Norway: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related international entry restrictions, domestic social-distancing mandates as of Dec. 11 /update 21

Norway maintaining coronavirus disease-related entry restrictions as of Dec. 11; transport, business disruptions likely.

Event

Authorities in Norway are maintaining international entry restrictions as of Dec. 11 as part of measures to control the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). All EU and Schengen Area countries, along with the UK, remain designated as high-risk (red level), excluding Greenland and the Finnish regions of Lapland and Southern Savonia, which are designated as moderate-risk (yellow level) locations. Those arriving from red locations must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a test taken no more than 72 hours before entry; persons without such tests may be refused entry. Norwegian citizens and residents, as well as persons who come from Finland and Sweden regularly for work, are exempt from this requirement. Travelers from high-risk areas must also self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. Travelers who do not have permanent residence in the country or a suitable place of residence upon arrival can stay in a hotel of their choice, providing they can document their self-isolation in accordance with official regulations; otherwise, they must stay in government-designated quarantine hotels. This also applies to persons traveling to visit relatives in Norway. Travelers arriving from moderate-risk locations are not required to self-isolate.

Travelers from most other countries are currently prohibited from entering Norway. Individuals with close family in Norway or who have been granted permits to work or study in the country are exempt from the travel ban but must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. Authorities continue to advise against nonessential travel abroad.

With regard to domestic restrictions, indoor public events with more than 50 participants are prohibited. Most businesses and facilities have resumed operation, provided they adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements. Private gatherings of up to 20 people are permitted. All bars must close by 2359; restaurants that serve alcohol cannot accept guests after 2200. Authorities recommend that residents stay home to the extent possible and avoid nonessential domestic travel.

Local authorities are empowered to introduce stricter measures in their jurisdictions in response to increasing infection rates. In areas with high infection rates such as Oslo, facemasks are required on public transport and in taxis, and working from home is mandatory wherever possible.

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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.