Trevor KucheranLast Updated
Norway will officially be reopening its borders for tourism on July 15th, 2020 to most European countries including the UK.
However, residents of Portugal, Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria and Luxembourg will be excluded due to the high rate of covid-19 infection in those countries.
With the exception of residents of Kronoberg, Skåne and Blekinge, Sweden also remains excluded.
The news also means that Norwegians will be able to take summer vacations in places such as France, Spain, Italy and Greece without having to quarantine on when returning home to Norway.
Countries that will be permitted to visit Norway without a 14 day quarantine starting on July 15th:
(accurate as of Oct 11)
Finland (some areas)
Greenland
Sweden (some areas)
Quarantine Update:
As of Sept 28, Norway is requiring a 10-day quarantine for any arrivals (nationals or tourists) coming from MOST of the EU, including: Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Iceland, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, UK, Ireland, Greece, Austria, Denmark
As of Oct 10: Latvia, Liechtenstein, Cyprus and more areas of Sweden must also now quarantine.
Non EU/Schengen Countries Permitted Into Norway
Norway will not allow any third-party countries without a 10 day quarantine at this time however they are making exceptions for the following people:
- Workers with an employment contract
- Students set to begin a course in the 2020/21 academic year
- People from any country who hold a work or residence permit in Norway (10 day self-quarantine required)
What is open in Norway?
Most businesses have resumed operations but there may be some exemptions. Be sure to check with the individual business before traveling.
Most of the following tourism services are now open including:
- hotels
- restaurants
- spas
- shops
- malls
- tours
Minister of Trade and Industry Iselin Nybø said the move was “good news” for Norway’s tourism industry: “Tourism companies across the country can now receive guests from a number of countries in Europe again. The opening will provide greater income to the companies and get more people back to work.”
Anyone arriving in Norway from abroad shall be in home quarantine for 10 days, with the exception of specified countries in Europe (see the map).
The list of countries with exemption may change rapidly so travellers and the overview will be updated at least every second week.
Couples Reuniting in Norway
On July 15, Norway started allowing lovers to reunite under new entry requirements. Couples will need to show proof that the relationship has existed for at least 9 months, and that they have met at least once before in person.
Example: An American with a Norwegian girlfriend can now reunite in Norway, despite the current travel ban.
We have all the details like how to apply, what proof is needed, and everything else you need to know on our #LoveIsNotTourism page
Disclaimer: Norway's reopening news is being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.
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Sources: VisitNorway/NIPH/NorwayGovernment
Originally published July 10