Sweden Prolongs Entry Ban on EEA Countries and Abolishes Extra Measures Imposed on Denmark and Norway

The Swedish Government has announced that on March 31, the extension of the general entry ban for all countries in the European Economic Area (EEA)and the lifting of separate measures for Denmark and Norway have entered into force.

The entry ban has been extended until May 31, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

“Extending the general entry ban and the requirement to present a negative COVID-19 test result on entry into Sweden from all countries reduces the risk of further spread of the COVID-19 virus and of more people in Sweden falling ill,” the Minister for Home Affairs Mikael Damberg said commenting on the travel restriction extension.

All persons entering Sweden are required to submit a negative COVID-19 test result.

However, the government has decided to lift the separate measures for Denmark and Norway citizens entering Sweden. Therefore, from March 31, citizens of these countries are obliged to present a negative Coronavirus test as well under the same rules that apply to other EEA countries. Certain exceptions are included.

“The separate restrictions on travel from Denmark and Norway are being lifted in a responsible manner, in line with a request from the Public Health Agency of Sweden, to accommodate those who live and work in our border regions,” the Minister added.

Apart from that, the Ministry explained that all persons entering Sweden from any EEA country would not be allowed to enter if they do not present a negative COVID-19 test result upon their arrival.

As for the individuals traveling from any of the third countries, they are not allowed to enter unless they belong to the category of exempt persons and if they provide a negative Coronavirus test. The condition applies only to foreigners older than 18.

The Ministry pointed out that the COVID-19 test should not be older than 48 hours. However, commuters and students who cross the border on a daily basis for work and study purposes are allowed to use the same test result for seven days in a row.

Previously, it was reported that Danish students attending Swedish universities could not enter Sweden due to travel restrictions.

Additionally, all Swedish citizens own the right to enter the country at any time as long as they follow the Public Health Agency of Sweden’s recommendations.

According to the European Union’s recommendation, now that the UK is not part of the EU anymore and is considered a third country, it will have to apply the same rules as other countries outside the EEA. Consequently, the separate entry restrictions will be lifted for the UK as well, yet only those traveling to Sweden from the UK for essential purposes will be permitted to enter the country.