25 May 2021 | 10:10 PM UTC
Norway: Authorities to ease certain COVID-19 international entry restrictions from May 27 /update 43
Norway to ease some COVID-19 international entry controls starting May 27; domestic restrictions remain in place.
Event
Authorities in Norway plan to ease certain COVID-19-related international entry restrictions. Starting May 27, authorities will allow foreign travelers who reside in designated quarantine-exempt ("yellow") countries or areas to enter without restrictions. As of May 25, Greenland, the Faeroe Islands, Iceland, and the Finnish hospital districts of Central Ostrobothnia, Lappi, North Karelia, and Ita-Savo, are the only locations on Norway's quarantine-exempt list. Authorities expect more countries to be added to the list as vaccination rates in the European Economic Area (EEA) increase.
In addition, starting May 27, authorities will remove the requirement for permitted travelers arriving from non-essential trips in certain EEA and Schengen countries, as well as the UK, to isolate in government-designated hotels. Travelers from European countries where fewer than 150 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants have been reported in the previous 14 days will not be required to isolate in designated hotels. Those arriving from countries outside of the EEA, Schengen Zone, or the UK must still isolate at designated hotels for 10 days. The quarantine period may be shortened if a negative COVID-19 test result is received no earlier than seven days after entry into the country.
Generally, only Norwegian citizens and legal residents are allowed to enter the country; however, exemptions are in place for close family members of Norwegian residents, transport workers, individuals in transit, and foreigners who work in critical fields. All travelers, including Norwegian citizens and residents, need to provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours prior to arrival; persons arriving by plane may take the test no more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for the first leg of the flight. Upon arrival, travelers must take a rapid coronavirus test at the airport or border and wait at the test station until the result is known.
All permitted travelers from high-risk areas must register with authorities within 72 hours before arrival. Cross-border commuters from Sweden and Finland are permitted to enter Norway without the need to isolate provided they take a COVID-19 test every seven days.
Domestic Restrictions
Some domestic restrictions remain in place in Norway as of May 25. Nonessential businesses and services may operate, albeit subject to strict social distancing and hygiene measures. Individuals are advised to limit their social contact and avoid all nonessential travel; employees must work from home wherever possible. Protective facemasks are recommended rather than mandatory. Municipalities with higher rates of infection may impose stricter measures within their jurisdictions. Persons may receive up to five guests in private homes. Up to 100 people are allowed at indoor events with assigned seating, while up to 200 people can attend outdoor events with assigned seating. Indoor events without assigned seating are capped at 10 attendees, while such events outdoors are capped at 50 people
In Oslo, gatherings are restricted to 10 people and catering establishments are only allowed to offer carryout services. The use of protective facemasks remains mandatory where social distancing of 2 meters (6 feet) 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.
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.