Norway is Now Open, Eliminating Quarantine for All Travelers

The land of Vikings, Northern Lights, fjords, and friluftsliv is ready to welcome international travelers again after nearly two years of strict COVID-19 travel restrictions. Starting January 26, Norway has lifted its quarantine mandate for incoming travelers.

All U.S. travelers aged 16 and over, regardless of vaccination status, can now enter Norway by completing an entry registration form within 72 hours prior to arrival, followed by a complimentary COVID-19 rapid antigen test at the airport in Norway.

Travelers who cannot show a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate—which may include a Norwegian COVID-19 certificate, EU digital COVID certificate, or U.K. NHS COVID-pass—must provide a negative COVID test (PCR or antigen) taken no later than 24 hours before their flight to Norway. For most U.S. travelers, a pre-arrival test is essential—CDC vaccination cards are not acceptable.

“Those unable to present an EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate verifying full vaccination or recent recovery from COVID-19 (e.g., CDC cardholders) must also show a negative COVID-19 test conducted 24 hours before arrival in Norway,” confirmed the U.S. Embassy in Norway.

Children under 16 are exempt from pre-arrival testing but will be required to take a test upon arrival. An exception may be granted if testing poses unreasonable difficulty for them, as per the Norwegian government.

Since March 2020, Norway has enforced a 10-day quarantine for non-EU travelers. In late November, the rules were revised to allow U.S. travelers to exit quarantine with a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken 72 hours after arrival. Now, however, the country has eliminated the quarantine requirement altogether.

For those eager to seize this new travel opportunity, Norway travel expert Up Norway suggests exploring Svalbard, Lofoten, Alta, and the Sunnmøre Alps during winter.

“Another highlight during this season is a micro-retreat in the wilderness, such as Pan Treetop Cabins. Nestled in the dense Finnskogen Forest, these ultra-modern accommodations lift guests 26 feet above the ground, providing 360-degree panoramic views of the lush fir trees, sparkling blue lakes, and diverse wildlife, including over 170 bird species,” said Torunn Tronsvang, CEO and founder of Up Norway.

Norway began phasing out most of its in-country COVID-19 protocols last fall. The current government guidance encourages wearing masks when social distancing isn't feasible. Otherwise, there are no curfews, and businesses can operate normally as of the latest update. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test is not needed to enter establishments.