From: "U.S. Dept of State Listserver" Subject: Norway - Consular Information Sheet, 2/2/99 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 03:18:35 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Reply-To: "U.S. Dept of State Listserver" Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:2076 Path: world!bzs Sender: US Dept of State Travel Advisories Message-ID: <199902100320.VAA47896@piglet.cc.uic.edu> Approved: usenet@world.std.com Distribution: wstd Comments: To: DOSTRAVEL Lines: 119 Norway - Consular Information Sheet February 2, 1999 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Norway is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. U.S. citizens may enter Norway without a visa for up to 90 days. Under conditions of the Scandinavian Passport Union, the 90-day period begins with an entry into, and includes any time spent in, the following countries: Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway. Tourists who have stayed for more than 90 days without a visa in Norway are usually not permitted to re- enter the country until six months have passed. Tourists who enter without a visa cannot usually change status in Norway in order to reside or work. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Royal Norwegian Embassy at 2720 34th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008-2714, tel. (202) 333-6000, or the nearest Norwegian consulate. Consulates are located in Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, and San Francisco. MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are widely available, but may be limited outside urban areas. The Embassy maintains a list of emergency clinics in major cities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor, or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via its home page at http://travel.state.gov and autofax service at (202) 647-3000. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international traveler's hotline at tel.: 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax: 1- 888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or by visiting the CDC Internet home page at http://www.cdc.gov. AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Norway's civil aviation authority as Category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Norway's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at (703) 697-7288. CRIME INFORMATION: Norway has a relatively low crime rate. Most crimes involve the theft of personal property, e.g. residential burglary, auto theft, or vandalism to parked cars. Persons who appear affluent may become targets of pickpockets and purse-snatchers, especially in certain parts of the Oslo area. Thieves have also begun to target dining areas in hotels, particularly buffets, and steal purses or briefcases left at a table while the diner is getting food. Violent crime, however, remains the exception; weapons are almost never used by thieves or burglars. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs. DRUG PENALTIES: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict. Some substances that are legal in other European countries, such as Khat, are prohibited in Norway. The possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use - which may not result in arrest in neighboring countries - can result in arrest in Norway and, if drugs are discovered upon one's arrival in Norway, can result in a charge of importation rather than simple possession. Penalties usually include detention, a hefty fine and deportation, usually to the United States. ROAD SAFETY CONDITIONS AND DOMESTIC TRAVEL HAZARDS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions which differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Norway is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Safety of Public Transportation: Good Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good Roadblocks for checks of drivers under the influence of alcohol are frequent. Submission to a breathalyzer test is mandatory. Stiff jail sentences for driving while intoxicated are routine. Because of Norway's mountainous terrain, most roads are narrow and winding. The northerly latitude can cause road conditions to vary greatly depending on weather and time of year. Many mountain roads are closed due to snow from late fall to late spring. Drivers should observe posted speed limits, which are significantly lower than in many other European countries. REGISTRATION AND EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans are encouraged to register at the Consular section of the U.S. Embassy and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Norway. The U.S. Embassy in Oslo is located near the Royal Palace at Drammensveien 18; tel. (47) 22-44- 85-50, consular fax (47) 22-56-27-51. Information about consular services can be found in the consular section of the Embassy's home page at http://www.usembassy.no. This replaces the September 7, 1997 Consular Information Sheet to include additional information about Entry Requirements and Adjusting Status, Drug Penalties, Crime, Medical Facilities, Road Safety, and the Embassy's home page.