Norway Travel Advice

Threat level: Low

COVID-19 Situation in Norway

Due to the sanitary situation around the world, Norway has closed its borders to non-residents. To contain the spread of the virus and avoid a second wave, the government has implemented a series of measures that are applied at national and/or local level depending on local outbreaks.

In coronavirus hot spots, the use of facemask is mandatory in public transport, in enclosed public places and in public venues such as restaurants, cafes and bars except when seated at a table. Further to this, restaurants, bars and cafes must close at 22:00.

Furthermore, travellers from a country with high transmission of coronavirus who are allowed to travel must present a negative Covid-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to entering Norway and quarantine in an hotel for 10 days on arrival, as well as take another Covid-19 test during their quarantine period. For more advice on preventive measures to follow, refer to our healthcare section.

The general threat of crime within Norway is low, however the general travel advice for Norway is to remain vigilant; as with all countries particular attention to belongings and safety at popular locations should be undertaken.

Jihadist have previously (2014) made Terror threats against Norway which has heightened the short term security measures for the country.

Noted as the “2011 Norway Attacks” Anders Behring Brevik had killed many citizens through detonation of a van bomb in Oslo, then followed this atrocity by shooting dead 69 members of the Workers Youth League in Utoya.

It is considered as to one of the safest regions in the Nordic area.

With regards to terrorism, there is a heightened state of caution having had previous terrorist-related attacks.

On the 22nd of October 2019, a man hijacked an ambulance and drove it into pedestrians in Oslo. None of the victims were seriously injured and the suspect was arrested by the police and charged. The perpetrator is suspected to be connected to the neo-Nazi Nordic Resistance Movement.

More recently there has been terrorism activity which is ISIS and Islamic extremist related, however Norway has had previous issues with regards to lone wolf attacks, domestic and right wing extremism.

Norway corporates with EU consensus of international sanctions with Russia.

Although it is not a member of the European Union it does closely align itself with many EU foreign policies. It is also an active member in many international conflicts and global affairs.

Economically speaking it is one of the wealthier countries in the world with its main exports being Oil and Gas along with shipping. Condemnation has been received from Syria, for its involvement of its Norwegian forces in the training of its troops within Jordan.

When travelling by car in a country that is part of the Schengen Area, British nationals do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

There are border controls in effect with Sweden, Denmark and Germany, with additional checks at the Sweden to Norway border. It is advised you carry essential travel documentation with you on your journey.

Police emergency: 112
Fire emergency: 110
Medical emergency: 113
Mountain Rescue: JCC Bodo +47 755 59000
Land / Sea Rescue: JCC Stavanger + 47 51 51 70 00

Official languages: Norwegian (English widely spoken)
Religion: Christianity (Church of Norway)
Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK)
Time now in Oslo:

U.S. Embassy
Morgedalsvegen 36
0378
Oslo
Norway
Telephone: +47 23 96 05 55
Email: OsloACS@state.gov

British Embassy
Thomas Heftyes gate 8
0244 Oslo,
Norway
Telephone: +47 23 13 27 00
Email: oslo.consular@fco.gov.uk

Most visitors to Norway are able to stay in the country for up to 90 days without needing a visa. If your stay is going to be longer than this, you should contact your local Norwegian Embassy for further information.

Norway is part of the Schengen Area. As the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals can travel without a visa to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer than 90 days in Norway whether for work, study, business travel or any other reasons, a visa will be required. Please note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days will be cumulative and will count towards the 90-day limit.

COVID-19 is present in Norway and there is no vaccination against it. Protection is through following preventive measures: self-isolate, apply good hygiene precautions, avoid travel unless necessary and don't gather in public places.

It is advised that visitors to Norway are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers get a Tetanus vaccination. You may also want to consider vaccinations for Tick-borne Encephalitis as it is present in some parts of the country. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

E.U. members are able to use their European Health Insurance Card to receive state-provided health care as a citizen of Norway would. You should still purchase travel insurance as the EHIC does not cover you for all medical requirements such as evacuation.

Take comprehensive travel insurance for your trip when visiting Norway as your UK EHIC card or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) does not provide cover for state-provided healthcare in Norway.