Visitor’s visa and residence permit

A visitor's visa allows you to stay in Norway or other Schengen countries for up to 90 days over a period of 180 days. A residence permit gives you the opportunity to work in Norway and to stay for more than 90 days.

Somali citizens must apply for a visitor's visa. Likewise, citizens of Somalia need a residence permit in order to work or to take up residence for longer than 90 days.

Applications for Schengen visas and residence permits are handled by the Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi. 

Where and how to hand in my application
Applications must be submitted in person at one of the VFS Global application centres in either Nairobi, Kampala, Addis Ababa or Dar es Salaam, which works in partnership with the Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi. All applications will be sent to the Embassy in Nairobi for further handling. Kindly note that all passports must be forwarded to the Embassy in Nairobi for document control. 

EU/EEA family members can apply directly at the Embassy in Nairobi and pay no visa fee. Please check the UDI website to see if you fall under these specific rules.

For information on how to apply for a Schengen visa or residence permit, please visit the Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi's website.

Representation agreements
Sweden represents Norway in Ethiopia, which means that the Embassy of Sweden handles Schengen visa applications on behalf of Norway. Please visit their website for more information on how to apply for a Schengen at the Embassy of Sweden. 

Sweden represents Norway in Sudan, which means that the Embassy of Sweden in Khartoum handles Schengen visa applications on behalf of Norway. Please be informed that the Embassy in Sweden in Khartoum is currently closed due to the security situation in Sudan. For more information, kindly conact the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi.