Coronavirus and travelling to Norway

From Monday 16 March at 8 am local time, the Norwegian government has decided to close the borders for all but Norwegian citizens and foreigners that possess a residence or work permit. Everybody that doesn’t have a residence permit or work permit must leave the country. The government also discourage all non-essential domestic travel. The following rules apply:

 

• From Monday 16 March at 8 am local time, the government will close the border to foreign nationals who lack a residence or work permit in Norway. They will be turned away at the border under provisions of a Norwegian law relating to the control of communicable diseases. The main airports will stay open so that foreigners and tourists travelling in Norway can return home.
• In addition, temporary entry and exit controls will be introduced at the internal Schengen border.
• Travellers not residing in Norway or having a work permit are instructed to leave the country as soon as possible.
• Norwegian main airports are not closing. All Norwegian citizens and persons who live or work in Norway will continue to be let into the country. Exemptions will therefore be provided for European Economic Area (EEA) citizens and their family members who reside in Norway. Exemptions are also being prepared for EEA citizens who work in Norway.
• People with Norwegian passports or residence/work permits who have arrived in Norway from another country must stay in quarantine at home for 14 days after arrival, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms. This is retroactive from 27 February. If they have symptoms, they must be isolated immediately. 
• Travellers from Sweden and Finland who come to Norway on 17 March or later must undergo quarantine if they wish to stay in Norway. For travellers from Sweden and Finland the regulations do not have retroactive effect from 27 February 2020, as they do for persons travelling from other countries. One provision in the regulations provides that persons who travel in connection with work between their home and workplace, and in so doing cross the borders between Norway, Sweden and Finland, are exempt from the duty of quarantine.
• Transit passengers: People free of illness and symptoms may fly to their final destination to be quarantined in their own home. During the travel, they must keep distance to others if possible.
• Check local and regional quarantine regulations if you have to travel inside of Norway, as many places are now quarantining people from other parts of the country. Avoid all kinds of travel that are not strictly necessary, both domestic and abroad.
• Norwegians abroad must comply with the recommendations of the local authorities. Questions related to refund rights etc. must be directed to your insurance company.
• Avoid public transport if you can.
• Avoid other places where you can easily get close to others.
• For updated information, see The Norwegian Institute of Public Health and the Norwegian Directorate of Health's travel advice for tourists.

Due to the coronavirus situation, all attractions, ski resorts, and venues are now closed, and all activities and events are cancelled. Please check the relevant home pages for more information.

If you have questions about the coronavirus (COVID-19) while travelling in Norway, please call the national information telephone at (+47) 815 55 015.

If you are experiencing symptoms like fever, sore throat, chest pain and breathing difficulties, please stay in your hotel room and contact guest service by telephone or call the 24-hour Norwegian medical service at 116 117 for guidance and assistance.

You can also find more information on these pages:

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)

World Health Organization (WHO)