Norway Prolongs Advice Against Travel Abroad Until April 15

The Norwegian authorities have extended the advice against global travel for citizens of Norway, upon an estimation that in recent weeks the situation abroad in terms of the Coronavirus pandemic has deteriorated.

The decision to prolongate the advice has been announced by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is a press release noted that the global infection situation, the new measures related to the outbreak of the mutated virus, as well as other travel restrictions have pushed the government to undertake such a step.

“The Global Travel Council, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel that is not strictly necessary to all countries, is extended until April 15,” the press release announced, adding that the infection situation globally means that many countries have very strict restrictions on entry, as well as extensive infection control measures.

It also points out that many countries worldwide tighten measures without prior notice when the situation deteriorates in their territory, which can cause major challenges for Norwegians abroad, where the Ministry’s ability to assist is severely limited.

“This, combined with changes in which flights are offered, can lead to major challenges for Norwegians travelling,” the Ministry highlights.

The Norwegian authorities also advise against travel to other EU and Schengen Area countries, exempt for travel to Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, as well as a few areas in Finland where the rates of COVID-19 infections are lower.

Up until February 8, Norway had in place a piece of advice that discouraged travel to any country in the world, including all EU and Schengen Area countries. However, on February 8, the authorities exempted Iceland, the Faroe Islands and the hospital districts of Åland and Kainuu in Finland from the advice, after the number of COVId-19 cases in these territories dropped.

“Both the infection situation and local restrictions can change quickly. Everyone who is considering travelling abroad must think carefully about the need to travel and familiarize themselves with the situation and entry rules of the country to which they are travelling,” the Ministry reminds Norwegians planning to travel anytime soon.

At the same time, the Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness has proposed to extend the temporary law on entry restrictions for foreigners for reasons of public health to December 31, 2021. The entry ban is currently effective until June 1, 2021.

The proposal has now been sent to the government for consultation. If approved, it does not mean that entry restrictions will remain effective until the end of the year, as the government may lift them given that the relevant authorities assert the COVID-19 situation abroad and in Norway had improved.