News and events

Mobilisation for energy and clean water to Gaza

‘The international community has now mobilised to secure more drinking water and energy for Gaza. This is an important step towards improved living conditions for the people of Gaza.

Changes in the Government

In a session of the Council of State today, the King has made changes in the Government.

Stepping up funding for job creation and renewable energy

‘Jobs must be created in developing countries if we are to succeed in combating poverty and achieving the sustainable development goals.

Norway supports UN efforts for international control of the arms trade

Record-high Norwegian core funding to UN organisations in 2019

Norway is increasing its core funding to six UN organisations, to a total of over NOK 3 billion. This is the highest amount of funding Norway has ever allocated to these organisations combined.

Case processing times Abu Dhabi

Norway to provide NOK 345 million for humanitarian mine clearance in 2019

Norway is maintaining a high level of support for humanitarian mine clearance in 2019, with an allocation of NOK 345 million.

New Minister of Foreign Affairs

In a session of the Council of State today, the King has made changes in the Norwegian Government.

Kommunestyre- og fylkestingsvalget 2019

9. september 2019 er det kommunestyre- og fylkestingsvalg i Norge. Velgere som bor eller oppholder seg i utlandet kan forhåndsstemme hos utenriksstasjoner eller særskilt oppnevnte stemmemottakere.

Government presents white paper on Norway’s role and interests in multilateral cooperation

‘The world is facing a number of challenges that are too great and complex for any one country to tackle alone, and must therefore be addressed through joint efforts.

Political stability and reforms bring progress in Somalia

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide visited Mogadishu on 10 June for talks with Somalia’s President and Prime Minister. She also met key humanitarian and diplomatic actors.

Defence-related exports from Norway in 2018

Today, the Government presented the annual white paper on exports of defence-related products. In 2018, Norwegian companies exported defence-related products and services worth NOK 5.8 billion. This is a decrease of NOK 6.

Norwegian Government to step up efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence in humanitarian crises

Norway is allocating NOK 1 billion to the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in humanitarian crises in the period 2019 to 2021.

Norwegian Government increases efforts to combat child marriage, female genital mutilation and gender-selective abortion (son preference)

‘Harmful practices, such as child marriage, female genital mutilation and gender-selective abortion or son preference, are violations of human rights and discriminate against women.

VISA APPLICATIONS DURING RAMADAN

New action plan to combat hunger

Today, the Government is launching a new action plan – Food, People and the Environment – to promote sustainable food systems in the context of Norwegian foreign and development policy in the period 2019-2023.

Norway to increase humanitarian aid for Rohingya crisis

‘The situation in the overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh is dire.

Exports of defence-related products from Norway in 2016

In 2016, Norway exported arms and military equipment for around NOK 3.6 billion. This is an increase of 10 % from 2015.

Norway increases humanitarian aid to Ethiopia

‘The humanitarian situation in parts of Ethiopia is dire as a result of long-term drought.

Government wants Arctic internet

Today, broadband coverage in the High North is poor and unstable. The Government now wants Norwegian satellites to make broadband communications available in the Arctic.

Norway to increase support to the Western Balkans by NOK 140 million in 2018

Norway is almost doubling its development assistance to the Western Balkans, with an increase from NOK 175 million in 2017 to NOK 319 million in 2018.

Norway increases funding for UN human rights efforts

Today, Norway entered into a four-year agreement on support for UN human rights efforts. ‘Human rights and democracy are under considerable pressure in many parts of the world.

Norway supports civilian capacity building for the G5 Sahel joint force

‘The situation in the vulnerable Sahel region has deteriorated since the crisis in Mali broke out in 2012.

Praktikantopphold ved ambassaden i Abu Dhabi høsten 2018

Den norske ambassaden i Abu Dhabi tilbyr et praktikantopphold (internship) for en student høsten 2018 med oppstart i begynnelsen av juli. Søknadsfrist er 6. april 2018.

Norway to increase support to Iraq to USD 44 million

Norway to increase support to Iraq to USD 44 million ‘Iraqi cities have been freed from the terrorist group ISIL’s control.

Norway pledges NOK 2 billion to the Global Partnership for Education

‘Norway is one of the largest donors to the Global Partnership for Education and we urge other donors to increase their support.

Extraordinary meeting of the international donor group for Palestine (AHLC) in Brussels

‘The members of the donor group for Palestine reiterated today their strong support for a resumption of peace negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide

Norway provides NOK 125 million to UN agency for Palestine refugees

‘I am deeply concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the underfunding of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

EU and Norway to convene an extraordinary session of the international donor group for Palestine (AHLC)

Norway’s Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide and EU’s High Representative Federica Mogherini have decided to convene an extraordinary session of the international donor group for Palestine, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC).

Sovereign wealth funds in new climate initiative

A working group of representatives from a number of sovereign wealth funds has been established at the One Planet Summit in Paris. The group will look into what investors can do to address the financial risks posed by climate change.

Norway to provide NOK 420 million to the UN emergency response fund in 2018

‘Norway will increase its contribution to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) from NOK 380 million to NOK 420 million a year for the next four years.

Deeply concerned over decision on Jerusalem

‘I am deeply concerned that the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital could lead to greater instability in the region and push the parties further away from the negotiation table.

Norway to maintain its support for UN Refugee Agency

Norway announced today that it will provide NOK 350 million in core funding for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in 2018.

International community joins Norway in supporting human rights defenders

UN Member States unanimously endorsed the free and independent role of human rights defenders at the UN today. ‘The international community has sent a strong signal.

Norway supports Ebola response in DR Congo

The Government is providing NOK 7.8 million to the efforts to tackle the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Broad agreement in international donor group for Palestine (AHLC) on the need to find a way out of the Palestinian economic crisis

‘I am pleased that Israel and the Palestinian Authority are now working actively to solve the ongoing fiscal crisis and conflict over the transfers of tax revenues. The major cuts in public services in Palestine cannot continue.

Significant increase in aid to Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, and refugees in neighbouring areas

According to new figures, refugee-related costs in Norway for 2017 are NOK 1,36 billion lower than projected.

Norway increases support to UNRWA by NOK 100 million

Norway is providing an additional NOK 100 million to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to support humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees affected by the Syria crisis.

Norway requests WTO dispute settlement consultations with the United States

‘In Norway’s view, the additional tariffs imposed by the US on steel and aluminium imports are a violation of the WTO rules. Today we have therefore requested dispute settlement consultations with the US in the WTO.

UN Secretary-General to Norway and Oslo Forum

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide is hosting the annual Oslo Forum, a meeting place for leaders from all over the world, at Losby Manor outside Oslo on 19 and 20 June.

Norwegian Government increases humanitarian aid to Gaza

In response to the acute humanitarian situation, Norway is providing an additional NOK 15 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Norway contributing to Ebola response in DR Congo

The Government has decided to provide NOK 10 million to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) response to the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Norway to chair UN expert group on nuclear disarmament verification

Norway, represented by Special Representative for Disarmament Knut Langeland, was today chosen to chair the UN Group of Governmental Experts to consider the role of verification in advancing nuclear disarmament.

Norway to provide an extra NOK 130 million for the fight against marine litter

‘Norway is playing a leading role in the global effort to eliminate marine litter. The Government is proposing to increase funding for Norway’s development programme to combat marine litter by NOK 130 million in 2018.

Transit at Oslo airport Gardermoen – do you need a transit visa?

Please be aware that some nationals are required to be in possession of an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit area of Oslo airport.

Government scaling up funding for Norad’s Knowledge Bank

‘The Government is proposing to increase its allocation to technical cooperation on taxation through Norad’s Knowledge Bank by NOK 13 million.

Foreign Minister concerned about spiralling violence

‘I am deeply concerned about the spiral of violence we are now seeing on the border between Israel and Gaza.

Vidar Helgesen appointed Special Envoy to High-level Panel on Building a Sustainable Ocean Economy

Vidar Helgesen has been appointed Norway’s Special Envoy to the High-level Panel on Building a Sustainable Ocean Economy.

Call for intensified efforts to promote global health

‘Five million mothers and children throughout the world die every year from preventable causes.

Norway provides additional humanitarian aid to Yemen

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide took part in the UN international donor conference for Yemen today. ‘This is currently the world’s worst humanitarian crisis,’ she said.

Norwegian response to use of a nerve agent in the UK

‘The use of a nerve agent in Salisbury is a very serious matter. This is the first time a chemical weapon has been used on European soil since World War II. Such an incident must have consequences.

Norway provides support for healthcare in Al Hol camp in Syria

Norway is providing NOK 35 million to strengthen the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s health efforts in the Al Hol camp in Syria. ‘Conditions for women and children are desperate and there is an urgent need for health services.

Norway allocates additional NOK 116 million to humanitarian assistance

‘Norway’s humanitarian budget has never been bigger than it is now, but the needs created by the world’s humanitarian crises are continuing to grow. The Government has therefore proposed increasing the humanitarian budget by NOK 116 million.

Praktikantopphold ved ambassaden i Abu Dhabi våren 2019

Den norske ambassaden i Abu Dhabi tilbyr et praktikantopphold (internship) for en student våren 2019 med oppstart i januar. Søknadsfrist er 8. oktober 2018.

Action against Syrian chemical weapons

‘The world has stood unified in condemnation of chemical weapons since the atrocities of World War I.

Ministerial meeting of the international donor group for Palestine

Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide is chairing the ministerial meeting of the international donor group for Palestine, known as the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), in New York on 27 September.

Norway to provide NOK 100 million to people with disabilities in developing countries

- There are 800 million people with disabilities in developing countries.

Strengthening cooperation with Cyprus

Today, Norway and Cyprus are signing MoUs on funding totalling EUR 11.5 million for the new funding period for the EEA and Norway Grants.

Norway intensifies efforts in the Sahel region

Norway is stepping up its efforts in the Sahel, and today the Government is launching a strategy for Norway’s efforts in this region for the period 2018-2020.

Norway to provide NOK 60 million for mine action in Sri Lanka

The Government is providing NOK 60 million over a period of three years for mine action in Sri Lanka.

Praktikantopphold ved ambassaden i Abu Dhabi høsten 2019

Den norske ambassaden i Abu Dhabi tilbyr et praktikantopphold (internship) for en student høsten 2019 med oppstart i juli. Søknadsfrist er 14. mars 2019.

Norway to provide NOK 150 million in humanitarian support to Yemen

‘The crisis in Yemen is the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. According to the UN, 80 % of the population will need humanitarian assistance and protection in 2019.

Norway and the UN to host international conference on sexual and gender-based violence in humanitarian crises

Together with the UN and other partners, Norway will host an international pledging conference to strengthen efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence in humanitarian crises. The conference will take place in Oslo on 23-24 May.

Norway to disburse NOK 125 million to UNRWA

‘The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is in a critical financial situation and is facing a severe funding gap.

Norway assumes presidency of the Mine Ban Treaty

On 30 November, Norway takes over the presidency of the Mine Ban Treaty.

Increased funding for International Organization for Migration

Norway is to provide NOK 15 million in core funding to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The funding was announced during the annual session of the IOM Council in Geneva on 27 November.

Holidays

The holiday season is rapidly approaching.

Norwegian diplomat Geir O. Pedersen to be UN Special Envoy for Syria

‘I am very pleased that the UN Secretary-General has given one of our foremost diplomats the important task of leading the UN’s efforts in forging an inclusive and peaceful political solution in Syria,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Sø

Norway increases support for humanitarian response in Yemen

‘I am deeply concerned about the grave humanitarian situation in Yemen. A large proportion of the population is suffering from a shortage of food and malnutrition.

Norway to make extraordinary contribution to Palestine refugees

‘The UN’s agency for Palestine refugees (United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA) is in a critical financial situation following the US decision to cut all funding to the organisation.

The world's largest football tournament for youth

Norway Cup will take place in Oslo July 27-August 3 this year

Norway increases contribution to Green Climate Fund

Minister of International Development Dag-Inge Ulstein is giving priority to the Green Climate Fund as a channel for funding Norway’s climate-related efforts in developing countries in the coming years.

Norwegian Foreign Minister urges donors to increase support for Palestine

The annual spring meeting of the international donor group for Palestine, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), was due to be held in Brussels on 1 April, hosted by the EU. The meeting has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Norway stepping up support for international research on coronavirus disease

In consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Research Council of Norway will provide up to NOK 100 million in support for measures to fight coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Restrictions on entry into Norway (COVID-19):

The Norwegian Government has implemented extensive restrictions on entry into Norway due to the spread of COVID-19.

Stricter border controls introduced in Norway

The Government will close the border to foreign nationals who lack a residence permit in Norway.

UD fraråder reiser som ikke er strengt nødvendige til alle land

Utenriksdepartementet fraråder reiser som ikke er strengt nødvendige til alle land. Årsaken er økningen i utbredelse av koronaviruset internasjonalt og den uforutsigbare og vanskelige situasjonen for mange reisende.

Praktikantopphold ved ambassaden i Abu Dhabi høsten 2020

Den norske ambassaden i Abu Dhabi tilbyr et praktikantopphold (internship) for en student høsten 2020 med oppstart i august. Søknadsfrist tirsdag 31. mars 2020.

New EU visa rules – Questions and Answers

New EU rules on short-stay visas will apply worldwide from 2 February 2020.

New visa rules from February 2020

Starting 2nd February 2020, the Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 amending the current Community Visa Code will enter into force.

Transit at Oslo airport (OSL) – do you need a transit visa?

Please be aware that some nationals are required to be in possession of an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) when passing through the international transit area of Oslo airport.

Holiday opening hours

Norway to strengthen cooperation with the UN on marine plastic litter from shipping and fisheries

‘In the fight against marine litter, it is vital to strengthen the capacity to prevent pollution from shipping and fisheries in developing countries.

Safe Schools Declaration endorsed by 100 countries

Schools, pupils and teachers are being attacked in many conflict situations around the world today. One hundred countries have now endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration on protecting children and education in situations of armed conflict.

Norway Launches International Development Strategy on Combating Non-Communicable Diseases

‘We cannot eradicate poverty by 2030 without better health. Norway’s new strategy to combat non-communicable diseases in developing countries makes a key contribution to those goals,’ says Minister of International Development Dag-Inge Ulstein.

UN consensus on strengthening protection of human rights defenders

A Norwegian-led resolution on human rights defenders has been adopted by consensus in the UN Human Rights Committee.

Launch of new strategy against non-communicable diseases

Norway will launch first-ever strategy to combat non-communicable diseases as a pillar of international health and development cooperation on 22 November.

Global anti-landmine summit in Oslo 25-29 November

‘The world has come a long way towards eliminating landmines, but unfortunately there is still a considerable way to go before we reach the goal of a mine-free world.

Bård Vegar Solhjell new Director General of Norad

Bård Vegar Solhjell was today appointed new Director General of Norad, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation. Mr Solhjell will leave his current position as Secretary General of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Norway.

Norway provides NOK 300 million annually for renewable energy in poor countries

‘Increased access to clean energy will reduce poverty, improve health and mitigate climate change.

Norway increases support for crisis-hit population of South Sudan

The humanitarian situation for people in South Sudan is dire. According to the UN, 7.2 million people are in need of humanitarian aid. ‘The humanitarian crisis has now been exacerbated by heavy rains and floods.

Commitments worth NOK 583 billion for the ocean at the Our Ocean conference in Oslo

“I am very pleased with the great engagement shown at the Our Ocean conference these two days in Oslo. 370 commitments have been made, at a total value of at least NOK 583 billion (63 billion dollars),” said Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide.

Government to provide NOK 3 billion to promote a cleaner ocean

Norway will provide more than NOK 3 billion to a number of initiatives to promote sustainable ocean management in the period 2020-2024. The initiatives will be announced at the Our Ocean conference in Oslo today.

Norway steps up development assistance for promoting healthy and sustainable oceans

‘The world is facing major challenges, and a growing global population will need more food, more jobs and clean energy.

Launch of strategy to combat harmful practices

The Government launched its new strategy to combat harmful practices on the UN’s International Day of the Girl Child.

Norway to provide bridging loan to Somalia

The Government has proposed that Norway should provide a short-term bridging loan of NOK 3.135 billion to Somalia in 2020 to clear Somalia’s debt arrears to the World Bank’s International Development Association.

Norway takes over Chairmanship of Barents Euro-Arctic Council

‘The Barents Euro-Arctic Council is an important body for international cooperation.

Government proposes increase in support for stabilisation in crisis-affected countries

The Government has proposed an allocation of NOK 835.4 million for stabilisation efforts in countries affected by conflict and crisis. This is an increase of NOK 129.5 million.

Minister of International Development creates new budget item for vulnerable groups

The Government’s annual budget proposal includes an allocation of NOK 466 million for vulnerable groups under a new budget item created for this purpose.

Government increases support for foreign policy research

The Government will increase its allocation to research on Europe and Asia by NOK 11 million.

Norway to host Our Ocean Conference on 23-24 October

‘The world is facing major challenges, and in the future there will be a need for more food, more jobs, more energy and more transport.

Donors reaffirm need for a two-state solution

‘The resumption of a political process between the Israelis and the Palestinians is more important than ever if we are to keep the hope of a two-state solution alive,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide.

Ministerial meeting of the international donor group for Palestine (AHLC)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide will chair the ministerial meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC), the international donor group for Palestine, in New York on Thursday 26 September.

Norwegian Minister of International Development launches action plan on sustainable food systems

‘It is unacceptable that more than 820 million people are struggling to find enough to eat and that one in five children under five are chronically malnourished.

Norway elected to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency

Norway was elected to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the period 2019–2021 at the organisation’s General Conference today.

New agreement with World Bank steps up tax assistance efforts

‘Sound, transparent tax systems that increase government revenue and improve the distribution of wealth are essential for the very poorest countries to achieve poverty reduction and sustainable development.

Praktikantopphold ved ambassaden i Abu Dhabi våren 2020

Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains travel advice of 14 March

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining the travel advice it issued on 14 March cautioning against non-essential travel to all countries.

Record Norwegian support for humanitarian efforts and protection

Large parts of this year’s record-high NOK 5.

Utviklingsministeren maner til internasjonalt samarbeid for å styrke jenters og kvinners rettigheter under covid-19

Meeting of donor group for Palestine (AHLC) on 2 June

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide led a video meeting today of donor countries in the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) for Palestine. EU High Representative Josep Borrell co-hosted the meeting.

Norway to participate in international cooperation on COVID-19 vaccines

Norway is strongly committed to the effort to develop a vaccine against COVID-19.

Travel and border information for Norway

Norway elected to the UN security council

Today, Norway was elected as a member of the UN Security Council for the period 2021–2022. ‘We would like to thank the UN member states for the confidence they have shown in us.

Covid-19, visa and residence permit applications

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic our ability to provide services for applicants who wish to apply for visas and residence permits has been affected.

Norway to take on leading role in effort to beat the pandemic

Norway to take on leading role in effort to beat the pandemic