Norway: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related domestic measures effective Dec. 15 /update 58

Event

The Norwegian government is tightening COVID-19-related domestic measures effective Dec. 15 amid increasing infection rates. The sale of alcohol will be prohibited in restaurants, bars, and clubs, individuals will be required to work from home where possible, and social distancing measures will be tightened in schools. Authorities have kept the country's COVID-19-related international travel restrictions largely unchanged since officials imposed stricter testing requirements in early December.

Domestic Measures
Most businesses and facilities are permitted to operate subject to social distancing requirements. In addition to the measures coming into force Dec. 15, there are limits on social gatherings, and wearing a facemask is required in all enclosed public spaces where social distancing of 1 meter (3 feet) cannot be maintained. Individuals are generally advised to reduce their close contacts and limit home gatherings to 10 people; gatherings hosting up to 20 guests are permitted during the Christmas and New Year holidays, provided adherence to social distancing guidelines.

International Travel Restrictions
All incoming travelers over the age of 16 years, regardless of nationality or point of origin, must complete an entry registration form no more than 72 hours before arrival. All inbound travelers must also be tested for COVID-19 on arrival; passengers arriving at ports of entry that have no testing facilities in operation must take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours after arrival.

To enter Norway, arriving travelers must generally present a certificate confirming that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months. Norway only accepts forms of proof of vaccination or recovery that are linked to the EU Digital COVID Certificate Gateway or issued by authorities in Norway or the UK. Travelers unable to meet this requirement must possess a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken in the 24 hours before travel to Norway.

Norway uses European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) assessments of countries' COVID-19 risk profiles to assign international entry restrictions. Travelers arriving from green or orange locations without a valid certificate indicating vaccination against COVID-19 or recovery from the disease within the last six months can enter without additional requirements. All other travelers arriving without a valid COVID-19 certificate must enter a 10-day quarantine period upon entry; the quarantine period can be ended early upon receipt of a negative result from a PCR test taken no less than three days after arrival. Travelers with a valid certificate indicating vaccination against COVID-19 or recovery from the disease within the last six months are exempt from the quarantine requirements.

All travelers arriving in Norway from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini, or Malawi must complete an entry registration form by the time of arrival, present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours before their flight's departure for Norway, take an antigen test upon arrival, and take a PCR test within 24 hours after arrival. Additionally, these travelers must also enter a 10-day quarantine period at a government-designated hotel. Such individuals may leave the hotel and finish the quarantine period at their own accommodations following receipt of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken on day three of the quarantine period; furthermore, these travelers may end the 10-day quarantine period early upon receipt of a negative result from another mandatory PCR test taken no earlier than seven days after arrival. These measures apply regardless of vaccination or recovery status. For more information on rules regarding entry into Norway, click here.

For an online tool to check restrictions based on specific itinerary criteria, click 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
Entry Registration Form for International Arrivals (Norwegian)
Schengen Area Countries