After nearly two years of pandemic-related restrictions, the Norwegian border is now open as it was before the pandemic began. Most of the country’s internal restrictions have also been lifted.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that, effective immediately, no vaccination certificate or testing is required when entering the country. Prerequisites for completing a virtual registration form prior to arrival were also removed.
The rule replaces that if Norway had the right to enter before the pandemic, it can now freely re-enter the country.
However, travelers should be aware that most airlines still require the use of masks on board. The verification requirements for travel to Svalbard are also maintained for the time being.
The adjustments come as the immediate spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 continues in Norway. However, as the variant is still much less harmful than previous variants, the Norwegian healthcare formula is no longer under pressure.
“We can take the measures because omicron does not cause as serious a disease as the previous variants. Even if the infection is on the rise, the proportion of other people who end up in the hospital is low. We are well protected with the vaccine,” Støre said.
While the removal of restrictions will delight tourists hoping to stop in Norway this spring and summer, it is the removal of daily restrictions that is celebrated in Norway. The substitution follows similar moves across Scandinavian neighbors Denmark and Sweden in recent days.
Among other things, Norwegians will no longer be required to wear a mask or meet social distancing needs in public places. “The one-meter rule prevented us from living together as human beings,” Støre said.
Changes have also been made to control and isolation procedures, with other people testing positive now only proposing to stay home for 4 days. This advice will be evaluated frequently and deserves to be updated in the coming weeks.