Sweden, Norway and Denmark have abolished covid-19 restrictions
This week, Sweden joined the Scandinavian neighbors Norway and Denmark to move towards a post-COVID future by lifting almost all of its pandemic-related social restrictions and welcoming travelers from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. without any requirements for vaccination or testing.
Tourists from other areas will have to wait until the current ban on non-essential travelers from third countries expires on 31 March. Sweden currently lists the United States as one of its “approved“Countries, which means that it qualifies for an exemption from the ban that allows US travelers who can provide a vaccination certificate and negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival to visit. Of course, the usual entry requirements still apply, such as a valid passport and visa.
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However, this week’s announcement will in practice put an end to all social restrictions that have been in place in Sweden. Restaurants and bars no longer need to close at 23:00 and visitors no longer need to present a vaccination certificate to enter such facilities. Gone are also worm-bearing mandates for public transport and capacity constraints for large indoor events.
Unbelievably, the Swedish government will no longer require people who test positive for covid-19 to report their results, so the nation will no longer have updated information on infection rates. Private healthcare companies will still provide tests for those who need negative test results to travel abroad, but state-funded test programs have been closed.
Norway recently eliminated quarantine restrictions for incoming foreign travelers while continuing to require international visitors to present proof of complete vaccination or previous recovery from covid-19, or a negative covid-19 test taken no more than 24 hours before their first departure. Last week, Norway also began to ease many of its own rules, although guidelines for social distancing and mask wearing in hectic indoor environments are still recommended.
Denmark became the first European nation to lift all its covid-19 restrictions on 1 February. Travelers from all over the world can now enter the country with proof of vaccination or previous recovery from the virus, without having to undergo tests or quarantine. Digital covid-19 passports have also been scrapped on indoor premises and the requirement for social distancing and face masks in public environments (except in hospitals or nursing homes) has been waived.
“Two years into the pandemic, the population in most countries has reached high levels of immunity, from vaccines or natural diseases,” says Lone Simonsen, epidemiologist at the University of Roskilde, according to Lonely planet. “This is how it ends, judging by what we’ve seen with historical pandemics.”
For the latest insights on travel to Sweden, check out the guide below:
For more information visit visitsweden.com.
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