Changes in the travel advice for one hospital district in Finland

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now advising against non-essential travel to this area. From midnight on Sunday 28 March, anyone arriving in Norway from this area, and who satisfies the criteria for entry to the country, will be required to go into quarantine for 10 days. For more information about entry rules, see here. As a general rule, only foreign nationals who have residency in Norway will be allowed entry to the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining its global advice against non-essential travel to all countries apart from those for which an exception has been made. This travel advice currently applies until 15 May 2021. For an updated overview of countries in the Schengen area/EEA and the Nordic countries and regions that are excepted from the travel advice, see the Institute of Public Health’s map showing the status for quarantine on entry to Norway from Europe and the Ministry’s travel information.

The new changes will apply from midnight on Sunday 28 March. The infection situation and local restrictions can both change very quickly. The travel advice is advisory. It is not a ban. However, if you travel to a country against the Ministry’s advice, there may be implications for your travel insurance. You should also be aware that the Foreign Service’s capacity to provide consular assistance may be limited in countries for which travel advice has been issued. At worst, the Foreign Service will not be able to provide consular assistance if you have problems. 

It also important to note that the Government has made changes to the hotel quarantine scheme. Anyone returning from a non-essential trip abroad will have to undergo quarantine at a designated hotel on their return to Norway at their own cost, even if they have a fixed residential address in Norway where they would previously have been able to stay during the quarantine period.

As of 1 January 2021, the UK is no longer a member of the EU. Subsequently, the UK will no longer be included in the Institute of Public Health’s assessment process and will be subject to the same quarantine requirements as other countries outside the Schengen area/EEA (third countries).