Norway without quarantine
Speech by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Ine Eriksen Søreide at the government press conference on coronavirus and travel on
June 25, 2020
As of June 15, exceptions to the Travel Council for most of the Nordic countries are based on clear criteria. We are now ready to take the next steps towards Europe, in particular the EEA and Schengen countries.
Norway without quarantine
In the same way as we have already done with the Scandinavian countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will gradually, from July 15th, make exceptions for travel to certain countries in Europe that meet the criteria. This means that when the possibility of entering Norway from the country becomes available, without having to be quarantined, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will make an exception to travel advice for Norwegians traveling there. We will do this on the basis of advice and assessments from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health regarding the contamination situation.
The internal borders of Schengen are now being gradually opened up.
We all felt the negative consequences of the closed borders. We have a strong common desire to minimize the financial damage caused by the pandemic. We want to reopen. At the same time, it must be done in a safe manner to prevent the pandemic from spreading again in an uncontrolled manner in Europe.
Norway is engaged in discussions on how this will happen and we are closely following developments in the EU. Cooperation in this field in Europe has increased in recent weeks. It also includes Norway as a member of Schengen and the EEA.
Several countries have also announced that they will be able to change access to entry should the contagion situation change in the country from which the traveler is changing. As a pandemic develops, it's too early to say. There is an exponential increase in the number of infections in many countries and regions. The situation in various European countries will continue to be unpredictable. It is therefore not possible to say with certainty which countries will open in mid-July.
It is important to understand the infection control restrictions and policies of the country you are traveling to. Measures, rules and restrictions may be different and more comprehensive than the Norwegian infection control rules. It is important to be prepared for rapid changes in your infection situation and think about and prepare how to deal with it when traveling.
Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of July 15 makes travel exceptions for countries in Europe. As recommended by the FHI. Do On July 10, we will find out which countries are exempt from quarantine. It is not a call to travel in this situation. Everyone should think carefully about whether it is necessary to travel. If you still decide to travel abroad, it is important to remember about valid passports and travel insurance. And as always, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs encourages you to register at reiseregistrering.no.
Incidence criteria
The country / region concerned to be open to Norway and vice versa. On average, there must be fewer covid-19 cases than 20 per 100. residents in the past two weeks.
The percentage of positive coronavirus test results should be less than 5%.
