Norway
Safety and security
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice .
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Norway
Terrorist attacks in Norway cannot be ruled out.
Norway political demonstrations
Demonstrations in Norway are usually peaceful. If you’re in and around areas where demonstrations are taking place, follow the advice of local authorities and move away if there are signs of disorder.
Crime
There’s a small risk of petty theft, particularly at airports and railway stations in and around Oslo.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Get information about the risk of avalanches from the Norwegian Avalanche Warning Service or the European Avalanche Warning Services.
Police enforce bans on campfires in many hiking areas during the summer months.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you plan to drive in Norway, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC Norway guide.
For stays of less than 90 days you can drive with a UK photocard driving licence. For longer stays or if you only have a paper licence, you need an international driving permit (IDP).
Drink-driving laws are strict in Norway. The legal alcohol limit is one quarter of the UK’s legal limit. There are frequent roadside checks for alcohol. Penalties for driving under the influence are severe and include prison sentences.
Car drivers must use winter tyres with a minimum 3 millimetre (mm) tread if there is snow or ice covering the roads. You may also need to use studded tyres or snow chains. Truck drivers must use winter tyres with a minimum 5mm tread and have a sufficient number of snow chains.
You can get the full tyre requirements from Norway’s State Highways.
Keep your headlights on, but dipped, during the daytime all year round in all places.
On roads that are not marked with a priority sign (yellow diamond), you must give way to traffic coming from the right.
If you commit a driving offence, you could get an on-the-spot fine of up to 10,000 Norwegian krone.
Arctic travel
Nearly half of Norway is in the Arctic Circle, including some very remote areas of land and sea. Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue are limited in these areas. See Arctic travel safety advice.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Extreme weather, floods and landslides can occur. You should follow the advice of local authorities.
Climate and temperature
The weather can change rapidly, producing Arctic conditions even in summer on exposed mountain tops. Extreme weather can cause floods and landslides.
The winter is long and can last well into April. Temperatures can drop to -25°C and below. There is also a high wind chill factor, particularly in unsheltered areas and mountain ranges. Weather conditions can worsen quickly.
Forest fires
During especially hot and dry periods there is a danger of forest fires. Police enforce bans on campfires in many areas.