From the 15 July, the Norwegian government is allowing travel to and from European countries where the coronavirus pandemic status is acceptable. A quarantine-period will no longer be necessary for anyone travelling to Norway from those countries and regions. The same criteria will apply as currently is the case for the Nordic countries, although they may change if the situation worsens.
At present, the criteria for Nordic countries include the number of new coronavirus cases relative to the population size, the number of patients in intensive care, as well as the ratio of COVID19-positive results. These criteria will now apply to Schengen Area and EEA countries with the Norwegian government monitoring the situation in each country closely.
If in one country the situation worsens, travellers from there may again have to quarantine after arriving in Norway. Minister of Health and Care Services Bent Høie said that the Institute of Public Health had been asked to draw up a list of countries with acceptable infection levels.
Even after the 15 July, residents of EEA and Schengen countries with higher infection levels will have to quarantine as will those travelling from areas where authorities do not meet Norway’s criteria.
People who travel to Norway to take up employment are exempt and may be able to exit quarantine early if they test negative for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19). They will have to take two tests, the first one on arrival and the second one five days into quarantine. If a person receives a negative result when tested first, she/he may take up employment but must adhere to quarantine rules outside of work until receiving a second negative. Anyone who receives a positive result must isolate and provide all details to the employer for track and trace purposes.
Employers are in charge of the testing process and have to cover the cost thereof. They can also decide whether an employee may avail of the quarantine-shortening system.
Guidance on Required Docs