Norway: Authorities ease COVID-19-related domestic measures as of Jan. 14 /update 59

Event

The Norwegian government is easing COVID-19-related domestic measures as of Jan. 14. The sale of alcohol is now permitted in restaurants, bars, and clubs until 23:00. Limits on private and public events have also been relaxed. 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. 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 private indoor gatherings to 30 people and outdoor gatherings to 50 people, provided adherence to social distancing guidelines. Public indoor events should not exceed 200 seated attendees, while outdoor events should not exceed 600 seated attendees.

International Travel Restrictions
All incoming, vaccinated travelers, 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 arrival in 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. 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

Entry Registration Form (Norwegian)
Government of Norway
Institute of Public Health
Schengen Area Countries