Reopening of border between Norway and Denmark from 15 June

‘I am glad that it is now possible to reopen for travel between Norway and Denmark. This is good for the business sector and for jobs in both countries. These changes are a first step towards gradual, controlled lifting of travel restrictions in Europe. The health authorities will monitor the effects of these changes with a view to keeping the level of infection in Norway low,’ said Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

The changes come into effect on 15 June.

‘Norway and Denmark enjoy close ties. I am therefore very pleased that we can now start to reopen our borders for travel, tourism and cross-border cooperation. We have been in close contact with Denmark to arrive at a reciprocal agreement. We are also working closely with the other Nordic countries to consider how we can reopen travel to the rest of the region,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide.

The decision to allow travel between Norway and Denmark is based on some key principles. We will be using the framework and principles that we have agreed with Denmark as a basis for dialogue with the other Nordic countries.   

The principles are as follows:

• Agreement must be reached between the national infection control authorities on criteria for identifying regions where infection pressure is high.
• The infection control authorities in countries where there are areas of high infection pressure must urge people from these areas not to visit the other Nordic countries. Similarly, the authorities in the other countries must ask people not to visit areas of high infection pressure.
• Anyone travelling in the Nordic countries must monitor their own health, self-isolate if they develop any COVID-19 symptoms, and get themselves tested.

In addition to these points, each country may have its own rules and guidelines in place.

The Danish authorities have informed us that they will retain restrictions on staying in Copenhagen, and that anyone arriving in Denmark must have booked accommodation for several nights before arrival. Anyone wishing to travel to Denmark must make sure that they know what the current rules and guidelines are in Denmark.

Norway is not introducing any specific restrictions for visitors from Denmark.

The Government will provide information about travel to the other Nordic countries by 15 June, and travel to certain other European countries by 20 July.

Denmark is the only country for which an exception is being made. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is still advising against non-essential travel to all other countries. Talks with the other Nordic countries will clarify whether further exceptions can be made. 

‘The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not want to have travel restrictions in place any longer than is necessary. As soon as safety and security considerations and the infection situation make it possible to change the travel advice, we will do so. To start with, we are considering the Nordic region and certain other countries in Europe,’ said the Foreign Minister.

‘From 15 June, the requirement to go into quarantine for 10 days will no longer apply to people who enter Norway from Denmark. This will apply both to Norwegian residents who have visited Denmark and to Danish residents coming to Norway on holiday. However, it is vital for people who cross the border to follow the recommendations of the health authorities, and to go into self-isolation and get themselves tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms,’ said Minister of Health and Care Services Bent Høie.

‘The Government is constantly striving to strike the right balance between the need for infection control measures and other important public interests. The agreement with Denmark is in line with our assessments,’ said Minister of Justice and Public Security Monica Mæland.