Norway-Mandatory border tests part of borders closed.

- Norway has one of the most stringent entry and testing systems in Europe, and now this is being tightened even more to limit an import infection. People who do not undergo the tests without a valid reason may be fined and must be quarantined in quarantine hotels, says Minister of Health and Care Bent Høie.

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Who are the tests for?

Currently, people who have been in the quarantine area must be tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after arriving in Norway. This has now been changed so that the test is carried out at the border crossing point in Norway. This means that people can no longer pass the test station at the airport, port or border crossing point, or test themselves in their municipality. The test must take place from Monday at the border crossing. Testing is free.

Closed border crossings

- We want to strengthen border control, which is why we are closing another six border crossings. Now anyone who has to check themselves on entry must do so at the border. People who will not be tested without a valid reason may stay fined and must spend their quarantine in quarantine hotels. In addition, people who use the fake COVID-19 test will be expelled, says Justice and Crisis Management Minister Monica Mæland.

Waiting for the test

Currently, the test capacity is 28 out of 38 open border crossing points. Of the 10 border crossing points that do not currently have a test station, six of them will be closed: Neiden / Sør-Varanger, Narvik Airport Evenes, Sandvika / Ådalsvollen, Kristiansund Airport Kvernberget, Molde Airport Årø and Linna / Åsnes). A limited test capacity will be created at four border crossing points where there is currently no testing capacity. This applies to the following border crossings: Tana, Karasjok, Kautokeino and Røros. This means that people who cross the borders in these places can only enter at certain times when it is possible to take the test. Outside of this period, the border crossing will be closed to these people. Persons who are exempt from this requirement may cross the staff boundaries, but testing is not possible.

Norway entry form

- I would like to emphasize how important it is to complete the electronic registration form before coming to Norway. In addition, each foreign worker must have proof of the appropriate place of residence by the employer. This must be confirmed at the entrance, says Mæland.

Who can still take the test in the Commune

In Svinesund, it will take a few more days before the testing capacity and capacity is good enough. Accordingly, a temporary exception has been granted which provides that persons domiciled in Norwegians can test themselves in another place as soon as possible than the border crossing and no later than within 24 hours if the waiting time for the examination at the border crossing exceeds 1 hour. This exception will be lifted as soon as test performance in Svinesund is sufficiently good.

Overview of 32 border crossing points at the Norwegian internal Schengen border:

Exceptions to current testing requirements continue. This means that the following persons are not required to prove themselves at the border crossing point:

• children up to 12 years old,
• Persons who, using an approved laboratory method, can document that they have had COVID-19 in the last six months,
• people released from the quarantine obligation pursuant to § 6a,
• those who are exempt from the quarantine obligation pursuant to Art. 6b, first and fourth paragraphs,
• professional long-distance transport drivers and train staff in accordance with the fifth paragraph of Section 6b,
• persons absolutely necessary for the proper functioning of critical social functions or to meet the basic needs of the population, cf. § 6e, if the performance of the research is practically impossible,
• foreigners who are listed in Immigration Regulations § 1-4 or § 1-5 and who can present a diplomatic or service passport, or a national passport in combination with a Norwegian identity card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or in combination with a Schengen residence card for embassy employees , accredited website for diplomats and diplomatic couriers, cf. regulations regarding entry restrictions for foreigners for health reasons § 3 letter f.

Source: REGJERINGEN