The UK’s traffic light system for travel was updated again on Wednesday 4 August, with changes made to the green, amber and red lists. Norway was moved to the green list, which means UK travellers can return from the country without needing to quarantine, regardless of their vaccination status. However, Norway is currently not allowing most British travellers to enter – and those who can are required to quarantine on arrival. What does this mean for travel to Norway this summer? Here’s what you need to know.
IS NORWAY ON THE GREEN LIST?
Yes – from Sunday 8 August 2021, Norway joined the UK’s green list. This means that any British citizen or resident who visits the country can return to the UK without quarantining, regardless of their vaccination status. Those who enter the UK from green list countries are required to complete a passenger locator form and take a Covid test in the 72 hours before travel, and book and pay for another test on day two of their return. If both tests come back negative, you won’t need to self-isolate. Children under four do not need to take a test. If you have travelled with someone who tests positive for Covid, you will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and required to self-isolate.
Norwegian Fjords
Getty Images
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR NORWAY?
The UK is currently on Norway’s Dark Red list. This means that UK travellers cannot legally visit the country unless they meet certain criteria – if they are a resident in an EU country, for example, or have close family in Norway, they may be exempt. Those who can enter Norway are required to quarantine for 10 days in a government-approved hotel (although if you test negative on day three of hotel quarantine, you may be able to leave and complete the remaining isolation period in a ‘suitable location’). While fully vaccinated travellers are exempt from quarantine, Norway does not yet recognise the UK’s vaccination record – only Norwegian, Danish, Swedish or EU digital COVID certificates will be accepted.
WILL NORWAY MOVE BACK TO THE AMBER LIST?
It’s possible – destinations have been moved to the green list and then back off in the past few months. The next government review will happen in late August.
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