Norway's immigration authority, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI), has published the list of countries whose citizens can enter the Scandinavian nation without a visa in 2026. Only two African nations—Mauritius and Seychelles—made the cut, leaving the vast majority of the continent's passport holders ineligible for visa-free travel.
Only Two African Countries Qualify
According to the UDI, the confirmed African countries on the visa-free list are Mauritius and Seychelles. These are the only nations from the African continent whose passport holders may travel to Norway without applying for a visa in advance. The remainder of the list comprises countries from the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Eastern Europe, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States, alongside several small island states and territories.
What Visa-Free Entry Means in Practice
Holding a visa-free status does not grant unlimited or permanent access. The arrangement covers short-term visits only, and travellers must still carry a valid passport when entering Norway. In some cases, such as for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine, the exemption applies strictly to holders of biometric passports. Certain special passport categories also qualify for visa-free entry regardless of nationality, including holders of valid Norwegian residence cards and those arriving on valid D visas already issued by Norwegian authorities.
Exemptions for Residence Permit and Visa Holders
Citizens who already hold a valid residence permit or visa in Norway are also permitted to enter without applying for an additional visa. This provision applies to individuals from any country who have already been granted legal status in Norway.
Visa Requirement for Most African Passport Holders
For the overwhelming majority of African passport holders, a visa application through the relevant Norwegian embassy or consulate remains a requirement before travel. Norway grants visa-free entry to citizens of countries with which it has signed exemption agreements, as well as to holders of EU and EEA passports.
Related Updates: Spain and Japan Visa Policies
In related news, Legit.ng reported that Spain named African countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free entry. Meanwhile, Japan updated its eVisa eligibility list in May 2026, opening online visa applications to nationals residing in several countries across the world. The update shared how travellers from selected countries can apply directly through the Japan eVisa website, while nationals from some other countries face different application requirements and must apply through accredited agencies.
