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Country Commercial Guides FY 2000: Norway Report prepared by U.S. Embassy Oslo, released July 1999 Note*

CHAPTER IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL

Entry requirements: There are no visa requirements for U.S. citizens visiting Norway, but for information regarding entry requirements travelers can contact the Royal Norwegian Embassy at 2720 34th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel (202) 333-6000, or the nearest Norwegian Consulate General in Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, or San Francisco.

Medical facilities: Medical care is widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that, in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the centers for disease control and prevention's International Travelers' Hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.

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. Violent crime, however, remains the exception; weapons are almost never used by thieves or burglars. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to the local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

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, and convicted offenders can expect fines or jail sentences and subsequent deportation.

Roadblocks for checks of drivers under the influence of alcohol are frequent, and submission to a breathalyser test is mandatory. Stiff jail sentences for driving while intoxicated are routine.

Road safety: Because of the 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. Speed limits vary from 60-90 km/hr in rural roads.

Registration and Embassy location: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in Norway.

Holidays:

Businessmen should note the following local holidays during CY-1999 and 2000:

1999					2000

Jan   1 - New Years Day			Jan 1		
April 4 - Easter Sunday			April 23
April 5 - Easter Monday			April 24
May 1   - Labor Day			May 1
May 13  - Ascension Day			June 1
May 17  - Independence Day		May 17
May 24  - Whit Monday			June 12
Dec 25  - Christmas Day			Dec 25
Dec 26  - Christmas Day			Des 26

Some of the Norwegian manufacturing plants and major businesses are closed for 3-4 weeks of summer holidays from mid-July to mid-August. Easter (10-day holiday season for many Norwegians) also is a period of low business activity.