No. Open carry of firearms in Norway is prohibited under the Firearms Act of 1961 (amended 2023), with enforcement overseen by the Norwegian Police Directorate. Exceptions require prior authorization, typically for security personnel or historical reenactments, but general public carry remains illegal.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Norway
- Licensing Authority: The Police Act and Firearms Act delegate open carry permits exclusively to the Norwegian Police Directorate, which evaluates applicants under strict criteria, including documented threats or professional necessity.
- Prohibited Contexts: Open carry is banned in urban areas, during public gatherings, or without a valid purpose (e.g., hunting, sport shooting). Violations trigger immediate confiscation under Section 34 of the Firearms Act.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: Amendments effective January 2026 tighten scrutiny for security firms, mandating GPS tracking for authorized carriers and real-time reporting to local police districts. Non-compliance risks revocation of firearm licenses.