Norway

Recommended Vaccinations For Norway

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in Norway or where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.

Recommended Medications For Norway

There are no recommendations for Norway at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Norway

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis B for this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country.

For Some Travellers

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The main affected areas are found along the southern coast of Norway in the counties of Agder, Buskerud and Vestfold og Telemark. There is also a possible risk in other coastal regions from the south and into the arctic circle in the north. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.

Rabies

**Rabies has not been reported in Norway and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.**

Safety & Security in Norway

Personal Safety

Norway has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. Petty crime like pickpocketing increases during tourist season from May to September, particularly in crowded areas like train stations, airports, Oslo’s Central Station, hotel lobbies, and major tourist attractions. These incidents remain relatively uncommon compared to other major European cities. Violent crime is rare. The country recorded 37 homicides in 2024, giving a murder rate of just 0.72 per 100,000 population. Muggings and street crime remain uncommon even late at night in major cities. Police are approachable, professional, and often unarmed, reflecting the overall low threat environment. Some gang-related activity occurs in eastern Oslo, particularly involving drug trafficking, but tourists are unlikely to encounter these issues unless actively seeking out those neighborhoods. Internet romance and financial scams do occur, so you should exercise caution when using dating apps or meeting people online. Unregistered or illegal taxis around nightclubs pose a potential risk and should be avoided in favor of registered taxis, Uber, or public transport.

Extreme Violence

Terrorism risk is considered low but not nonexistent. The most significant attack in recent history was the 2011 attack by far-right extremist Anders Breivik, who killed 77 people in Oslo and at Utoya island. In June 2022, a shooting at an Oslo LGBTQ club killed two people. In October 2021, a radicalized convert killed five people in Kongsberg using a bow and arrows. In 2019, a far-right extremist attempted a shooting at a mosque in Baerum. Norwegian authorities assess that both Islamist extremism and far-right violence pose threats. The Norwegian Police Security Service maintains a moderate threat level assessment and monitors both types of extremism. There were no reported terrorist incidents in 2023. Security is visible at major events and airports, though daily life remains unaffected. The government has strengthened measures to combat radicalization and violent extremism following the 2022 attack.

Political Unrest

Political demonstrations are common in Norway, with over 700 held annually in Oslo’s Eidsvolls plass alone. Most protests are peaceful and orderly. Freedom of expression is highly protected. Recent demonstrations have included protests by Indigenous Sami activists over wind farm construction on traditional reindeer herding lands, environmental protests, and various international political issues. In 2023, climate activists including Greta Thunberg joined Sami protesters blocking government ministry entrances in Oslo, demanding removal of wind turbines from Indigenous lands. These protests remained largely non-violent. Norway has seen protests related to international conflicts, though these rarely escalate. The country has a strong tradition of civil disobedience but maintains order. Police presence at demonstrations is professional and proportionate. Violent political unrest is extremely rare. The last significant domestic political upheaval was the Alta controversy in the late 1970s and early 1980s over hydroelectric development, which involved civil disobedience but was ultimately resolved peacefully.

Areas To Avoid

Norway has very few genuinely dangerous areas. In Oslo, certain neighborhoods warrant extra caution, particularly at night. Eastern Oslo neighborhoods including Gronland, Toyen, Kuba, Holmlia, Stovner, Romsas, Mortensrud, and Sondre Nordstrand have slightly higher crime rates, though these remain low by international standards. The area around Oslo’s Central Station and Brugata can be sketchier at night, with some drug dealing activity, but violent crime remains rare. Karl Johan Street should be approached with awareness, especially after dark. Even in these areas, serious incidents are uncommon and most relate to drug activity rather than tourist-targeted crime. Svalbard and Tromso require extensive planning and preparation. Svalbard has unique risks including polar bears, extreme weather, and limited emergency services. You are legally required to carry a firearm or travel with a licensed guide outside settlements in Svalbard. These destinations are not suitable for casual tourists without proper preparation. The biggest danger in Norway comes from nature rather than people. Remote hiking areas, glaciers, and high mountains demand proper equipment, experience, and respect. Weather can change rapidly, and rescue services may take considerable time to reach remote locations. The terrain is unforgiving and unprepared hikers regularly require rescue.