The government is tightening up and introducing a mandatory coronation test when entering Norway. In addition, several smaller border crossings are physically closed.
From 2 January 2021, everyone who enters Norway from red countries must take a corona test. As far as possible, the test should be taken at the airport or border station. If this is not possible, the test must be taken no later than one day after arrival.
However, there are some exceptions to the test obligation. Children under 12 do not need to be tested. Some exceptions are also made for, among others, people in critical social functions, border commuters, long-distance transport drivers and diplomats.
The measure is reconsidered after four weeks. Violation of the test obligation can be punished with fines.
Fear of import infection
The reason for the tightening is fear of the mutated virus variant that was first discovered in the UK.
– We are now doubly worried about import infection. We are both concerned about outbreaks of new mutated virus variants that may be more contagious, and that many will return to Norway after Christmas from countries with far higher levels of infection than we have here, says Prime Minister Erna Solberg in a press release .
The obligation to test for travelers from red countries is based on assessments from the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) and the Norwegian Directorate of Health.
