As of today, tourists from many Schengen countries are welcome to Norway without having to quarantine themselves due to the spread of the coronavirus. This includes Swedes from Kronoberg, Skåne and Blekinge.
Just after midnight, the first travelers arrived in the country.
Czech couple Lenka Neuzilova and Mirek Bartek drove across the border to Norway with their children in a camper just after midnight.
”"We are healthy and doing everything we can to protect ourselves against the coronavirus. We drove through Sweden and we didn't stop – just straight from the ferry to the border," they tell NRK.
According to the Norwegian shipping company Color Line, many German motorhomes drove off the ferry in Kristiansand last night when it arrived from Hirtshals, Denmark.
At the Finnish border crossing in Karigasniemi, a group of motorcyclists gathered who are happy that the border is opening so they can experience the North Cape.
”"Of course, we bring disinfectant with us, keep our distance and are careful with hand washing," says Sesel from Slovenia to NRK.
Swedes from Swedish counties other than Kronoberg, Skåne and Blekinge must continue to spend ten days in entry quarantine after arrival if they choose to travel to Norway, just like travelers from the Schengen countries Bulgaria, Croatia, Luxembourg, Portugal, Romania and Hungary.
Prime Minister Erna Solberg has previously stated that Norway can open to Swedes from more parts of Sweden if fewer than 20 new cases of infection are reported per 100,000 inhabitants over the past 14 days. In addition, fewer than five percent of corona tests should be positive on average over the past two weeks and a comprehensive evaluation of the countries should be made, based on trends in the spread of infection and other relevant information, according to National Institute of Public Health.
Today's opening also means that Norwegians can now travel to most countries in Europe without the risk of having to be quarantined when they return.
Around 40 flights from abroad are expected to arrive at Oslo Airport Gardermoen on Wednesday, and a significant increase in tourist arrivals is expected. In a survey last week, for example, nearly 2.2 million Germans said they would consider vacationing in Norway when the borders open, reports the NTB news agency.
Extra border controls have been in place since March and will continue to take care of people arriving in the country.
”"It's about logistics and infection control. If we see that there are long queues, we will not check everyone from an infection control point of view," says Eli Fryjorde at the Øst police district, NTB writes.
Starting today, all foreigners who cross the border will receive a text message from the Swedish Directorate of Health about the corona rules that apply, and where to get tested if you get sick.
Source: TT
