Sweden Extends Entry Ban for EEA Countries – Lifts Separate Measures for Denmark and Norway

The Swedish Government has decided to extend the entry ban for all persons entering the country from other countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) until May 31, while at the same time, it has lifted the previous additional measures imposed on arrivals from Denmark and Norway.

The extensions will be effective, starting on March 31, 2021, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

“The purpose of extending the general entry ban is to continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and more people in Sweden from falling ill. In light of the thorough analysis conducted by the Public Health Agency of Sweden, we consider that the particularly strict restrictions that have applied to travel from Norway and Denmark can be lifted without potentially increasing the risk of infection,” the Minister for Home Affairs Mikael Damberg said commenting on the amendments.

The government announced that the decisions that were made regarding the extension or lifting of the entry ban are as follows:

• The general entry ban to Sweden will continue to be effective. Only persons eligible for exemption and who can submit a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival are permitted to enter Sweden from countries outside the EEA. The country requires a negative COVID-19 test result from everyone aged 18 and above traveling from a foreign country. Certain exceptions are applied.
• The separate entry restrictions applied for travel from Denmark, Norway, and the UK will be lifted on March 31. After this date, Denmark and Norway will face the same restrictions as other EEA countries, and the UK will have to apply the same rules as other countries outside the EEA.

Consequently, the Swedish Government points out that Danish and Norwegian citizens are permitted to travel or transit through Sweden as long as they are able to present a negative Coronavirus test. At the same time, it explains that the previous conditions of being exempt from the measures have been lifted.

The COVID-19 test should not be older than 48 hours, but commuters and students who regularly cross the border for work and study purposes are allowed to use a test result up to seven days old.

It was previously reported that students studying in Swedish universities, who live in Denmark, we're unable to enter Sweden due to the travel restrictions between the two countries.

The government’s press release highlighted that certain categories of people are not required to present a negative test result upon their arrival in Sweden. The category includes people living in Sweden, children under 18, and transport employees.

The current restrictions for UK citizens traveling to Sweden are valid until March 31. After this date, a general entry ban will be applied for the UK as well, since now it is considered a third country, and as recommended by the EU it should be regulated as other third countries.