Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel to all countries

‘We are in a serious and increasingly unpredictable situation,’ said Prime Minister Erna Solberg. ‘Our priority is to safeguard life and health. That requires extraordinary steps. The situation is changing rapidly in many countries, which is why we are advising against travel that is not strictly necessary to all countries.’

Coronavirus transmission is on the rise in many countries, and the situation in countries experiencing significant outbreaks of the virus is changing rapidly and is unpredictable.

‘Countries may act very quickly to introduce travel restrictions or mandatory quarantine on arrival from countries with the coronavirus, and borders may be closed, flights cancelled and other measures implemented. Norwegian citizens already travelling abroad should consider returning as soon as possible, in a calm and safe manner, and in dialogue with their travel agency or airline. The health systems in countries with outbreaks of the infection are under great strain. With the situation changing so quickly, issuing this advice is the right thing to do,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide.

This is also a contribution to the vital collective effort which is being mounted internationally.

‘We must prevent international transmission, and we are particularly concerned about what will happen when the virus spreads in more vulnerable countries with weak health systems,’ Ms Eriksen Søreide said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation closely and recommends that all Norwegians abroad pay attention to local and national news, especially regarding the spread of the virus, as well as to information and guidance issued by local authorities. Updated travel information for all countries is available at regjeringen.no/reiseinformasjon.

Existing travel advice remains in force for countries and regions to which the Foreign Ministry has already advised against travelling.

Information about quarantine after traveling outside the Nordic countries.