RELEASES: Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H) can say on Friday that the government allows more foreigners to come to Norway. Photo: Helge Mikalsen, VG
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STAVERN (VG) As of Monday, the government opens for even more children, grandparents and girlfriends to come to Norway. But many still need to be quarantined.
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As of Monday 5 July, the government will open for entry for more foreigners living in selected countries from the EU’s list of “safe” third countries – ie countries outside the EEA, Schengen and the United Kingdom.
It informs the government in a press release.
Thursday was EU list of third countries updated with ten new countries. In total, the EU list contains 24 countries and territories.
The National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) has assessed the list and concluded that the following countries should have milder entry rules:
- Australia
- Israel
- Japan
- Lebanon
- New Zealand
- Northern Macedonia
- Serbia
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- USA
- Singapore
But that does not mean that all travelers from these countries are now allowed into Norway.
Only foreigners with the following relationship to persons residing in Norway may enter the country:
- Adult children and stepchildren and parents and stepparents of adult children / stepchildren
- Grandparents, grandparents, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
- Boyfriends over the age of 18 and boyfriends’ minor children. The relationship must have lasted for a minimum of nine months and the parties must have met each other physically before.
From midnight, night until July 5, these people are exempt from the entry ban.
But they must still follow current rules on quarantine and testing, such as testing before arrival, testing at the border and being in entry quarantine, the government writes in the press release.
- What about the travel councils in the EU? New travel advice for the EEA, Schengen and the United Kingdom is also expected before Monday. It is not clear when these will come.
Solberg: – Someone still has to wait
– Many have waited a long time for visits from their loved ones. I am therefore glad that we can now let go a little more of the entry restrictions. At the same time, unfortunately, some still have to wait. I understand that it is difficult and that many are impatient. The delta virus puts a damper on the reopening of society, but we are moving in the right direction, says Erna Solberg in the press release.
Access to entry for girlfriends presupposes that you have received prior consent for a girlfriend visit.
This is done through an application to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). The application scheme is fully automated and without fees. There is no right of appeal for people who are rejected.
Already today, there is an opportunity for entry for close family members, such as spouse, cohabitant and minor children.
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