Norway Lifts ALL COVID-19 Entry Restrictions

The government removes all regulatory measures against covid-19, including requirements for bandages, one meter distance and the obligation to isolate in the event of illness. Some rules are retained for Svalbard. The changes apply from Saturday 12 February at 10.00.

– The corona pandemic no longer poses a major health threat to most of us. The omicron virus causes far less serious illness, and we are well protected by vaccines. We therefore remove almost all infection control measures, such as the meter, requirements for bandages and insulation. We can return to a normal everyday life, says Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The decision is based on professional recommendations from the National Institute of Public Health and the Norwegian Directorate of Health. Both believe that the measures can be eased and the National Institute of Public Health emphasizes that it is justifiable in terms of infection control.  

It is expected that the infection will increase as a result of the regulations now being repealed and the recommendations being adjusted. Many will be infected and sickness absence may be high. The number of hospital admissions will probably also increase, but patients are shorter in hospital, and fewer need intensive care. FHI estimates that hospital admissions will not exceed 1000 simultaneous admissions. The hospitals have the capacity to handle this.

– Many will be infected in the coming weeks, and we must prepare for that. But we are able to handle the increase in infection. Even if we remove the regulatory requirements, it is still important to follow general infection control advice. If there is one thing we have all become good at through the pandemic, it is precisely infection control. We must take this further, together with common sense, says Minister of Health and Care Services Kjerkol. 

The government removed many of the corona measures on 1 February. These are some of the most important changes that apply from Saturday 12 February at 10:

• Requirements and recommendations to keep a distance of one meter are repealed.
• Requirements for the use of face masks are abolished.
• Only adults who have symptoms are recommended to be tested.
• Requirements for isolation are abolished and replaced with a recommendation that infected adults stay at home for four days. This recommendation is continuously assessed and is expected to be changed within a few weeks.
• Kindergarten children and school pupils are recommended to stay at home when they are ill , but can go to kindergarten and school as long as they have been fever-free for 24 hours. Children and schoolchildren do not have to test themselves even if they have symptoms.
• The remaining entry requirements for the obligation to register and negative test before arrival are abolished.

In light of the prime minister’s announcement, Norwegian travel website Visit Norway shared this joyous message to potential tourists:

From Saturday February 12, you can travel to Norway without having to worry about anything more than having a good time!

No testing, no quarantining, no registration.

It is now super easy to travel to Norway, and we have lots of space! Spectacular outdoor adventures, ski slopes, and plenty of indoor kos await this winter, and summer is just around the corner!

Other rules are also eased. Now, you don´t have to wear a face mask anywhere in the country, and social life goes on as normal: All bars, restaurants and museums are open, and you can attend all kinds of events, such as concerts and conferences.

Who can travel to Norway?

Everyone who has a valid visitor’s visa, or who is entitled to visit Norway without a visitor’s visa, or who holds a valid residence permit in Norway.