 60 EURO for Adults and 35 EURO for children aged between 6 and 12 years. The VFS, being an external agency, charges a service fee of 20 EURO for each person. Additionally, you can avail of SMS services with a fee of INR 85 and courier charges of INR 310.

2. What documents do I need to travel to Norway?

For Norway Visa, you would need your passport, two photographs, residential proof in India, filled up the online application form, confirmed hotel reservation or proof of stay at friends or relatives place, travel health insurance worth 30,000 EURO, evidence of funds to sponsor the stay. An invitation letter is required from the company in case of a Norway business visa and for Norway tourist visa, a letter is required from the friend or relative with whom you would be staying.

Students applying for Norway visa need to provide a letter from the school or college confirming their enrollment in the academic program. For applicants visiting Norway for medical treatment, they need to provide the health certificate and the appointment details in the hospital or with a doctor in Norway.

Read: UK Visa for Indians: Everything you need to know

4. How long does it take to get Norway visa?

It usually takes 15 working days to receive a Norway visa. However, depending on your location, the courier may take 1 or 2 days more to send your passport.

5. Where can I apply for a Norway visa?

You can apply for Norway Visa at the Embassy in New Delhi or authorized visa application centers at Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Chandigarh, Goa, Kochi, and Ahmedabad.

6. What are the documents you need to produce on arrival in Norway at the immigration counter?

  • On arrival in Norway you need to present the following documents at the immigration counter:
  • Your passport with the Norway visa sticker on it
  • Purpose of the visit which is either the invitation letter from the company or friend or relative or the hotel reservation
  • Return confirmed ticket
  • Proof of adequate funds available to sponsor the trip
  • The immigration officer will ask you to provide fingerprints for comparison with the fingerprints provided in the biometric collected at the visa application centers.

7. What are the rules for the travel health insurance policy required for Norway Visa?

The travel health insurance policy should meet the following criteria:

  • You must be covered for an amount of 30,000 EURO which will include medical expenses, treatment, and hospitalization too
  • It must be valid to be applicable in all Schengen countries
  • It must cover the entire duration of your stay in Norway or Schengen countries
  • It must be purchased from India

Enjoy your trip to Norway and be ready to witness the exotic Aurora Borealis cast a magical spell on you.

Further read: What is a Sponsorship Letter for Visa?

Categories
Countries Schengen Visa

A guide to obtaining Italy visa from India

Italy gets a footfall of over 50 million tourists per year. It’s roman architecture, stunning coastline and numerous national parks attract a lot of visitors. Tourism contributes to around 60% of the country’s income. Italy is known to have emerged from the Roman empire, which is one of the greatest European Empire to have existed. If you wish to visit Italy for a short stay or a longer duration, you can apply for an Italian Schengen visa. Italy is a member state of the European Union and hence a member state of Schengen union. There is no need to apply for a separate visa for Italy apart from Schengen visa.

What is Schengen Visa?

Schengen visa is the visa issued to travel to 26 countries that are part of European Union. 

As a tourist you will be issued a Type C visa which has a validity of 90 days. This visa can be used for single entry or multiple entry. 

Why chose Italian consulate to apply for your Schengen Visa?

  1. If you are only visiting Italy during your course of travel.
  2. If you are spending the maximum time of your travel in Italy, then you should apply for your Schengen visa in Italian consulate.
  3. If your entry and exit point is from Italy, then you should get the visa approved by Italian consulate.

Read: How to apply for Visa? In focus – Schengen visa, H1B visa

Types of Visa to Italy

There are three major types of visas that are issued :-

    1. Type C visa :- Also known as Schengen short term visa is issued to tourists for a maximum validity of 90 days. That has both single or multiple entries allowed.
    2. Type D visa :- Long term visa or the Italian nation visa. Issued to people who are planning to stay for more than 90 days.
    3. Limited Territorial Validity Visa:- Issued on Humanitarian grounds by citizen’s country diplomatic or consular representative.

Documents required to Apply for Italy Visa from India

Here is a complete list of things required to apply for your italian visa from India. Keep in mind that you don’t have to apply for a separate visa for Italy if you already have a Schengen visa for some other Schengen state. All you would need is reason for stay in Italy and enough balance to fund your stay in the country.

Let’s get started with the list of documents required to apply for Italy Visa from India :-

  • Visa Application Form 

The visa application form can be downloaded from the website to apply for Italy tourist visa from India. Make sure the form is correctly filled and duly signed. The visa application can also be filled electronically and then take a print out.

  • Passport Photograph

One recent passport photograph with whole face capture and a light background. Make sure the photograph comply with the rules listed down. 

Know in-depth: Guide To Visa Photo Size Requirements

  • Passport 
    • Should have been issued within the last 10 years and validity shouldn’t exceed  more than 10 years.
    •  Atleast have a validity of 3 months after intended stay.
    •  Should contain at least two blank pages. 
  • Medical Insurance

Medical insurance with a coverage of 30,000 Euros is a must-have for emergency hospital and repatriation expenses. Here is a complete list of companies that are approved by Schengen union for insurance.  

  • Travel Itinerary

A blank page mentioning all the places you’ll be covering along with the dates. Including return flight tickets.

  • Photocopy of Passport

Two sets of photocopy of the Applicant’s passport is required.

  • Employment status Proof
    • Working →  Salary slips of last 3 months, Leave authorization from employer, Form 16, employment contract etc, current bank statement, of latest 6 months.
    • Self-Employed → Business License, Income Tax return proof, 6-month company bank statements.
    • Student → No objection certificate from school or university, Proof of Enrollment. 
    • Retired → Pension statement of last 6 months.
    • Minor → Birth certificate, Italian visa form signed by both parents, certified copies of ID and passport of both parents.

Suggested read: UK Visa for Indians: Everything you need to know

  • Proof of Adequate Finance

To acquire Italy tourist visa from India it’s required to present Form 16, Salary slip of last three months, bank statement copies of last 6 months stamped by Branch Manager or printed on an original letter from Bank, Income Tax Challan, credit card copies.

  • Proof of Accomodation
    • You need to have hotel confirmation of all the places during your overall stay in the European Union. 
    • In case your trip is sponsored, an Invitation letter from sponsor along with the sponsor’s picture ID containing signature and validity of documents.
    • If you are visiting friends or relatives, Invitation from host is required with a photocopy of his/her passport.
    • In case of Booked tour, evidence of pre-paid tour with proof of payment to the tour operator.

Find out more about Proof of accomodations here.

  • Cover Letter

A cover letter is required to cover the following details :-

    • Purpose of travel to Italy.
    • Proof of how you plan to fund your trip.
    • In case of sponsor, explain your relationship with the sponsor and why they are funding your trip.
    • Overview of your itinerary and the reason why you chose Italian Embassy to apply for your Schengen visa.
    • Your intent to return to home country. Show that you have strong reasons to come back owing to family, business and work.
    • In case you are not able to submit any of the required documents explain the reason and what other documents have you submitted alternatively.

Read More: Covering Letter For Visa: What it is and how you can make one

Italy Visa fees from India

Italy visa fees from India to apply for a Schengen visa is 4810/- INR payable via Demand Draft favouring “VFS GLOBAL SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED” at the city where visa was applied.

For minor from 6-12 years, the visa cost is 2810/- INR. 

In addition to the Italy visa fee, an additional charge of INR 496 is levied as VFS service charge.

A convenience fee of INR 166 is charged if payment is made by cash, credit or debit card.

Visa Fee Waiver

Visa fee is waived off for :

  • Kids below 6 years of age.
  • Researchers going out for scientific research work.
  • Students, graduates and undergraduates taking the journey for educational training and study purpose.
  • Representatives under the age of 25 of non-profit organizations who are participating in seminars, sports or cultural events held by some other non-profit organization.

Know: How to write a convincing Invitation letter for visa

Please note If the visa is denied by Italian consulate under any circumstances, the visa fee remains non-refundable.

When to Apply for Italian Visa

The Earliest you can apply for your Schengen visa application for Italy from India is 90 days before your travel date.

The Latest you can apply for your Schengen visa application for Italy from India is 15 days before your trip start date.

Advisable time to file for your Schengen visa application for Italy from India is three weeks before the start of your trip.

Read: France Visa From India: Explained

Where to Apply for Italian Visa in India

VFS Global Services is a commercial company that helps in procuring Italy visa for Indian citizens. It works in partnership with Italian Embassy, New Delhi.

The three Italian consulates located in New Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai have been assigned separate states where visa applicants from that particular state can apply.

Embassy of Italy in New Delhi 

Only people residing in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu-Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Chandigarh can apply here.

Suggested read: Guide To Switzerland Visa For Indians

Consulate General of Italy in Kolkata

Only people residing in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Tripura, Sikkim, and West Bengal can apply here.

Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai

Only people residing in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu can apply here.

Union Territories of Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Pondicherry can apply in Mumbai or Kolkata.

Italy visa requirements from India, step by step procedure

  • Check if you need a visa

If you wish to travel to Italy, Italy visa is required for Indian citizens. In case you already have a Schengen visa applied you do not need to apply for an Italian visa separately.

  • Choose your visa type 

Based on your duration of stay, select which visa would you require.

  • Application Form 

Download the application form online and fill it up with relevant details. Ensure that all information is correct to the best of your knowledge. Do not leave any column blank. If there are columns that do not apply to you, fill them up with NA( No Answer). Print two copies of the form and sign both copies.

  • Documents

Ensure that you have all the documents required for applying for Italy visa from India.

  • Schedule your Appointment

The visa process may take a long time hence it’s advised to schedule it 2 months before your travel start date. You can schedule your appointment here. 

  • Visit the Visa Application Centre

Make sure you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. In case you are late for you appointment, you will be asked to re-book a future appointment. 

Applicants can also avail walk-in service for INR 2650/-.

As part of visa procedure, applicants need to provide biometric fingerprint and a digital photograph at the centre.

  • Visa Interview

After biometrics, you will be taken to the visa counter where an official would ask you a few questions regarding your trip. Make sure you answer with confidence and the answers match with the information provided in the forms.

Few Basic questions that are asked frequently :

    • What is the purpose of your visit?
    • Are there are any other Schengen countries that you are planning to visit?
    • Who is funding your trip?
    • Tell us about your company and job role.
    • How long are you planning to stay?
    • What is your Educational Qualification?
    • Where are you going to stay?
    • Are you married? What does your spouse do? How long have you been married.
    • Who are you traveling with?
    • If traveling solo, why?
    • Do you have children?

Learn more about how to prepare for visa interviews here.

  • Post Submission 

Track your application through SMS, email, calling as well as online application tracking. 

  • Pick your Visa and Passport

Collect your visa from designated VFS offices at specified time slots. You can also avail Passport at your doorstep service at an extra charge of INR 300/-.

Read: What is a Sponsorship Letter for Visa?

Drop Box Service for Italian Visa Application

The drop box service has been started from 21st January 2019 for Applicants who have already submitted their biometric after 02 November 2015. The drop box service at Blue dart is only for Applicants who are not required to submit biometrics including children below 12 years of age.

Steps to be followed to avail drop box service:

  • Applicant must have the visa application form filled and duly signed. All supporting documents, photograph based on specifications and passport duly attached along with the Demand draft for Visa fees and other charges.
  • Each Application to be posted in a separate envelope.
  • Submit Courier consent form for doorstep passport delivery at your desired address.
  • Fill up the Declaration form stating that you understand the entire drop box submission procedure.
  • Put all the required documents in a sealed envelope and hand it over to Blue Dart courier executive.
  • As a token of receipt, you’ll be handed over an Air Waybill. This bill needs to be shown by the applicant at the time of receiving the processed passport.

Read: A Guide to Business Visa

How to Apply by drop box service?

Call the contact Centre 022-67866004 before going to drop the application. Applications can be submitted between 9 am to 3 pm. Find the list for Visa Application drop box centres here.

What to do if the Visa Application gets revoked?

In case your visa is rejected, you have a right to appeal. The Appeals are conducted against the final decisive Member State in accordance with the national law of the specified EU Member State.

The procedure to appeal. National laws, concerned authorities that can be contacted and the time limit for delivering appeal is mentioned in case the visa is refused by the member state.

How much time does it take to process the visa?

Ideally, applications are processed within 15 days from the date of submission. In some cases if the candidate is asked to produce additional documents, the process might be extended to 30 days. 

In special cases, it even goes upto 60 days maximum.