Norway Customs

Norway customs

Do you know what you can take with you to and from Norway? Here you will find the import duties and export duties for, among other things, alcohol, tobacco, money, food and pets.

Food

• A maximum of 10 kg of meat (products) and dairy products may be freely imported from an EU country.
• A maximum of 10 kg of fruit and vegetables may be freely imported. A special permit is required for the import of potatoes.
• In addition, 25 cut flowers, 3 kg flower bulbs, 5 potted plants and 40 bags of seeds can be freely imported.
• The products must bear a quality mark from an EU country.
• Children under the age of 12 are only allowed to freely enter chocolate, candy and soft drinks.

Other goods

• Other goods, including gifts and souvenirs, may be freely imported up to a value of approximately € 660 (this includes tobacco and alcohol).

Medicines

• If you use medication, take a European Medical Passport with you. This document includes information such as medication use, illness, conditions and the contact details of your doctor. It is available for a small fee from general practitioners and pharmacies, among others.

Medical statement

• To take medicines that fall under the Opium Act (such as certain sleeping aids, ADD medicines and strong painkillers), you must have a so-called Schengen statement (legalized medical statement) with you for these medicines.
• Traveling with these medicines without a statement is punishable.

Pet on vacation

• Norway is a dog-friendly country. There are numerous guesthouses, holiday homes and hotels where you can stay with your dog. A dog is also welcome at campsites, on the condition that he is kept on a leash so as not to cause nuisance to fellow visitors.
• With the exception of private areas, which are clearly signposted, a dog is allowed to run and swim freely almost anywhere.
• In spring when the game is young, dogs must be kept on a leash in the great outdoors.
• In Norway there are ‘game inhibitors’ in the road surface, which cause a slight electric shock. Be aware of this if your dog is loose. It is also advisable to inquire at the local tourist office about the hunting seasons.
• Not all restaurants allow dogs, it is recommended to ask in advance.

Identification

• A dog or cat needs an EU pet passport, available from the vet. This passport contains a description of the animal, the name and address of the owner, the registration number of the chip (standard ISO microchip 11784/11785 is inserted) and proof of vaccination against rabies. There is also room in the passport for a health certificate and other treatments or vaccinations.

Health

• Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies (rabies vaccination) at least 21 days before the trip.
• The period of validity depends on the guidelines of the vaccine manufacturer (1-3 years).
• Note: The chip must be inserted before the vaccination against rabies (on the same day).
• Dogs must be dewormed a minimum of 24 hours to a maximum of 120 hours before arrival in Norway (Praziquantel). The veterinarian must indicate the product used as well as the date and time stamped in the EU pet passport.
• If you are staying in Norway for more than 28 days, the treatment with Praziquantel must be repeated by a Norwegian veterinarian.
• Dogs and cats do not have to be quarantined in Norway.
• Norway is not a risk area, but a dog or cat can still get sick during the holiday as a result of tick or insect bites. There are sufficient preventive measures. Contact the vet about this at least 4 weeks before departure.

Forbidden dogs

Pitbull terrier
Fila brasiliera
Tosa Inu
Dogo argentino
American Staffordshire terrier
Czechoslovak Wolfhound
Crossbreeds of dog with wolf

For dogs that bear a resemblance to these dogs, the official pedigree papers are required to prove otherwise.

Pets and transport

• Small dogs travel for free on the train, dogs larger than 40 cm travel for half the price. They must be kept on a leash and are not allowed in sleeping, dining or child / disabled wagons.
• Transport by bus is possible depending on the region where one is located. Taxi drivers decide whether to allow a dog in their taxi.
• Your dog is welcome on the ferry, first inquire about the rules for transporting your dog.
• Dogs and cats can be transported in the cabin in Norway with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS).
• The Norwegian government has no specific rules for the transport of a dog or cat in the car. In general, you may not transport a pet in the car in such a way that this leads or can lead to dangerous situations or traffic nuisance.

Young animals

• Animals under 3 months old are not allowed.

Particularities

• A maximum of 5 animals may be entered.
• A pet must be registered at the border.
• Also remember to check the rules of the countries you are traveling through to Norway.
• Since July 1, 2018, Norway has introduced a new rule to prevent the import of stray dogs. This means that you must be able to prove that your dog has been in your possession for at least 6 months.

Information

• Norwegian Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (Mattilsynet): mattilsynet.no.
• Norwegian Railways: vy.no/en/travelling-with-us (search for: ‘pets on board’).

Here you will find more information about Norway.