Norway: Authorities delay easing of domestic COVID-19 restrictions through at least July 31; international entry restrictions amended. /update 46

Event

Authorities confirmed July 5 they will delay the planned easing of domestic restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 until at least July 31 due to concerns over infection rates, vaccine rollout, and the Delta variant. Private indoor gatherings remain limited to 20 people, the limit does not apply to fully vaccinated individuals. However, the cap on outdoor events will be raised from 5,000 to 7,000 people from July 8. Nonessential businesses and services may operate, albeit subject to strict social distancing and capacity measures. Individuals are advised to limit their social contact 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.

International Entry Restrictions
As of July 6, authorities are using European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) assessments of countries' COVID-19 risk profiles to assign international entry restrictions. Only travelers from green countries or travelers from other countries that can present a certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 that is linked to the EU Digital Covid Certificate Gateway are permitted to enter Norway. Exceptions are in place for Norwegian citizens and residents, their immediate family members, cross-border commuters, and limited categories of essential work. All travelers are required to fill out a registration form prior to arrival, available here; additional entry requirements by country classification are as follows:

• Green Countries: No additional pre-entry requirements, must submit to a COVID-19 test on arrival.

• Orange and Red Countries: Must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to arrival, or 24 hours prior to boarding aircraft, submit to a second test on arrival, and self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. Self-isolation can be ended early following a negative COVID-19 test taken on day seven of the isolation period.

• Purple Countries: Same entry requirements as orange and red countries; a slightly wider pool of relatives and partners are permitted to enter Norway.

• Dark Red and Grey Countries: Same entry requirements as orange and red countries, but the first three days of the isolation period must be spent in a designated quarantine hotel.

Travelers with a valid certificate of vaccination or recovery are exempt from testing and isolation requirements upon entry. A full list of countries by color designation is available here.

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.

Resources

Government of Norway
Restrictions by Municipality
Registration Form for International Arrivals
Schengen Area Countries