Norway: Authorities to extend COVID-19 international entry restrictions through May 12 /update 40

Norway to extend COVID-19 international entry restrictions through May 12. Domestic restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Norway have extended the nation's COVID-19-related international entry restrictions through at least May 12. Under existing directives, 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 in critical fields. All travelers, including Norwegian citizens and residents, need to provide a negative result from a 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 before the scheduled departure time for the first leg 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.

Authorities require all arrivals, including Norwegian nationals and permanent residents, returning from nonessential 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 under which arrivals are not required to quarantine. In addition, business travelers who are able to document that their employer can provide suitable alternative accommodations may be exempt from the hotel quarantine.

All permitted travelers from high-risk areas must register with authorities within 72 hours before arrival. As of April 20, only Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and the Finnish hospital districts of Central Ostrobothnia, North Ostrobothnia, South Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, Lappi, and Lansi-Pohja are 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
Many nonessential businesses and services remain open subject to strict social distancing and hygiene measures. Individuals are advised to limit their social contact and avoid all nonessential travel; they must work from home wherever possible. Protective facemasks are recommended rather than mandatory. Municipalities with higher rates of infection may impose stricter measures within their jurisdictions. Persons may receive up to five guests in private homes. Up to 100 people are allowed at indoor events with assigned seating, while up to 200 people can attend outdoor events with assigned seating. Indoor events without assigned seating are capped at 10, while such events outdoors are capped at 50 people.

Tighter restrictions are in place in Viken County, including the city of Oslo, due to higher 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; many education services are employing distance learning. Additionally, protective facemasks are mandatory where social distancing of 2 meters (6 feet) cannot be observed.

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.