Norway: Authorities to further tighten COVID-19 requirements for international arrivals from April 1 /update 38

Event

Authorities in Norway will further tighten the nation's COVID-19-related international entry restrictions. Starting April 1, all travelers, including Norwegian citizens and residents, will need to provide a negative result from COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours prior to arrival; persons arriving by plane may take the test no more than 24 hours hours before the scheduled departure time for the first part of the flight. Upon arrival, travelers must take a rapid coronavirus test at the airport or border and wait at the test station until the result is known.

Stricter quarantine requirements for international arrivals in Norway have also gone into effect from March 29. Authorities require all arrivals, including Norwegian nationals and permanent residents, returning from non-essential travel abroad to quarantine at designated hotels for 10 days. The quarantine period may be shortened if a negative COVID-19 test result is received no earlier than seven days after entry into the country. There are a limited number of exceptions where arrivals will not be required to quarantine. In addition, business travelers who are able to document that their employer is able to provide a suitable alternative accommodation may be exempt from the hotel quarantine.

Otherwise, existing international travel restrictions remain in effect. Generally, only Norwegian citizens and legal residents are allowed to enter the country; however, exemptions are in place for close family members of Norwegian residents, transport workers, individuals in transit, and foreigners who work within critical social functions.

All permitted travelers from high-risk areas must register with authorities within 72 hours before arrival. As of March 23, only Iceland, Greenland the Faroe Islands, and the Finnish hospital districts of Kainuu and Lansi-Pohja, were not considered high-risk areas. Cross-border commuters from Sweden and Finland are permitted to enter Norway without the need to isolate provided they take a COVID-19 test every seven days.

Domestic restrictions
Effective March 29, nationwide bans on serving alcohol, as well as engaging in indoor sports and leisure activities for adults, are in place. Individuals must work from home wherever possible. Authorities are also recommending a maximum of two guests per visit at private homes.

Many nonessential businesses and services remain open subject to strict social distancing and hygiene measures. Indoor gatherings are limited to 20 people, while outdoor gatherings are capped at 50 people. Individuals are advised to limit their social contacts and avoid all nonessential travel. Protective facemasks are recommended rather than mandatory. Municipalities with higher rates of infection may impose stricter measures within their jurisdictions.

Tighter restrictions are in place in Viken County, including the capital, Oslo, due to rising infection rates. All nonessential shops and services must close and catering establishments may only offer carryout services. Gatherings and events are prohibited, with the exception of weddings and funerals, and many education services are employing distance learning. Additionally, protective facemasks are mandatory where social distancing of 2 meters (6 feet) cannot be observed. These measures also apply to the Gran Municipality in Innlandet County and will be in effect until at least April 11.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.