Norway: Authorities to close borders to most non-Norwegian residents from Jan. 29 due to new strain of COVID-19 /update 31

Norway to tighten COVID-19 international entry restrictions from Jan. 29, closing borders to almost all nonresidents.

Event

Authorities in Norway plan to tighten the country's international entry restrictions in an effort to limit the spread of the new variant of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which was initially discovered in the southeast of England. Effective Jan. 29, all international travelers, with the exception of Norwegian citizens and legal residents, will be barred from entry. Nevertheless, certain exemptions will be in place for health workers arriving from Sweden and Finland, freight transporters, and aircraft crews, as well as for close family members of Norway residents. Journalists and other personnel on assignment for foreign media institutions, and foreigners who work within critical social functions will also still be allowed entry.

The new directive is in addition to all existing international entry restrictions. Travelers allowed entry must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no later than 24 hours prior to arrival. If arriving via plane, the test must have been taken no more than 24 hours prior to the plane's scheduled departure time. Norwegian citizens and residents 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, provided they can document their self-isolation in accordance with official regulations; otherwise, they must stay in government-designated quarantine hotel. All arrivals in Norway must also register with authorities during the 72 hours prior to entry.

Domestic Restrictions
Most domestic restrictions remain in place, though officials have relaxed some mandates on educational facilities and sporting activities in areas with low infection rates. Limitations on the size of private gatherings remain in effect. Individuals are advised to limit their social contacts and avoid all nonessential travel. Protective facemasks are recommended where social distancing of 1 meter (3 feet) cannot be observed.

Authorities have also tightened restrictions in Oslo and nine neighboring municipalities due to concerns regarding the spread of the new COVID-19 strain. The affected municipalities are Oslo, Nordre Follo, As, Vestby, Nesodden, Indre Ostfold, Frogn, Enebakk, Moss, and Valer. Residents of these locations are instructed to not travel to other townships until further notice. Shopping centers and other nonessential businesses in these areas are closed until at least Jan. 31. Essential businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations remain open. Restaurants are limited to takeaway services. All social gatherings and public events are canceled apart from funerals. Organized sports activities will be suspended, and schools will transition to more remote learning. Facemasks are mandatory whenever social distancing 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.