ESTA for Norwegian Citizens

Norway became a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in 1991, providing Norwegian citizens with the opportunity to apply for an ESTA instead of a visa for business or tourism trips to the US. This is an easier and faster process of obtaining travel authorization for visits to the US.

Benefits of Applying for ESTA for Norwegian Citizens

Citizens of Norway can benefit from the use of an ESTA to visit the US. The application process is much faster than applying for a visa and an ESTA is valid for two years (or when the passport expires). Within that period of validity, citizens of Norway are able to make multiple trips to the US using the same ESTA, providing that they do not stay in the US for longer than 90 days at a time.

When you apply for a visa, you must complete a long form and attend an interview at the US Embassy. With an ESTA, your application can take just 10 minutes and is submitted online and you will receive your response by email, with no requirement to attend the US Embassy.

If you make regular trips from Norway to US for business or to visit family then the ESTA is the ideal option, as you are able to apply for another ESTA once your original one expires, unlike visas which are usually restricted on how many times you can apply for one.

How Norwegian Citizens Can Apply for ESTA

To apply for an ESTA, you require a valid passport and you will also need a card to make the payment for the application fee. The form requires information such as your passport details, so you will need to have that with you when you complete the form. Other sections include personal information, travel plans and questions regarding any criminal convictions and your medical history.

Once you have completed the form, you should double check all of the information you have provided, as any errors could result in your ESTA application getting declined. Once you finish the form, you pay the application fee by card and then submit the application. You provide an email address for the correspondence related to your application to be sent to and you will get an email to provide the decision of whether your application has been approved. If you receive a response that states your application has been declined, you may need to apply for a visa instead.

What Is the US ESTA Processing Time?

When a Norwegian citizen fills out an application for ESTA, the US Department of Homeland Security assesses the request. It is usually processed very quickly, within 20 minutes to half an hour. However, in rare cases the approval process may take up to 72 hours.

After confirming that the application is complete and all conditions have been met, an email will be issued to the Norwegian applicant confirming that their ESTA has been granted.

How Long Does The ESTA Authorisation Last?

From the date it was issued, the ESTA authorization lasts for 2 years. However, if one of the following circumstances occurs, then the authorization may last shorter:

In What Cases Is a New ESTA Required?

There are several reasons why a Norwegian citizen may need a new ESTA:

What to Do if Your ESTA Application Gets Rejected

If the applicant entered the data incorrectly when filling it in, it is possible that their ESTA will be rejected. However, they will be able to re-apply but they will need to pay the application fee again.

If there are other reasons for refusing ESTA, then the applicant can apply for an American visa, which can be for tourists, work, or studying.

US Embassy in Norway

Norwegian citizens who have their ESTA application declined can apply for a visa by completing a DS-160 form for a trip to the US. The visa application process involves an interview at the US Embassy in Norway. The details of the address are:

US Embassy Oslo
Morgedalsvegen 36
0378 Oslo

The postal address for the Norway US Embassy is:

U.S. Embassy Oslo
PO Box 4075 AMB
0244 Oslo

What Are the Differences Between ESTA Application and Visa?

The two are not the same thing as an ESTA is not a visa.

Norwegian nationals can receive an ESTA by submitting an online application. As opposed to this, they must fill out a DS-160 form and show up for an embassy appointment to apply for a U.S. visa.

Additionally, the processing of a U.S. visa might take many weeks and has erratic deadlines that can conflict with the trip plans.

People have several privileges with a valid U.S. visa that ESTA applicants do not have. ESTA recipients are not guaranteed addimission to the US. Customs and Border Protection at the U.S. border will finally decide whether Norwegian nationals going to the country with an ESTA are allowed to enter the country.

Under What Circumstances Will a Norwegian National Need a Visa Instead of an ESTA?

Norwegian nationals may require a US visa instead of an ESTA in certain cases.

A visa is required for anybody traveling to the United States for a stay of more than 90 days, whether it be for a job, study, or residency. So, if their objective goes beyond simple travel, business transactions, or commercial endeavors, getting a visa is required.

Furthermore, anyone who has been denied entrance through ESTA or has a criminal record must apply for a US visa.

Do Norwegians Who Are Dual Citizens of the United States or Canada Need an ESTA?

Citizens of Norway who possess citizenship in the United States or Canada don’t have to obtain an ESTA or US visa. When entering America, personnel from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will require such visitors to use their US or Canadian passports.

Is US ESTA Required for Underage Norwegian Travelers?

Minor Norwegian travelers must have their own ESTA. A parent or a legal guardian can apply on their behalf. Please note that children cannot be named on parent passports and must have their valid passports to be eligible for an ESTA.

Can a Family Or a Group Apply Using the Same Application?

There is an option for a group ESTA, so one user may submit applications for up to 50 persons. In this case, everybody will receive the same ID number though they don’t have to necessarily travel together.

Benefits of ESTA for Norwegian citizens:

Where Can I Find More Information About Esta?

To get more in-depth information about ESTA, we highly recommend consulting our detailed Frequently Asked Questions, and the ESTA requirements page.