Before you go · Oslo
Oslo essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 28 October 2026. Entry rules change: always check the official sources before you travel.
Updated October 2026
Entry to Norway
Norway is part of the Schengen area. The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), fully operational at the external Schengen borders since 10 April 2026, registers travellers from outside the EU and EEA electronically.
ETIAS, the travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, is not yet in operation: the EU will announce the start date on its official site, travel-europe.europa.eu, months in advance. Never pay a third-party site.
From the airport
Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, is run by Avinor. Flytoget, the Airport Express, leaves every 10 minutes and reaches the city centre in 19 minutes; Vy’s regional trains serve the airport too. The Oslo Pass includes public transport to and from the airport (VisitOSLO).
The Oslo Pass
The Oslo Pass, sold by VisitOSLO as a digital pass in its app, gives entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, unlimited public transport and discounts. In October 2026 it costs NOK 580, 845 and 995 for adults for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The Oslo Visitor Centre is in Østbanehallen at the Central Station.
Money and shopping
The currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK). Wine and spirits are sold in shops only at Vinmonopolet, the state-owned chain; Steen & Strøm offers tax-free shopping for visitors from outside the EU and Nordic countries through Global Blue.
The seasons
Summer brings long light evenings, the island boats and fjord swimming; from mid-November the city dresses for Christmas, with Jul i Vinterland open from 7 November 2026; winter brings skiing in Nordmarka and at Holmenkollen, a T-bane ride from the centre.
Emergencies and health
Call 113 for medical emergencies, 112 for the police and 110 for fire; when you call 113 you must speak English or Norwegian, Helsenorge says. For urgent help that is not an emergency, call the out-of-hours number 116 117; Oslo legevakt, at Trondheimsveien 233, is open 24 hours. Carry your EHIC or GHIC, or travel insurance that covers medical costs.
Questions and answers
Do I need ETIAS to visit Oslo?
Not yet: ETIAS is not in operation. The EU will announce the start date in advance on its official site.
How long is the train from Oslo Airport to the city?
19 minutes on Flytoget, the Airport Express, which runs every 10 minutes.
What are the emergency numbers in Norway?
113 for an ambulance, 112 for the police and 110 for fire; 116 117 for out-of-hours medical help.
Entry rules and transport change, sometimes at short notice. Check the EU’s official sites, avinor.no, flytoget.no, ruter.no, visitoslo.com and your government’s advice before you travel.