More family members can now come to Norway. Here are the details

Last week, the Norwegian government decided to allow more family members from outside the EU/EEA to visit relatives in Norway. 

Grandparents are among those who will now be able to visit. The rules on entry quarantine remain unchanged.

“I hope this will be an early Christmas gift for all those who have been missing their loved ones. 

“Many children have contacted us and asked whether their grandparents could be allowed to come to Norway. 

“It is, therefore, good news that Monica is now amending the regulations to ease entry restrictions,” Prime Minister Erna Solberg said, referring to Monica Mæland, the Minister of Justice and Public Security.

“Today, I am happy to announce that we will be granting exemptions from entry restrictions for more family members. 

“I know, for example, that there are many children who have looked forward to being able to have their grandparents visit. 

“The Prime Minister has made it very clear to me that we must make this possible, and now we are,” Mæland said.

“I emphasize that those concerned must still undergo quarantine, and it is important that they also follow all other infection control rules while visiting Norway,” she added.

Amended regulation

The amended regulations entered into force on October 21. 

Under the new rules, exemptions from entry restrictions will be granted for the following foreign nationals:

• children and stepchildren over age 21 of a person resident in Norway
• parents and step-parents of children over age 21 resident in Norway
• grandparents and step-grandparents of a person resident in Norway
• grandchildren and step-grandchildren of a person resident in Norway
• children of established romantic partners (i.e., children of romantic partners as defined in section 3q of the Regulations relating to entry restrictions for foreign nationals out of concern for public health, which applies to romantic relationships of at least nine months’ duration in which the parties have met each other physically)
• a spouse, registered partner, cohabitant, or child of a Norwegian national who resides abroad and who travels on a visit to Norway with the Norwegian national
• EEA nationals and their family members residing in third countries

General rules still apply

It should be emphasized that the entry restriction rules are in addition to the general rules on entry contained in the Immigration Act. 

That means that despite any removal of entry restrictions, the general requirements on travel documents, visas, etc. will remain fully in force. 

Those who are required to have a visa to travel to Norway may still experience practical challenges related to the ability of diplomatic and consular missions and application centers to process applications and issue visas in some countries due to closures or reduced operating hours stemming from infection control measures. 

However, the vast majority of these locations abroad are now fully or partially open, and it is possible for most people who satisfy the conditions for traveling into Norway to apply. 

Balance

In the few places where application centers are not open, the Foreign Service does its utmost to facilitate application submissions in other ways.

“The government is constantly working to find the right balance between infection control and other important social considerations. 

“Looking forward, if the infection situation allows it, we will gradually continue opening up for entry by additional groups of foreign nationals who would qualify for entry into Norway under normal circumstances. 

It is important that this opening occurs gradually and in a controlled manner,” Mæland said.

Source: Ministry of Justice and Public Security / Norway Today