Norway Makes COVID-19 Border Tests Obligatory for Those Coming From High-Risk Areas
Starting from Monday, January 18, every traveller reaching Norway from high-risk areas, will have to undergo COVID-19 testing at the border, upon arrival.
The decision has been announced in a joint press release by the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, which notes that the current rule which permits arrivals from high-risk areas to take a test within 24 hours of arrival in Norway, will be replaced as of January 18, afternoon.
From Monday on, travellers will have to take the test at the border checkpoint through which they enter Norway, and can no longer test themselves in their home municipality.
“Norway has one of the strictest systems for entry and testing in Europe, and now we are tightening further to limit the import infection. People who without reasonable cause do not want to be tested can be punished with fines, and must spend the quarantine at quarantine hotels,” the Minister of Health and Care Services Bent Høie said announcing the changes.
As a result, six out of ten border crossing points which currently do not have a testing station will be closed, while the rest will remain open. The six border crossing points set to close are:
- Neiden / Sør-Varanger,
- Narvik Airport Evenes,
- Sandvika / Ådalsvollen,
- Kristiansund Airport Kvernberget
- Molde Airport Årø
- Linna / Åsnes
On the other hand, at the four other border crossing point without a testing station, the authorities will take care to create one, which will, however, offer limited tests. These are Tana, Karasjok, Kautokeino and Røros.
According to the Minister of Justice and Emergency Management Monica Mæland, those who refuse to be tested without a reasonable cause can be fined and will also have to spend the quarantine at quarantine hotels.
She also explained that those who present fake COVID-19 test results upon arrival will be prevented from entering.
Further, the Minister reminded travellers that a new requirement is now in place for entering Norway, that of registration, for which AtoZSerwisplus.pl has previously reported.
“I want to emphasize the importance of filling in the digital entry registration form before arriving in Norway. In addition, any foreign employees must have had their suitable residence confirmed by the employer. It must be confirmed upon entry,” she said.
At the Svinesund, an exception will be applied to persons with permanent residence in Norway, who will be eligible to test themselves elsewhere than at the border crossing point within 24 hours, if the waiting time for a test at the border crossing point is more than 1 hour.
The exception will be lifted as soon as the test capacity increases at this border crossing point.
