Timeline: News from Norwegian Ministries about the Coronavirus disease Covid-19

The pandemic is now in a different phase, but we must continue to live with COVID-19. The Norwegian Government has devised a strategy and emergency preparedness plan for the continued handling of the pandemic, and is closely monitoring the situation. Good monitoring, sound plans, and vaccination are critical factors in living with COVID-19 going ahead.

Read more:

• Long-term COVID-19 strategy to normalise everyday life

The Norwegian Government is no longer advising household members and corresponding close relations to get tested after close contact with a person with COVID-19. Now adults should only get tested if they develop symptoms, while children in kindergarten and school do not need to get tested. The changes will enter into effect on 12 February at 10 am.

Read more:

• Only people with symptoms should get tested

People with COVID-19 may be birth partners and visit seriously ill family who are in hospital. It must be possible to organise visits in accordance with COVID-19 precautions, and they must be agreed with the ward.

Read more:

• People with COVID-19 may be birth partners and visit people who are seriously ill

The Norwegian Government is removing all regulatory measures against COVID-19, including the requirement to wear a face covering, keep a 1-metre distance, and the duty to go into isolation when people are sick. Some rules for Svalbard are being kept. The change will enter into effect on 12 February at 10 am.

Read more:

• The infection control measures are being removed on Saturday 12 February

Read more:

• Travel to Norway

The Norwegian Government wishes to give the sectors affected by the COVID-19 measures greater predictability. Work is therefore underway on a general framework of packages of infection control measures that can be deployed when needed.

Read more:

• Development of packages of infection control measures

The virus variant that is prevalent in society now leads to less severe illness, and the vaccines offer good protection. The Norwegian Government is therefore removing a large number of COVID-19 measures. The changes will enter into effect from Tuesday 1 February at 11 pm.

Read more:

• The Norwegian Government is removing a large number of coronavirus measures

The infection rate is so high that regular testing is no longer expedient. Regular testing will therefore end with immediate effect.

Read more:

• An end to regular testing

The 10-day transmission quarantine period can now be replaced with daily testing for household members and corresponding close relations. The amendment to the Regulations will enter into effect on 26 January at 12 am.

Read more:

• Testing to replace transmission quarantine for close contacts

Following a recommendation from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the Norwegian Government is removing the requirement of travel quarantine. It is no longer considered necessary on the grounds of infection control. The requirement will be removed from 26 January 2022 at 12 am.

Read more:

• Removal of current travel quarantine requirements

A vaccine will be offered to children aged 5–11 if so requested by their parents or guardians. This vaccination is provided on a voluntary basis, and there is no general recommendation to vaccinate all children in this age group.

Read more:

• Vaccination of children and adolescents against COVID-19

The Norwegian Government is making changes to the TISK strategy (testing-isolation-tracing-quarantine). Transmission quarantine is being replaced with more self-testing, and people who receive a positive test result must notify their close contacts.

Read more:

• Changes to the TISK strategy

There continues to be a need for national measures. The infection rate is expected to remain high in the coming weeks, but Norwegian society is better equipped to handle the virus. Several measures can therefore be eased now.

Read more:

• The Norwegian Government is easing measures

The high demand for rapid antigen tests and self-tests requires that the municipalities now clearly prioritise who to test. The Norwegian Government has also tasked the Norwegian Directorate of Health with procuring more tests immediately. A single set of quarantine rules will be in effect from 15 December at 12 am, regardless of the virus variant.

Read more:

• Clearer test prioritisation and stricter quarantine rules

Administering more booster doses is a matter of urgency. The Norwegian Government is now asking the Norwegian Armed Forces to aid municipalities that need help with the vaccination effort. It will also become easier for the municipalities to receive help with vaccination from pharmacies.

Read more:

• Increased pace of vaccination

The Norwegian Government is introducing new national infection control measures to prevent the health and care service from becoming overwhelmed and to protect critical societal functions. There will be stricter rules on events for adults and night life, for the culture sector and for organised leisure activities. There will be a ban on serving alcohol at public venues throughout the country.

Read more:

• Stricter national measures to limit the spread of Omicron

The Norwegian Government has decided to introduce a number of national infection control measures to reduce the strain on the health and care sector, and delay and limit the spread of the Omicron variant.

Read more:

• New national measures to keep the pandemic under control

The Norwegian Government has decided to also introduce a duty to complete transmission quarantine for other close contacts of people who it is suspected may have been infected with the Omicron variant. Currently, the duty to quarantine in these cases only covers household members of the suspected case and corresponding relations.

Read more:

• Transmission quarantine required for close contacts of suspected cases of the Omicron variant

The Norwegian Government is introducing regional measures in Oslo and several municipalities in the counties of Viken and Innlandet to delay and limit the spread of the new Omicron virus variant.

Read more:

• The Norwegian Government is introducing regional infection control measures in several municipalities

The Norwegian Government is introducing new national measures to delay the spread of the Omicron variant. People are recommended to keep a distance and to avoid shaking hands and hugging each other.

Read more:

• The Norwegian Government is introducing new national measures

The Norwegian Government is introducing stricter test requirements at the border in order to delay and limit the spread of the new Omicron virus variant. From Friday 3 December at 12 am, any person who arrives in Norway must get tested, regardless of their vaccination status.

Read more:

• All travellers arriving in Norway must take a test after arrival

A number of measures are being introduced now to delay the spread of the new Omicron variant when it comes to the country.

Read more:

• Measures are being introduced to delay the spread of the Omicron variant in Norway

The Norwegian Government is introducing national measures to keep the pandemic under control. The most important measure is offering people over the age of 65 a booster dose as soon as possible.

Read more:

• The Norwegian Government introduces new national measures

The Norwegian Government is introducing several measures with immediate effect to limit and delay the spread of the new virus variant that was detected in South Africa.

Read more:

• The Norwegian Government is introducing measures to limit the spread of a new virus variant to Norway

Minister of Health and Care Services Ingvild Kjerkol is asking the municipalities to ensure that all people over the age of 65 are offered a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before Christmas. This will offer continued protection against serious illness and can help prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

Read more:

• Booster dose for all people over the age of 65 before Christmas and local use of the COVID-19 certificate

As a result of developments in the infection rate, the Norwegian Government has decided to reintroduce the requirement to produce a negative test taken before arrival and expand the current requirements regarding testing and entry registration in connection with arrival in Norway.

Read more:

• New measures to apply to entry into Norway

The Norwegian Government is making provisions to offer all people over the age of 18 a booster dose.

Read more:

• Booster dose to be offered to all adults

Increasing number of COVID-19 patients have been admitted to hospital, and the health services around the country are under pressure. The Norwegian Government is therefore introducing a few more national measures to reduce the infection rate, but the different municipalities are the ones who are most familiar with their local situation and are able to introduce targeted measures.

Read more:

• Local measures offer the best results

The Norwegian Government has decided to keep downscaled TISK (test-isolate-trace-and-quarantine), as well as the current entry restrictions.

Read more:

• Entry restrictions and coronavirus measures in the municipalities to continue

The Norwegian Government has decided that Norway will move to normal everyday life with increased emergency preparedness on Saturday 25 September at 4 pm.

Read more:

• Norway moves to normal everyday life with increased emergency preparedness

In ‘A normal everyday life with increased emergency preparedness’, the Norwegian Government will remove entry restrictions in three phases. Phase 1 will begin on Saturday 25 September at 4 pm.

Read more:

• Entry restrictions will be gradually lifted

The global advice against non-essential travel to all countries with the exception of the EU/EEA countries, Switzerland and the UK, as well as certain countries and regions outside Europe, will not be extended after 1 October.

Read more:

• Global travel advice to be rescinded as of 1 October

The Norwegian Government is now making sure that the municipalities offer a free flu vaccine to people who belong to the risk groups. They can also get the vaccine from their GP for a NOK 50 fee. People who have an exemption card can get the vaccine from their GP for free.

Read more:

• People in risk groups to be offered a free flu vaccine from their municipality

The Norwegian Government is now presenting more details about what 'Normal everyday life with increased emergency preparedness’ means. When the time comes to move to ‘Normal everyday life with increased emergency preparedness’, the pandemic will have little impact on the everyday lives of the population. The Norwegian Government will return to the question of when we can move to 'Normal everyday life with increased emergency preparedness’ later.

Read more:

• What does 'Normal everyday life with increased emergency preparedness’ mean?

The Norwegian Government has decided to introduce downscaled TISK in the municipalities from 27 September. When the time comes to move to ‘Normal everyday life with increased emergency preparedness’, downscaled TISK will be kept for a transitional period of about 4 weeks.

Read more:

• Downscaled TISK to be introduced in the municipalities

The same measures will be eased for people who have been vaccinated using vaccines approved in the UK, the USA, or by WHO, as for people vaccinated using EMA-approved vaccines.

Read more:

• More vaccines approved in the COVID-19 certificate

The Norwegian Government has decided to offer a COVID-19 vaccine to children aged 12–15, in accordance with the recommendation from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. This age group will initially be offered one vaccine dose.

Read more:

• Vaccination offered to 12 and 15-year-olds

Due to the infection rate and the considerable pressure on the municipalities, the Norwegian Government has decided to remain at Step 3 of the reopening plan until more people have been fully vaccinated.

Read more:

• Norway to remain at Step 3

People who have recovered from COVID-19 in Norway will now be exempt from transmission quarantine for 12 months. The COVID-19 certificate for domestic use will be updated, so that it is green for 12 months after recovery from COVID-19.

Read more:

• Transmission quarantine exemption extended from 6 to 12 months

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is extending its global advice against non-essential travel to all countries with the exception of the EU/EEA countries, Switzerland and the UK. Some exceptions to the advice against non-essential travel will continue to apply to certain countries and regions on the EU’s list of epidemiologically safe third countries, i.e. non-EU/EEA countries. The global travel advice will apply until 1 October.

Read more:

• Global travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be extended until 1 October

The Norwegian Government has decided to implement Step 4 of the reopening 3 weeks after all people over the age of 18 have been offered their first vaccine dose. At that point, all adult Norwegians will have received the opportunity to be protected by a vaccine.

Read more:

• Step 4 will be introduced once all adults are protected

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is extending its global advice against non-essential travel to all countries with the exception of the EU/EEA countries, Switzerland and the UK. In addition, the advice against non-essential travel no longer applies to certain countries and regions on the EU’s list of epidemiologically safe third countries, i.e. non-EU/EEA countries. The global travel advice will apply until 1 September.

Read more:

• Global travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be extended until 1 September

Due to uncertainty concerning the Delta variant and the increased infection rates both in Norway and internationally, the Norwegian Government has decided not to implement Step 4 of the reopening plan at this time. In the middle of August a new assessment will be made as to whether we can move to Step 4.

Read more:

• Step 4 will not be implemented at this time

The Government has decided that foreign students will be exempt from the restrictions on entry from 1 August. This means that foreign students who have been admitted to a study programme at a Norwegian school or higher education institution, will be able to come to Norway as planned.

Read more:

• Foreign students will be allowed to enter Norway from 1 August

The Norwegian Government is planning to offer a vaccine against COVID-19 to 16 and 17-year-olds after the over-18s have been fully vaccinated. The final decision will be made in September.

Read more:

• Plans to offer a vaccine to 16 and 17-year-olds

The Norwegian Government has revised its long-term strategy and emergency preparedness plan for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has called the phase after Step 4 ‘Normal everyday life, with increased preparedness’.

Read more:

• Normal everyday life, with increased preparedness

Following a recommendation from the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the Norwegian Government has decided to delay Step 4 of the reopening plan. The transition to Step 4 will be possible at the end of July or the beginning of August, at the earliest.

Read more:

• Step 4 is being delayed – adjustments to Step 3 of the reopening plan

Many EEA citizens can enter Norway now. The Norwegian Government plans to allow even more groups of people to enter the country from the end of July. This includes workers from the EEA and their family members.

Read more:

• Plans to ease entry restrictions

From 5 July, entry into Norway will be allowed for more foreign nationals who reside in certain countries on the EU’s third country list following an assessment of these countries by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Read more:

• Entry restrictions for families and romantic partners eased

The Norwegian Government is continuing to reopen society, and is moving to Step 3 of the reopening plan. People can now have more guests at home, more people can attend events, and working from home will be less of a requirement. Children and adolescents will be able to attend inter-regional sports and cultural events without needing to keep a 1 metre distance from others.

Read more:

• The Norwegian Government is continuing to reopen society

With effect from 5 July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will rescind its official travel advice for the EEA/Schengen area and the United Kingdom as well as countries on the EU’s third-country ‘safe list’ that the Norwegian Institute of Public Health also views as safe.

Read more:

• Reopening: Gradual introduction of a safe travel framework

The COVID-19 certificate is being introduced for domestic use in step 3 of the Norwegian Government's reopening plan. It will be possible to use the COVID-19 certificate to attend large events and take cruises along the Norwegian coast. At large events, a negative result from a COVID-19 test will have the same status as being vaccinated and having recovered from COVID-19.

Read more:

• Use of the COVID-19 certificate in Norway

The amendments to the Norwegian Control of Communicable Diseases Act that allow use of the COVID-19 certificate in Norway have been passed, and will enter into effect today.

Read more:

• Legislative amendments concerning COVID-19 certificates passed

People who are fully vaccinated and those who have recovered from COVID-19 during the past 6 months are now exempt from travel quarantine. This is conditional on presentation of a Norwegian COVID-19 certificate. In principle, anyone else who arrives in Norway still needs to quarantine. All travellers still need to be tested upon arrival, also those who are now being exempted from travel quarantine. See the list of the arrival rules that will enter into effect from Friday 11 June at 3 pm.

Read more:

• Arrival in Norway and exemption from quarantine: rules for travellers arriving in Norway

People who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 during the past 6 months will be exempt from travel quarantine from Friday 11 June at 3 pm. This is conditional on their being able to provide documentation of vaccination or of having recovered from COVID-19 using a secure and verifiable QR code solution. Children and adolescents under the age of 18 may shorten their quarantine period if they can present a negative result from a PCR test taken no sooner than 3 days after arrival.

Read more:

• Exemption from travel quarantine

The Norwegian Government has decided that the Janssen vaccine will be offered outside the COVID-19 vaccination programme. From 15 June, people will be able to book an appointment for an assessment by a doctor in private practice, a vaccination clinic, or a general practitioner who offers the vaccine.

Read more:

• The Janssen vaccine on an optional basis

On 27 May, the quarantine hotel programme was changed, so that the rate of infection in the country a person has visited now determines whether they must stay at a quarantine hotel or not.

Read more:

• More people may quarantine in their own home

The Norwegian Government has established a very narrow application scheme for exemption from the duty to stay at a quarantine hotel for people with particularly strong reasons.

Read more:

• Exemption from the duty to stay at a quarantine hotel on compelling compassionate grounds

A COVID-19 certificate for domestic use will be ready on 11 June. The certificate will offer two display options: a simple one for use in Norway and a more detailed one for border crossing in the EU and the EEA.

Read more:

• Verifiable COVID-19 certificate ready on 11 June

From 27 May, Norwegian students returning from studies abroad will not have to pay the fee if they must stay at a quarantine hotel.

Read more:

• Norwegian students will not have to pay for staying at a quarantine hotel

The Norwegian Government is moving to Step 2 of the reopening plan on Thursday 27 May at 12 am. From that date, among other things, more people will be allowed to congregate than today, and kindergartens and schools will be able to move to the green level of measures where the rate of infection is low. Already from today, domestic travel is no longer discouraged.

Read more:

• The next step of the reopening will be implemented on 27 May

The distinction between necessary and unnecessary travel is removed for entry into Norway so that travellers from the UK and countries in the EEA/Schengen area with a low rate of infection do not have to stay at a quarantine hotel. People who have been to areas with a high rate of infection must stay at a quarantine hotel, regardless of the purpose of the trip. Exemptions from the entry restrictions are introduced for foreign nationals who reside in areas that are not subject to the duty to quarantine in Norway.

Read more:

• Changes to the quarantine hotel programme and easing of entry restrictions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is extending its global advice against non-essential travel to all countries to apply until 1 July.

Read more:

• Global travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be extended until 1 July

The Norwegian Government has decided on a stronger geographical redistribution of vaccines. Twenty-four municipalities that have had a high rate of infection over time will receive about 60% more doses until all people over the age of 18 have been offered vaccination.

Read more:

• The Norwegian Government has decided on a geographical redistribution of vaccines

The government has decided that, effective from Thursday 13 May 12:00 noon, travellers from the UK shall be subject to the same quarantine rules as travellers from the EEA/Schengen area, and not to the rules applicable to other countries outside the EEA/Schengen area.

Read more:

• Changes in quarantine rules for travellers from the UK

The Norwegian Government is changing its vaccination strategy so that young people over the age of 18 will be offered a vaccine after all people over the age of 45 have been vaccinated. It is also considering redistributing vaccines to several municipalities with a persistently high rate of infection.

Read more:

• Young people offered vaccination sooner

The Norwegian Government is following the recommendation of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and the Vorland committee and is removing the AstraZeneca vaccine from the Norwegian vaccination programme. The Janssen vaccine will be stockpiled while the Norwegian Government considers how to offer this vaccine on a voluntary basis.

Read more:

• The AstraZeneca vaccine will be removed from the COVID-19 vaccination programme

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining its global advice against non-essential travel to all countries. This advice is now being extended to apply until 25 May 2021, and may be further extended.

Read more:

• Global travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be extended until 25 May

The government has decided that travelers who have stayed in countries outside the EEA / Schengen will go to quarantine hotels on arrival in Norway. This applies regardless of whether the trip has been necessary or not.

Read more:

• More travellers need to stay at a quarantine hotel

People who have received their first dose of the vaccine will be protected 3 weeks after receiving the first dose, and for up to 15 weeks afterwards. From today, these people can follow the same guidance that applies to people who are fully vaccinated. The same measures will be eased for people who have had COVID-19 in the past 6 months.

Read more:

• Several measures eased for vaccinated people

The tightened entry restrictions that were introduced on 29 January 2021 will remain in effect for the time being, initially until 24 May.

Read more:

• Continuation of strict entry restrictions

Level A, the strictest level of regional measures, has been designed to normally last for 2–3 weeks. This level of measures has applied to 20 municipalities in Viken for considerably longer than this. The Norwegian Government therefore asked the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health to make temporary adjustments to the Level A measures in order to take this into account. The Norwegian Government is now granting more people access to premises at universities, university colleges, and vocational schools if they are tested regularly. Florist shops that are smaller than 250 sq.m. may open. The changes will enter into effect on 16 April at 12 am.

Read more:

• Temporary adjustments to Level A measures

People who have been fully vaccinated no longer need to go into transmission quarantine. When people have received their first dose and 3–12 weeks have elapsed since vaccination, they will also be exempt from transmission quarantine if they are tested between days 3 and 7 after having had close contact with an infected person. The changes will enter into effect on Tuesday 4 May at 12 am.

Read more:

• Exemption from transmission quarantine for people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19

The interval between the first and second dose of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) is being extended to up to 12 weeks for all age groups under 65 years following a recommendation from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. This only applies to people without underlying health conditions. According to preliminary estimates from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, people aged 18 to 44 years will be offered vaccination up to 5 weeks earlier than expected in the more conservative vaccination scenario.

Read more:

• Interval extended between the first and second dose of the vaccine

The Norwegian Government is changing the guidance for people who are fully vaccinated, following a recommendation from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. In private homes, people who are fully vaccinated may have close social contact (less than 1 metre) with other people who are fully vaccinated. They can also have close social contact with unvaccinated people who do not belong to a risk group. Vaccinated and unvaccinated people must follow the same rules and advice in public spaces.

Read more:

• Easing of the guidance for people who are fully vaccinated

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now advising against all travel to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Iraq.

Read more:

• Changes in the travel advice for India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Iraq

Due to the serious infection situation in India, the Norwegian Government has tightened entry restrictions for travellers arriving from Bangladesh, India, Iraq, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Read more:

• Stricter entry restrictions for travellers arriving from Bangladesh, India, Iraq, Nepal, and Pakistan

The Norwegian Government will use mass testing more actively in the reopening of society. Children and adolescents in areas with a high rate of infection will be prioritised. The Norwegian Directorate of Health will be responsible for a national system for mass testing in order to use resources efficiently and achieve good coordination.

Read more:

• Increased use of mass testing in order to reopen society

The government is to extend the tightened restrictions on entry into Norway that were introduced on 29 January 2021 until further notice, in the first instance until the end of 12 May.

Read more:

• Tightened entry restrictions to remain in force until further notice

The Norwegian Government has decided that children under the age of 12 must also take a test at the border. This change has been introduced because the new virus variants transmit more easily, also when children are infected.

Read more:

• Children under the age of 12 must also take a test at the border

The final decision concerning the use of the AstraZeneca and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines will be taken by the Norwegian Government. A committee of experts, both foreign and national, will be appointed to examine the consequences of using or not using these vaccines in the vaccination programme.

Read more:

• A Broader Basis for Making Decisions concerning Viral Vector Vaccines

Norway has decided to transfer more of its options for vaccine doses to the Covax global vaccine initiative. ‘Norway is being supplied with vaccines under its agreement with the EU and has decided that these options are not relevant for use on the Norwegian market. Our contribution to Covax will help to ensure that more health workers and people in risk groups in low-income countries can receive Covid-19 vaccines,’ said Minister of International Development Dag-Inge Ulstein.

Read more:

• Helping low-income countries to secure vaccine doses

Following advice from the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the government is implementing the first step of its reopening plan at 12 am on Friday 16 April. Some restrictions will also be eased for events for children and adolescents under the age of 20, and within elite sports. Municipalities with a high rate of infection must consider implementing local measures before Friday.

Read more:

• The government unveils the first step of its reopening plan

The reopening plan of Norway is not scheduled on specific dates, but it clarifies the conditions that must be met for the reopening to happen. The plan also sets out the order in which the various parts of society will reopen. Data, not dates, decide the pace of the reopening process. Children and young people will be prioritised; next, jobs and the business sector.

Read more:

• The Government’s plan for a gradual reopening: Out of the crisis together

The global travel advice is now being extended to apply until 15 May 2021.

Read more:

• Global travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be extended until 15 May

These are the government recommendations on how to enjoy the holidays in a Covid-safe manner.

Read more:

• These are the recommendations for the Easter holidays

In order to prevent the spread of infection to the areas with low infection rates the Government, following the recommendations of the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, is implementing stricter national measures. These measures are in effect from 00:01 Thursday, March 25, and will remain in force until further notice. A new assessment will be made before April 12.

Read more:

• The Government is implementing stricter national measures

Viken county municipality is experiencing heightened rates of infection involving the English strain of the virus, and is unable to contact trace a significant proportion of these infections. Following the recommendations of the county governor, the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the government is implementing Level A measures (a very high level of measures) across Viken county municipality, as well as in the municipality of Gran in Innlandet county municipality, effective 00:01 on Tuesday 16 March. These measures will remain in force until the end of Sunday 11 April.

Read more:

• Strict regional measures to be introduced throughout Viken county municipality

The Easter holidays are in just a few weeks’ time, which is why the government has today announced a series of recommendations on how to enjoy the holidays in a Covid-safe manner.

Read more:

• The government’s recommendations for Easter

Anyone undertaking unnecessary leisure travel abroad must stay at a quarantine hotel when they return to Norway. In addition, the current strict entry restrictions are being extended, which generally means that only foreigners residing in Norway will be allowed to enter the country, initially up until 7 April.

Read more:

• More people must go into hotel quarantine and entry restrictions to be extended

The government will follow the Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s recommendation to offer the AstraZeneca vaccine to people over the age of 65 based on new knowledge around the vaccine’s effectiveness on this demographic group. Following scientific advice from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the government has resolved that the interval between the first and second dose may be extended from three to six weeks. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health will shortly reach a scientific conclusion. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health will also evaluate whether the interval may be extended beyond a period of six weeks.

Read more:

• Changes to the vaccine strategy

The government is to introduce a new compensation scheme for non-Norwegian employees who are unable to work in Norway due to the current tight border restrictions. This proposal will see all affected employees compensated for the period from 29 January onwards.

Read more:

• Income protection for locked out EEA citizens

The new strain of the virus is spreading quickly and infection rates are on the rise. Municipalities suffering from outbreaks have introduced strict measures. If infections do not fall, the government will be obliged to quickly introduce new nationwide measures.

Read more:

• Infections must fall

Daily commuters from Sweden and Finland have been in a particularly difficult situation since Norway’s border was, in effect, closed. Starting Monday 1 March, daily commuters from Sweden and Finland will again be able to come to work in Norway under a strict testing and control regime.

Read more:

• Solution for daily commuters from Sweden and Finland with a strict testing and control regime

The Government has decided to simplify the regional measures implemented to combat local coronavirus outbreaks set out in the COVID-19 Regulations. The number of levels of measures has been reduced from four to three, and the terms ‘Ring 1’ and ‘Ring 2’ will no longer be used.

Read more:

• The Government simplifies the scheme for regional coronavirus measures

A new scheme for businesses is to enable them to bring essential personnel to Norway from abroad. The scheme will have strict requirements and limits in place.

Read more:

• New arrivals scheme for strictly necessary foreign employees

The government is largely extending the national infection prevention measures that are in place. There will be some easing of the measures applicable to children, young people and students.

Read more:

• National infection prevention measures: Easing of measures applicable to children, young people and students

The government is announcing new measures to limit the spread of Covid-19. The government will also increase its checks while enforcing stricter rules in relation to the use of quarantine hotels. The government is also establishing a limited, application-based scheme to facilitate exemptions from the entry restrictions in place. This will apply to technical personnel and will take effect on 20 February.

Read more:

• Stricter rules upon arrival in Norway

The Government has decided to discontinue the regional measures implemented in municipalities in Oslo and Viken following the outbreak of the UK variant of the coronavirus. The decision was made in consultation with the relevant municipalities.

Read more:

• Regional coronavirus measures discontinued in Oslo and Viken

The government has today introduced the statutory authority to deport foreign citizens who violate the testing and registration requirements stipulated in the Covid-19 regulations.

Read more:

• Deportation of foreigners who do not register prior to arrival or submit to testing at the border

It is almost the winter break, and in light of this the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health have prepared national guidelines on how to plan and take holidays in a Covid-safe manner.

Read more:

• How to spend your winter break in Norway

The government has requested that the Norwegian Directorate of Health establish a National Control Centre in order to prevent the import of infections. The control centre will be based at the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (Helfo) in Tønsberg. Its purpose will be to monitor compliance with prevailing quarantine regulations.

Read more:

• National Control Centre to monitor arrivals into Norway

The government is to extend the tightened restrictions on entry into Norway that were introduced on 29 January, with some minor adjustments. The government is also continuing its work aiming to enable further opening up of society, while the exemptions relating to quarantine hotels and checks are being further tightened.

Read more:

• Tightened entry restrictions extended until end of February

The infection situation is complex, and the number of cases of more contagious variants is increasing. For this reason, most of the measures introduced to limit the spread of infection in connection with the Nordre Follo and Halden outbreaks will continue to apply. Nordre Follo and Ås are moved from ring 1 to ring 2, and some restrictions will be eased in these municipalities. Enebakk, Frogn, Nesodden and Vestby will be removed from the group of municipalities subject to enhanced national measures.

Read more:

• Continuation of measures for the Nordre Follo and Halden outbreaks, with some exceptions

The global travel advice will be extended to apply until 15 April 2021.

Read more:

• Global travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be extended

Bergen and its neighbouring municipalities are currently experiencing an outbreak of both the UK variant and the South African variant of the coronavirus. They have therefore asked the Government to implement enhanced infection control measures.

Read more:

• The Bergen outbreak: Strict measures in Bergen and surrounding municipalities

The entry rules to Svalbard have been tightened. A negative test result from a coronavirus test taken in Norway within 24 hours before the scheduled departure time is now required. The test must have been taken on mainland Norway. All unnecessary travel to Svalbard should be avoided.

Read more:

• Negative coronavirus test required before arrival in Svalbard

The Government is now presenting three potential pathways for the pandemic and infection control measures going forward: An optimistic scenario, a middle-ground scenario and a pessimistic scenario.

Read more:

• Future scenarios for the pandemic

From 18 January, all travellers to Norway from countries on the travel quarantine list are obliged to get tested before entering the country. Capacity at existing testing centres has been expanded and more testing centres have been established.

Read more:

• NOK 825 million for mandatory border testing

The Government is continuing measures to reduce the rate of infection and prevent the contagious variant of the virus from spreading, but is relaxing restrictions for children and young people and workplaces.

Read more:

• Infection control measures are continued – but restrictions eased for children and young people

Today, the Government is presenting proposals for new, extended financial measures in the total amount of NOK 16 billion. The measures are aimed at young people, students and furloughed workers, among others.

Read more:

• New financial measures to tackle the pandemic

To limit the risk of transmitting the significantly more contagious variant of the coronavirus, the Government is imposing far stricter rules on foreign nationals who seek entry to Norway. In general, only foreign nationals who reside in Norway will be permitted to enter.

Read more:

• Norway introduces its strictest entry rules since March 2020

Stringent measures were implemented yesterday in ten municipalities to halt the UK COVID-19 strain. Strict measures will now be implemented in 15 neighbouring municipalities with effect from midnight.

Read more:

• Strict measures being implemented in a further 15 municipalities in Eastern Norway

The requirement to present a negative SARS-CoV-2 test prior to arrival when travelling to Norway is being amended to require a test taken 24 hours prior to departure instead of 72 hours. Furthermore, all persons who have been to the UK, South Africa, Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Brazil must undergo a PCR test at the Norwegian border. The quarantine rules are being tightened and will now apply to arrivals from all countries, with fewer exemptions in place and increased requirements in terms of testing.

Read more:

• Stricter rules for testing and quarantine upon arrival to stop coronavirus mutation

In order to halt the outbreak of the UK mutation in Nordre Follo, the Government has decided to impose very strict measures from 12.00 on Saturday 23 January in ten municipalities in Eastern Norway. The municipalities support the Government’s decision to adopt these measures.

Read more:

• Strict measures in ten municipalities following UK COVID-19 mutation outbreak

The national action level is back to yellow for lower and upper secondary schools with effect from Wednesday 20 January. Municipalities with a high infection rate should consider whether to maintain the red level locally.

Read more:

• Back to yellow level for all lower and upper secondary schools

The Norwegian Government recommends that universities, university colleges and tertiary vocational colleges continue to use digital teaching where possible, but that students in areas with low infection rates should have the opportunity to attend physical teaching sessions in small groups at least once a week.

Read more:

• Physical teaching in small groups allowed for students in areas with low infection rates

The Norwegian Government is generally continuing the strict infection control measures to prevent a new wave of infections but is easing some measures for children and young people. The national level of measures for schools is downgraded to yellow, and local sports and leisure activities for children and young people are no longer discouraged. The recommendation to avoid home visits remains in effect but everyone should limit social contact.

Read more:

• Continuation of most national measures but easing of measures for children and young people

The government is introducing mandatory testing at the border for persons who have been to an area that necessitates quarantine upon arrival in Norway. This will apply from Monday 18 January at 17:00.

Read more:

• Mandatory testing at the border

Norway has one of the strictest systems for entry and testing in Europe. The Norwegian Government is now further tightening the control system to limit import infection.

Read more:

• Stricter measures to reduce import infection

The global travel advice will be extended to apply until 1 March 2021.

Read more:

• Global travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be extended

Today, the digital travel register is being launched, which will replace the temporary, paper-based, solution. To improve infection control, the Norwegian Government decided before Christmas that all persons travelling to Norway must register themselves.

Read more:

• Digital entry registration from today

In order to maintain control of the spread of infection and to limit new increases in infection rates, strengthened national infection prevention measures are being implemented on a temporary basis for two weeks effective 4 January.

Read more:

• Introduction of further national infection prevention measures

In order to prevent an increase in infections in January, the Norwegian Government is introducing new measures that will initially be in place until  19 January. The national level of measures is now red for lower and upper secondary schools in Norway.

Read more:

• Red level for all lower and upper secondary schools in Norway

Based on recommendations from the health authorities, the Norwegian Government has decided that all teaching at tertiary vocational colleges, university colleges and universities must take place digitally until 19 January. Staff must comply with infection control regulations in the workplace in general and the rules in place in the municipality they belong to.

Read more:

• There will be no physical teaching on campus for students until 19 January

The hold on direct flights from the United Kingdom will be repealed from Saturday January 2nd 2021.

Read more:

• Norway lifts ban on flights from United Kingdom from January 2nd 2021

From January 2nd 2021, the government has imposed mandatory testing for Covid-19 for all travellers to Norway. The test must be done as soon as possible and within 24 hours after arrival at the latest. Travellers must enter Norway through border stations with testing facilities or through border stations with police control. Several smaller border stations will be closed.

Read more:

• Mandatory testing for travellers to Norway

The Norwegian Government is introducing new quarantine rules to contribute to more people being tested and to improve compliance with the quarantine rules. Travellers arriving in Norway from abroad may, at the earliest, end quarantine on day seven if they test negative for Covid-19 twice after arrival. The first test must be taken within three days of arrival, and the second, at the earliest, seven days after arrival.

Read more:

• New quarantine rules will contribute to more travellers being tested

Today the Norwegian Government approved an amendment to the COVID-19 regulations that requires all people entering into Norway to register themselves as a step in improving infection control. The amendment enters into force at 12 noon today, Monday 21 December.

Read more:

• Government introduced registration requirement for all people entering Norway

Norway is banning all direct flights from the United Kingdom with immediate effect. This measure will initially apply for a period of 48 hours, but it may be extended. Additionally, a series of restrictions applicable to travellers arriving from the United Kingdom will be tightened.

Read more:

• Norway to ban direct flights from the United Kingdom

The government has today put out to consultation amendments to the Covid-19 regulations that will result in the introduction of a digital system to capture travel quarantine data.

Read more:

• Proposal for a digital system to capture travel quarantine data put out to consultation

Government amends Covid-19 regulations relating to quarantine hotels. The most recent change sees the removal of the requirements to stay in a quarantine hotel for persons whose stay is for purposes other than work or an assignment and who can document that they have access to another suitable location for their quarantine stay.

Read more:

• Changes to quarantine hotel regulations

The Government has established several measures to ensure that next year’s winter fishing will be carried out in a safe and orderly fashion.

Read more:

• Measures for Winter Fishing in Northern Norway

The government has decided to introduce a travel registration system, in which anyone wanting to cross Norwegian borders must register information including their name, contact details, quarantine location and employer if applicable.

Read more:

• Introduction of a digital travel registration system

Infection prevention measures will remain necessary during the Christmas holidays, but the government is introducing a number measures to allow people to celebrate Christmas and New Year in a way that is more similar to what they are used to.

Read more:

• Infection prevention measures necessary during Christmas holidays

On 16 March, Norway reintroduced controls at the internal borders as a measure to limit the spread of Covid-19. The Government has decided to continue these measures and will, in line with our obligations, notify the EU of this.

Read more:

• Continuation of controls at the internal borders

The Ministry of Justice and Public Security has made changes to the groups that are exempt from the requirement of a negative Covid-19 test on entry to Norway. These changes enter into force at midnight.

Read more:

• The Corona situation: Revision of requirement for negative Covid-19 test to enter Norway

The Government has today announced the introduction of the requirement of a negative Covid-19 test when entering Norway. Foreign nations who cannot present documentation of such a test can be refused entry.

Read more:

• Requirement of negative Covid-19 test to enter Norway

The Government is introducing a requirement that people in entry quarantine must stay at a quarantine hotel during the 10-day quarantine period. This requirement will not apply to people who reside in Norway or own a home or holiday home in Norway.

Read more:

• The Corona situation: Requirement to stay at quarantine hotel

Norway stands at the beginning of the second wave of infection. The virus is spreading rapidly and all counties now have outbreaks of infection. The Government is therefore introducing new national infection control measures.

Read more:

• Stay at home, have as little social contact as possible

The Government is introducing new targeted measures for a time-limited period in order to safeguard life and health and to prevent Norway from ending up in the same situation as many other European countries.

Read more:

• New national restrictions

The Government has decided to allow more family members from outside the EU/EEA to visit relatives in Norway. Grandparents are among those who will now be able to visit. The rules on entry quarantine remain unchanged.

The global travel advice will be extended to apply until 15 January 2021. With regard to countries in the Schengen area/EEA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining its advice against non-essential travel to all countries apart from those for which an exception has been made.

• Read the press release

Norway is to lead the effort to ensure that the global activities to fight the Covid-19 pandemic are as effective as possible. Together with South Africa, Norway has been chosen to co-chair the Facilitation Council for the Access to Covid-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, which has been set up to promote equitable access to Covid-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.

• Read the press release

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now advising against non-essential travel to Germany and Liechtenstein, as well as to the regions of Kalmar and Västerbotten in Sweden.

• See the press release

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs changes the advice for some countries in the EEA/Schengen area and is now advising against non-essential travel to Austria, Greece, Ireland, the UK and certain regions in Sweden and Denmark.

• Read the press release

As a step in strengthening Norway’s global health efforts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appointed John-Arne Røttingen as Special Adviser on Global Health.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ global advice against non-essential travel to all countries has been extended and will now apply until 1 October.

• Read the whole story

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now advising against non-essential travel to the Czech Republic, France, Monaco and Switzerland. Changes are also being made to the travel advice for several regions in Sweden.

Starting 15 July, the Government plans to allow the entry of foreign nationals from countries outside the EU/EEA (referred to as third-country nationals) who have family or an established romantic relationship in Norway. However, no exemptions are to be granted from quarantine duty or from ordinary provisions of the Immigration Act.

From 15 July, the Government is lifting restrictions on entry into Norway for people resident in countries in the Schengen area/EEA that have an acceptable level of infection. From the same date, quarantine will no longer be required on entry from these countries and regions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will no longer advise against travel to countries and regions that are excepted from the rules on quarantine on entry.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is introducing new exceptions to the travel advice against non-essential travel to all countries. The new exceptions apply to individual countries in the Schengen area/EEA from 15 July.

• Read the whole story

Starting 15 July, the Government plans to allow travel to Svalbard by residents of the parts of the Schengen Area and European Economic Area that will no longer be subject to Norwegian quarantine regulations as of that date. This applies to such travellers as those arriving on scheduled flights from the mainland or on coastal cruise ships.

Norway is pledging NOK 100 million to support access for low- and middle-income countries to COVID-19 vaccines once they are developed.

Starting 1 July 2020, a new Interim Act relating to entry restrictions for foreign nationals out of concern for public health will enter into force along with associated Regulations.

The Norwegian Government is planning to allow people resident in the Schengen area/EEA to enter Norway from 15 July, provided that they live in a country or region where the level of infection is acceptable. From the same date, quarantine will no longer be required on entry from these countries and regions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will no longer advise against travel to countries and regions that are excepted from the rules on quarantine on entry.

The Government is amending its COVID-19-related entry restrictions in a way that will allow the admission of foreign nationals who have a residence permit for work and foreign students travelling to Norway to study.

The Norwegian Government will open Norway’s borders for leisure travel to and from the other Nordic countries from 15 June, but will maintain quarantine rules and restrictions on entry for people arriving from regions where the level of infection is high. The regions to which the rules on quarantine on entering Norway no longer apply will also be excepted from the travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Norway is strongly committed to the effort to develop a vaccine against Covid-19. It is now clear that Norway will take part in two international initiatives to secure access to a vaccine for Norwegians and for people in low- and middle-income countries.

Today, the Norwegian Government has presented an economic package to strengthen the position of Norwegian businesses and workplaces and promote green transformation of the economy. This is Norway’s road out of the coronavirus crisis.

Norwegian health authorities issued updated guidance today on holiday and leisure travel in Norway. The new guidance will help to make travelling in Norway this summer a safe experience. Also today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its own travel advice, continuing to caution against non-essential travel to all countries. As it stands, this advice will remain in effect until 20 August. By 15 June, however, consideration will be given to amending the travel advice as it pertains to the Nordic countries. By 20 July, consideration will be given to amending it for certain other nearby European countries.

The Ministry of Justice and Public Security is exploring a fixed-term scheme for subsidising the return home of foreign employees in Longyearbyen who are without income or means to return to their country of origin.

New hardships have arisen during the coronavirus crisis. Poor countries with weak health systems and large, vulnerable population groups are likely to be the hardest hit. To mitigate the health, social and economic consequences of the pandemic, Norway was quick to devise initiatives and measures capable of saving lives and reducing the pandemic’s damaging effects.

Adopted by the Government on 7 May 2020.

The Norwegian Government has today presented its plan for managing the COVID-19 crisis in the time ahead, and a timetable for lifting the most severe restrictions. All schools are expected to open for all years by the end of next week.

On 5 May, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide and 41 other ministers responsible for the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued a ministerial statement on Covid-19 and the multilateral trading system. The statement is an important supplement to a joint statement issued by the Alliance for Multilateralism in April, and endorsed by Norway, on the need for cooperation and solidarity in the fight against Covid-19.

‘Today we are presenting a major package of measures to maintain activity in the oil and gas industry and the supply industry. We are proposing temporary targeted changes to the taxation system to make it possible to carry out planned projects. In addition, we are proposing a green restructuring package,’ said Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

Norway contributes NOK 22,5 million to Covid-19 test-kits provided by The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

• Read the story

The Government is allocating NOK 30 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for their humanitarian response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Government has decided to change the regulations on rejecting foreign nationals without a residence permit at the border, thus enabling a greater number of European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who are to work in Norway to enter the country.

‘By working together, we have got the virus under control, and can start to lift restrictions little by little. We will do this together, cautiously, and taking our time,’ said Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

The Government is proposing central government compensation for enterprises that experience a revenue fall of at least 30 % due to the coronavirus outbreak. The compensation amount will depend on how much revenue has dropped, the size of unavoidable fixed costs, and whether the enterprise has been ordered by the state to close.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining the travel advice it issued on 14 March cautioning against non-essential travel to all countries. The reason is the increased spread of the coronavirus internationally and the unpredictable and difficult situation faced by many travellers. This travel advice will remain in effect until further notice.

Norwegian Church Aid today signed an agreement of record size with the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). The agreement provides a total of NOK 1.75 billion over five years to support Norwegian Church Aid’s sustainable development work in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world.

In consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Research Council of Norway will provide up to NOK 100 million in support for measures to fight coronavirus disease (Covid-19). The funding will be allocated, among other things, to the World Health Organization’s trial testing the impact of treatments on the disease and to research of particular relevance to the Covid-19 response in low-income countries.

• Read the press release

Grensene åpnes for sesongarbeidere fra EØS-land som skal jobbe i landbruk, gartneri, skogbruk og matindustri.

• Les saken

‘We are pleased that the UN acted so quickly on our proposal to establish a global fund to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. Norway is providing a first contribution of NOK 150 million to enable the work of the fund to get under way as soon as possible. We urge other countries to contribute too,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide.

Friday 27 March, the Government put forward additional financial measures to address the consequences of the coronavirus outbreak.

• Read press release

The Government will allocate more than NOK 2 billion to the development of vaccines to protect us against pandemics. New digital solutions are being developed to make COVID-19 contact tracing easier.

• Read news story

Norway is to increase its support for the work to develop vaccines against the virus that has caused the current Covid-19 pandemic and against future epidemics by NOK 2.2 billion.

• Read the press release

Minister of International Development Dag-Inge Ulstein spoke on the phone today with Malawi’s Minister of Health and Population, Jappie Mhango. Norway is to contribute NOK 13.4 million for the procurement of urgently needed equipment, including personal protective equipment for health workers, in the country.

• Read the press release

The Ministry of Finance has made temporary changes in the mortgage regulation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Covid-19 pandemic is exacerbating an already difficult situation for populations in countries affected by humanitarian crises. Refugees and internally displaced persons will be especially vulnerable to coronavirus infection even as they continue to need protection, shelter, food, water and basic health services.

The Government is continuing all the measures implemented to combat the coronavirus outbreak in Norway until over the Easter holiday, through 13 April.

• Read press release

Norway is taking the initiative to create a new multi-donor fund at the United Nations to assist developing countries with weak health systems in addressing the coronavirus crisis.

The outbreak of Covid-19 is serious for life and health. To counter the outbreak, strong measures have been taken in Norway as well as in other parts of the world. The event will have a major impact on the economy and significantly weigh on economic activity in the short term. The uncertainty about the impact is huge.

• Read press release

The government has proposed to establish a loan programme where lenders receive a guarantee on 90 percent of the value of new loans issued to small and medium-sized enterprises hit by the coronavirus outbreak. The government has also proposed to reinstate the Government Bond Fund as a measure to support larger companies. The two programmes combined will cover up to NOK 100 billion in loans and will contribute to improved liquidity access for Norwegian companies, and thus help secure jobs.

• Read press release

The number of people being laid off temporarily has shot up since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak. Both people who are laid off or lose their jobs and employers will receive more compensation under new rules.

• Read press release

Several countries are now supporting Norway’s appeal for funding for the development of a vaccine against the Covid-19 virus. Germany, Sweden, Finland and Denmark are among the countries that are now pledging millions.

• Read press release

‘It is a very demanding time for the culture, voluntary and sport sectors, with businesses, organisations, clubs, associations and individuals seeing their income completely or partially disappear almost overnight. The Government will do what we can to help remedy the situation, and I am pleased to present a set of robust measures,’ said Minister of Culture and Equality Abid Q. Raja.

• Read press release

People who are in quarantine, but who are symptom-free, may now leave Norway on condition that sound infection control measures are practiced during transport from the place of quarantine to the place of departure.

• Read news story

‘We are in a serious and unpredictable situation. It is becoming harder for many Norwegian citizens to return home because more and more countries are closing their borders and airspace and introducing states of emergency. The Government wants very much to help travelling Norwegians get safely home to Norway. We are therefore working closely with SAS, Norwegian and Widerøe airlines to help Norwegian citizens who are now on trips abroad to return to Norway,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide.

• Read press release

‘I am pleased, as the Minister of Culture and Equality, to assure voluntary organisations on behalf of the Government that they will keep state grants which they have already received or for which an administrative decision has been taken that they are to receive. This concerns activities that cannot be carried out due to rules issued by the health authorities,’ said Minister of Culture and Gender Equality Abid Q. Raja (Liberal Party).

• Read press release

The government has proposed two new loan measures, providing support of a total of NOK 100 billion. The package will improve Norwegian businesses’ access to the necessary liquidity in the challenging situation they are now facing.

• Read press release

In an extraordinary meeting of the Council of State on 15 March 2020, the Government adopted new regulations on quarantine and isolation. The regulations enter into force immediately and will remain in force until 1 April, but an extension is possible. The background for these actions is the need for clear national regulation.

All transport of goods, both import and export, which does not involve the carriage of passengers is to carry on as normal by road, trains, ships and aircraft. Airports, ports and border crossings are being kept open for such traffic.

• Read press release

The Government will close the border to foreign nationals who lack a residence permit in Norway. They will be turned away at the border under provisions of a Norwegian law relating to the control of communicable diseases. Temporary entry and exit controls will also be introduced at the internal Schengen border.

Norwegian airports are not closing. All Norwegian citizens and persons who live or work in Norway will continue to be let into the country.

• Read press release

Regulations on quarantine etc. after travelling outside the Nordic region were approved in the Council of State on 13 March 2020. In addition, the King’s special authority pursuant to section 7-12 of the Act relating to control of communicable diseases was delegated to the Ministry of Health and Care Services. The Regulations repeal the Regulations relating to a Decision under to the Act relating to control of communicable diseases, section 4-1, second paragraph, on quarantine (isolation) after travelling outside the Nordic region, which was adopted by the Directorate of Health on 12 March 2020.

• Read news story

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all international travel that is not strictly necessary. The reason is the increasing spread of coronavirus internationally and the unpredictable and difficult situation faced by many travellers. For now, this advice will remain in effect until 14 April.

• Read press release

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against trips to the United States and France that are not strictly necessary.

• Read press release

Today, the Ministry of Finance has decided to follow Norges Bank’s advice to reduce the countercyclical capital buffer requirement from 2.5 to 1 percent with immediate effect. Norges Bank says that there is a risk of a pronounced economic downturn as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The buffer requirement is reduced to prevent tighter lending standards from amplifying a downturn.

• Read press release

Following the Government’s announcement on 12 March of new, far-reaching measures to combat COVID-19, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries has received a number of enquiries about food supply.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to make Norwegian citizens aware of the fact that certain countries are introducing measures and/or restrictions for people entering their countries. This will affect Norwegian citizens or others travelling to these countries from Norway. Norwegian citizens who are currently travelling, or who are considering travelling, are therefore urged to familiarise themselves with the rules for entry into the country or countries concerned.

• Read news story

Norway is supporting the urgent global response to the outbreak of coronavirus, covid-19, and is providing NOK 10 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) for humanitarian efforts and NOK 36 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) for vaccine development. Norway is also working hard to encourage other countries to step up their support.