Recreational travelers must stay in quarantine hotels after their return at least until they receive a negative answer from the test, not earlier than three days after their arrival. Municipalities will not be required to offer or pay for the test.

– We are in a difficult infection situation. New variants of the virus increase the risk of infection abroad and make it easier to infect others when you return home. That's why we're changing the rules now so that people who come back to Norway after unnecessary trips recreational trips abroad, had to be quarantined in hotels - says Minister of Justice and Crisis Management Monica Mæland (H).

Reason for change

The reason for the changes is that the Norwegian Health Directorate and the National Institute of Public Health recommend delaying the introduction and spread of the more contagious variants of the virus as much as possible. They also emphasize that strict entry restrictions for recreational travel should continue to be maintained. The main purpose of quarantine hotels is to ensure that the quarantine takes place in the right place, thus avoiding the spread of an import infection. It is especially important now that we are able to stop the import of mutant variants of viruses. Hotel quarantine provides better control of compliance with entry quarantine requirements.

Current law and its change

From February 23, 2021, persons who are or permanently residing in Norway are exempt from the obligation to use quarantine hotels. These rules are now being changed and only those who have made necessary travel are exempt. Business trips are considered necessary when the employer confirms that the purpose of the trip is necessary work.

- It is strict and some will react negatively to the fact that quarantine cannot be carried out at home. Many people miss their loved ones and family abroad, so it was important that the government let them know as soon as possible. The prime minister informed the Storting of this on March 9, says Justice and Crisis Management Minister Monica Mæland.

-Exceptions

There will be exceptions for strong reasons such as being with minor children, having your own child, visiting a dying or seriously ill family member, and attending the funeral of a close family member.

Quarantine

Today's changes don't change who gets quarantined. Quarantine continues for ten days and can be shortened after seven days with a negative test result. The other rules related to the quarantine program will also remain the same. The cost of hotel quarantine is still NOK 500 per night for private persons and NOK 250 for children aged 10 to 18 living in their parents' room.

The rules apply from Tuesday to Wednesday midnight (16 / 17.03).

Tightening of entry restrictions from January 29, 2021. It will be continued until further notice, in the first place until April 7, 2021. Inclusive. Even after April 7, strict entry rules will apply.

Conference with translation