Norway changes COVID-19 entry rules

Travel restrictions ease for U.S. residents

Photo: Gorm Kallestad / NTB
On Nov. 26, Norway lifted many of its restrictions for travelers coming from abroad. Visitors from countries outside the European Economic Area may now enter, but they must quarantine and undergo testing.

FRAZER NORWELL
The Local

Starting Nov. 26. the Norwegian government lifted the final restrictions on travel to Norway depending on country of origin. Other COVID-19 travel rules, including testing and quarantine, still apply.
Previously, travelers from certain countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) were banned from entering Norway. Now the change in rules means all foreigners who have a right to enter Norway under the Immigration Act will now be allowed to enter the country, provided they fulfill general COVID-19 entry restrictions.
Norway’s justice ministry confirmed to The Local that this means rules on who is allowed to travel to Norway will be “the same as before the pandemic.”
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) also confirmed the news and has updated its COVID-19 information page.
“The government has announced that from Nov. 26, the entry rules for Norway will change back to how they were before the coronavirus,” the UDI wrote on its website.
“This means that everyone who has a valid residence permit, has a visitor’s visa, or can travel to the country without a visa will be able to do so,” the UDI explained.
The rule change will mainly affect travelers from non-European Economic Area (EEA, EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) countries as all restrictions on who could enter from the EEA had previously been lifted.
Despite lifting restrictions on who can enter, border rules such as testing, quarantine and entry registration will remain in one form or another for all arrivals.
Regardless of vaccination status or nationality, all travelers into Norway would have to register their entry into the country. However, children younger than 16 won’t need to register.
In addition, all travelers who are not fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 and can prove so with a recognized health pass will need to take a COVID-19 test at the border. Norway only recognizes health passes that are a part of the EU’s program and those from the United Kingdom.
Those who aren’t fully vaccinated or do not have a valid health pass will also need to test for the virus before traveling to Norway.
The test must be taken within 24 hours of departure. Testing rules do not apply to travelers younger than 18.
A quarantine period will also apply to travelers without a valid and approved health pass.
A 10-day quarantine period applies to travelers outside the EEA and United Kingdom or from a red or purple country. However, this can be shortened after taking a PCR test after day three. Arrivals who do not have a suitable place to quarantine can stay in a quarantine hotel at a cost of NOK 500 per night.

This article originally appeared in the Dec. 3, 2021, issue of The Norwegian American.