23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 110.
Call 113.
Call 112.
Do not travel to Norway.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Terrorists have attacked some European cities in recent years. Targets have included public transport and transport hubs, and public places foreigners frequent.
European security services have stopped several planned attacks.
In August 2019, a gunman attempted an attack on the Al-Noor Islamic Centre in Baerum, outside Oslo. One person was injured.
In April 2017, Norwegian authorities found and detonated a bomb in Central Oslo.
To protect yourself from terrorism:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Civil unrest is rare.
Check the media and avoid possible unrest.
If there's a protest near you, follow the advice of local authorities.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
More information:
Serious crime is rare.
There have been some sexual assaults against foreigners.
Violent crime with weapons has occurred in areas where criminal gangs operate, such as parts of eastern Oslo.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is increasingly common. The risk rises during the peak tourist season from May to September.
Thieves often work together and use various tricks to distract travellers.
To stay safe:
More information:
There are many adventure activities in Norway. These include mountaineering, trekking, skiing and glacier climbing.
Check you have everything you need for these activities, including the right equipment.
Ensure you're fit enough to do these activities.
When skiing:
The weather can be unpredictable even during summer months.
Check your travel insurance covers these activities. Include coverage for helicopter rescue and medical evacuation.
If you're travelling to Svalbard, follow local safety advice.
Polar bears have killed and injured travellers in Svalbard. Avalanches and accidents on glaciers and boats have also killed travellers.
More information:
Norway experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:
Check advice on weather and safety conditions before skiing or mountaineering.
If there's a natural disaster:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
The northernmost parts of Norway are above the Arctic Circle. Take care in these areas. Follow the advice from local authorities. Be ready to change your plans if you need to.
The Arctic is a vast region.
If you're planning to visit:
If you're travelling by ship:
Search and rescue services may take a long time to arrive. They would be many 100s of kilometres away. Stranded vessels may wait several days for help, particularly in bad weather.
We may not be able to give you full or prompt consular assistance in remote areas.
To reduce your risks, have travel insurance or funds to cover:
More information
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
More information:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Norway here. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19
COVID-19 remains a risk in Norway.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Folkehelseinstituttet) website has a dedicated English language page providing medical updates and guidance. There are two COVID-19 hotlines (open Monday-Friday, 08.30-15.30) on +47 815 55 015 for general enquiries and +47 116 117 if you believe you may have been infected.
For advice on travel, quarantine measures and answers to frequently asked questions, visit: https://helsenorge.no/coronavirus
For advice on restrictions on imports, visit the Norwegian Customs website.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Other health risks in Norway are broadly similar to those in Australia.
Hospitals in cities offer a high standard of care. Many medical staff speak English.
Services are limited in rural and remote areas.
If you need treatment in the remote area of northern Norway or Svalbard, medical teams may evacuate you for medical care. This will take time. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
Australia has a healthcare agreement with Norway. You can access immediate emergency medical services.
The agreement won't cover ongoing treatment of existing health conditions. You still need private travel health insurance.
More information:
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
If you break the law in Norway, you may be banned from the Schengen area for either a limited time (up to 10 years) or permanently.
Penalties for drug offences, even for possession of small amounts, include:
More information:
If you assault someone in any way, you may be jailed.
The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.02%. There are frequent roadside checks for drink driving.
If you speed or drive under the influence:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
As of 1 January 2020, Norway allows dual citizenship. As a Norwegian citizen, you may have to do national service if you are aged between 19 and 44. This applies to all men and women born after 1 January 1997.
More information:
Norway is part of the Schengen area, along with many other European countries. You may be able to enter Norway without a tourist visa. In other situations, you'll need a visa.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Norway for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
The Norwegian territory of Svalbard is not part of the Schengen area.
If you're travelling to Svalbard, you'll need a valid passport to enter.
You also need to meet Schengen area entry requirements when returning to Norway's mainland.
Due to COVID-19, Norway has implemented new measures that can be found here. You can also call the COVID-19 hotline on +47 815 55 015.
Airports are operational and travellers may transit through Gardermoen (Oslo) Airport. For more information, please visit Avinor website.
Entry to Norway
Norway has border restrictions in place and only Norwegian citizens, residents, travellers with a valid EU COVID certificate and travellers from green-listed (i.e. low-risk) countries may enter. Entry restrictions depend on the colour-code allocated to the country you’re travelling from. These colour-codes change frequently. Borders are otherwise closed to foreign travellers, unless they are in an exempt category listed here. People who are fully vaccinated, have recovered from COVID-19 during the past six months or have a valid EU COVID certificate that is connected to the EUDCC gateway will not be subject to quarantine, test requirements or entry registration.
All travellers to Norway (including citizens) must register no more than 72 hours prior their arrival, if coming from a country or area that is subject to quarantine requirements only those with a valid EU COVID certificate are exempt. All travellers must undertake a COVID-19 test (antigen) upon arrival, except travellers with a valid EU COVID certificate. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from mandatory testing, as are personnel with critical social functions, border commuters and long-distance drivers.
All travellers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 (PCR or antigen) test taken no more than 24 hours before their arrival into Norway. Travellers arriving by air may present proof of a negative test taken no more than 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure of their first flight. Travellers from green listed countries or with a valid EU COVID certificate are exempt. A quarantine period of up to 10 days applies to travellers from high-risk countries, except travellers with a valid EU COVID certificate. Where you may stay during your travel quarantine will depend on the colour-code of the country or area you are travelling from.
Cruise passengers won’t be allowed to disembark at many Norwegian ports. Check with your travel provider on disruptions.
Staying in Norway
The use of face masks is mandatory in indoor public places and when travelling by public transport where the risk of infection is high and when it is difficult to keep a distance of one metre.
If you can’t or don’t want to leave Norway, follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you’re safe and well.
The following information will only apply once COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted.
Norway has border controls at:
Always carry your passport to enter and exit, even if you're travelling within the Schengen area
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Always carry your passport when crossing borders, including within the Schengen area.
Get an entry stamp in your passport from border control staff when you first enter the Schengen area.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Norway's official currency is the Norwegian Kroner (NOK). Norway won't accept the Euro in most situations.
You can bring up to 25,000 NOK in cash into Norway.
You need to pay a customs toll and a fine if you arrive with more than 25,000 NOK.
More information:
Norway accepts some foreign debit and credit cards in some outlets. These may incur a surcharge fee.
Credit card transactions usually need a credit card with a microchip and PIN, not a signature.
To drive in Norway, you will need either:
Get your IDP before you leave Australia. It cannot be issued once you are abroad.
Roads can be dangerous in winter due to ice.
Rural roads are usually 2 lanes. They can be narrow and winding in mountainous regions.
Take particular care when driving outside urban areas. Check signs for animal crossings, such as moose or deer crossings.
By law, when driving, headlights must be on at all times and it's illegal to use your mobile phone.
Winter tyres must be fitted from 1 November to the first Monday after Easter Monday. Carry snow chains in your vehicle if you intend to drive in the mountains during this period.
More information:
Check that your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorcycle.
Always wear a helmet.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Norway's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 110.
Call 113.
Call 112.
Always get a police report when reporting a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
The Australian Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, provides consular help to Australians in Norway. If you need consular help, contact:
Dampfaergevej 26
2nd floor
2100 Copenhagen Ø
Denmark
Phone: +45 7026 3676
Fax: +45 7026 3686
Email: genenq.cpgn@dfat.gov.au or consular.copenhagen@dfat.gov.au
Website: denmark.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Denmark, Norway and Iceland
Twitter: @AusEmbDK
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an Embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.