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Can I go to Norway? Travel restrictions from the UK explained

By Sarah James

As of Friday 18 March 2022, all Covid travel rules have been dropped in the UK. This means that any travellers returning to the UK from Norway don't need to take any tests or quarantine on arrival in the UK and no longer need to fill out a passenger locator form . But what are the rules for entering Norway, and which tests are needed? Here’s what you need to know.

What are the entry requirements for Norway?

It's now much easier to travel to and from Norway. There are currently no travel restrictions upon entering Norway – the same rules as prior to the pandemic now apply. As of Tuesday 1 March, travellers arriving into Svalbard no longer have to show evidence of a negative Covid test. 

Wherever you're travelling, it's always best to check the government guidelines for your destination before booking and well ahead of your trip. It's also always wise to get travel insurance with Covid cover . 

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Norway Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from the United Kingdom to Norway

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Ready to travel?

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Can I travel to Norway from the United Kingdom?

Most visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Norway.

Can I travel to Norway if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Norway without restrictions.

Can I travel to Norway without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Norway without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Norway?

Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Norway.

Can I travel to Norway without quarantine?

Travellers from the United Kingdom are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Norway?

Mask usage in Norway is not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Norway?

Restaurants in Norway are open. Bars in Norway are .

Norway Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Norway

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Ready to travel?

Find flights to norway, find stays in norway, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

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Can I travel to Norway from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Norway.

Can I travel to Norway if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Norway without restrictions.

Can I travel to Norway without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Norway without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Norway?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Norway.

Can I travel to Norway without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Norway?

Mask usage in Norway is not required in public spaces and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Norway?

Restaurants in Norway are open. Bars in Norway are .

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Norway

Norway is famous for its stunning fjords and other striking geography. It is known as one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Some of Norway’s best attractions are its natural beauties. But, its neat and colorful cities are full of cultural attractions as well. Whether you love hiking or wandering through museums, Norway is an attractive spot for a trip.

Do I Need Vaccines for Norway?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Norway. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Norway: COVID-19 , rabies , tickborne encephalitis and tetanus .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:

• COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for all travellers
• Tetanus – Wounds or Breaks in Skin – Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Tickborne Encephalitis – Ticks or Unpasteurised Products – Transmission is widespread. Spread is most common from early spring to late autumn.

See the tables below for more information:

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

Do I Need a Visa for Norway?

No visa is required for stays under three months in Norway. Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Sources: Embassy of Norway and GOV.UK

What is the Climate Like in Norway?

With the Gulf Stream’s warming influence, Norway experiences a fairly mild climate.

The northern region of Norway can have temperatures as high as the high-20’s during the summer. Winter temperatures can drop to Arctic levels, in the -40’s. In northern Norway, the sun never sets for part of the summer and will never rise for parts of the winter.

Temperatures in the southern and eastern regions are in the low-20’s in summer. High water temperatures make swimming a popular summer pastime. Sea temperatures can reach up to 18°C in these areas. Like northern Norway winter temperatures can drop down below zero.

Western Norway is best known for its fjords and its striking colours in autumn. In the summers are around 18 degrees. But the weather also tends to stay milder in the winter due to the effects of the Gulf Stream.

Central Norway has temperatures above 28 in the summers. But, in the winters tends to have a lot of snowfall because its inland areas are less affected by the Gulf Stream. The weather and temperature in central Norway can be unpredictable, even in summer.

How Safe is Norway?

Norway has low crime levels, making it a safe place to holiday. The most common type of crime is petty theft. Pick-pocketing is common tourist areas such as the Oslo Central train station. More crime may occur in Oslo than other parts of the country. But, it is best to be alert and aware of your surroundings no matter where you are.

Bergen and the Floibanen Funicular

One of the most popular Scandinavian cities, Bergen is the second-biggest city in Norway. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage City. It offers colorful buildings, great food and a starting point for trips.

Bergen is also popular for its mountain. Near the city centre is Floyen, a mountain that overlooks the entire city. The views from the top are some of the most beautiful in the area. Visitors can choose to hike Floyen, or can take a cable car to the top of the mountain.

What Should I Pack for Norway?

Before you travel to Norway, remember to pack the essentials.

• Warm Clothing – Staying warm is imperative for travelling in Norway. Hats, gloves, and heavy coats are necessary in winter. Even in the areas with milder climates during the summer, cold weather is common. Nights can be chilly even in good weather. Be sure to look at the forecast for your trip and bring appropriate clothing.
• Rain Gear – Especially in the winter, Norway can be rainy and misty—or snowy, if you’re inland.
• Sunnies and Sun Cream – You’ll want extra protection against all that extra sun in summers.
• Eye Masks – With the extra hours of sunlight, getting sleep can be hard. Bringing an eye mask to help block out the light at night can be crucial for a good night’s sleep.

Embassy of the United Kingdom in Norway

If you are in Norway and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British Embassy Oslo Thomas Heftyesgate 8, Oslo 0244 Norway Telephone: (+47) 23 13 27 00 Emergency Phone: +47 2313 2700 Fax: (+47) 23 13 27 41 Contact Form: Click Here

Ready to start your next journey? Ring us up at or book online now !

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Norway? Do I Need a Visa for Norway? What is the Climate Like in Norway? How Safe is Norway? Bergen and the Floibanen Funicular What Should I Pack for Norway? Embassy of the United Kingdom in Norway

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Norway. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Norway.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Norway is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

For travelers moving or traveling to TBE-endemic areas

TBE vaccine is recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary.

TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found. 

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Norway, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Norway is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Norway include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Norway’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Norway, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Norway for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Norway to close borders for all but essential visitors – as it happened

This blog is now closed. We’ve launched a new blog at the link below:

• Coronavirus news – live
• 27 Jan 2021 Summary of the key developments
• 27 Jan 2021 Summary of the key developments:
• 27 Jan 2021 Israel expands vaccinations to those aged 35 and above
• 27 Jan 2021 Norway to close borders for all but essential visitors
• 27 Jan 2021 Czech Republic to halt vaccinations for two weeks to prioritise second doses
• 27 Jan 2021 UK to announce tougher border controls to contain influx of new virus variants
• 27 Jan 2021 Madrid suspends vaccinations for two weeks over supply shortage
• 27 Jan 2021 Cyprus to ease lockdown amid falling infections
• 27 Jan 2021 Bill Gates warns against 'vaccine nationalism'
• 27 Jan 2021 Germany to announce tighter border controls
• 27 Jan 2021 AstraZeneca pulls out of EU meeting about vaccine supplies
• 27 Jan 2021 Schools to reopen in Thailand
• 27 Jan 2021 Moscow relaxes restrictions as case count falls
• 27 Jan 2021 Summary
• 27 Jan 2021 Two more cases of South African Covid variant in New Zealand
• 27 Jan 2021 Peru orders total lockdown across 10 states as second wave bites
• 27 Jan 2021 Australia records 10th day of no local cases
• 27 Jan 2021 New Zealand hopes for Covid all-clear after no new cases reported
• 27 Jan 2021 Biden vows to vaccinate 300m people in US by end of summer or early fall
• 27 Jan 2021 Germany considering stopping most flights to country
• 27 Jan 2021 Cuba's coronavirus cases, death toll surge
• 27 Jan 2021 Let WHO experts meet Wuhan families, says coronavirus victim's son
• 27 Jan 2021 Most poor nations 'will take until 2024 to achieve mass Covid-19 immunisation'
• 26 Jan 2021 Global coronavirus cases pass 100m
• 26 Jan 2021 UK Covid hotel quarantine system to target travellers from high-risk areas
• 26 Jan 2021 Summary

We’ve launched a new blog at the link below – head there for the latest:

Summary of the key developments

• New Zealand is investigating two positive cases of Covid-19 after the South African variant of the virus was confirmed in one of the country’s major cities.
• France reports 26,916 new confirmed covid-19 cases over the past 24 hours, from 22,086 on Tuesday. The biggest one-day jump since November when the country was in its second lockdown.
• In Lisbon, Portugal , hospitals are packed with Covid-19 patients and is struggling to meet the oxygen demand. The head of the doctors association has said that Germany has sent military medics to the country to see how they can help.
• As the Euros and the Tokyo Olympics were both pushed for summer this year, the International Olympic Committee president is confident that the games will go on but fans may not due to safety reasons.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have said that the US had administered 24,652,634 doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the country as of Wednesday morning and distributed 47,230,950 doses.

• The Whitehouse coronavirus task force has warned that Americans will have to wait months for a vaccine.
• The singer Engelbert Humperdinck , 84, has tested positive for coronavirus, and asked for “prayers, good energy, love and support” after the virus had “found a way into [his] home.”

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has said on Wednesday that over 1 million people have died from Covid-19 in North and South America.

The Irish deputy prime minister , Leo Varadkar, has said in an interview with Virgin Media television that its “very unlikely” that Irish people will be able to travel outside of the country this summer.

Authorities in Madrid are halting the vaccine roll-out after delays in shipment are threatening supplies in Catalonia, Spanish authorities said.

The suspension is expected to last for two weeks as the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, said last week that there would be a temporary delay in distribution lines across Europe.

Reuters reports:

Spain’s 14-day incidence of the virus hit a record 900 cases per 100,000 people on Wednesday and the Health Ministry reported 40,285 new infections and 492 deaths. Officials in Madrid and Catalonia said at the current pace it would be impossible to reach the national target of 70% of Spain’s 47 million population vaccinated by July. Catalan health secretary Josep Maria Argimon said the region would use up all its stockpile of vaccines in the coming days and will have to administer second shots later than planned due to supply delays, citing an undelivered shipment of the Moderna vaccine scheduled for this week as one example. The affluent northeastern region will issue a new request for 30,000 vaccine doses that it expects to administer starting on Feb. 4, Argimon told a news briefing.

“I don’t like to be the one to break the bad news,” he said. “But I think it’s very unlikely that people will be able to go on foreign holidays this summer even if vaccines turn out to be as effective as we hope they can be,”

Varadkar added that even with the current rules in place, it’s against the law to go on a foreign holiday.

According to a Reuters tally, there have been over 100 million cases and 2.1 million deaths worldwide, with 44 million of those cases coming from the Americas.

PAHO head Carissa Etienne said in a virtual briefing that throughout North America there is growing pressure on hospital capacity where 80% of ICU beds are used for Covid-19 patients.

A similar situation is happening in Brazil, with three-quarters of ICU beds occupied in many Brazilian states.

On Wednesday, Brazil registered 1,283 new Covid-19 related deaths and 63,520 additional new cases, the health ministry said.

Brazil, home to the second-highest number of coronavirus deaths, globally, after the United States, has registered over 220,000 death and nearly 9 million cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Only a few cases of the British and South African mutations have been found, mainly on travellers, and they do not appear to be spreading in the region, according to PAHO but the Amazon variant that has emerged in the Brazilian city of Manaus does appear to have a high transmission rate. PAHO expects the deployment of COVID-19 vaccines made available for poorer countries through the U.N.-led COVAX facility to start in March, with some 164 million doses. The COVAX facility is expected to deploy 2 billion doses worldwide.

The singer Engelbert Humperdinck , 84, has tested positive for coronavirus. The singer asked for “prayers, good energy, love and support” after the virus had “found a way into our home.”

The singers’ agent has said that Humperdinck is currently asymptomatic, and, is staying in his home in Los Angeles, US.

The singer posted on his Twitter account informing his fans about his positive test result saying:

#tuesdaymuseday #prayers #COVID19 1-26-21 Dear Friends, After nearly a year of an abundance of caution and care, Covid has caught up with us and found a way into our home... — Engelbert Humperdinck (@ehumperdinck) January 27, 2021

Now we must not let a positive result bring a negative mindset but I must say I could use your help in this department. We are asking for prayers, good energy, love and support to be sent our way. I usually the start the ball rolling on #tuesdaymuseday but the platform is yours. — Engelbert Humperdinck (@ehumperdinck) January 27, 2021

Every night we do prayers at 8pm for my wife. Now, I have to FaceTime from my room. Last night my daughter flew in with cases of photographs to reflect upon and keep us strong through our recovery. Our son Scott was on FaceTime prayers, our son Jason is in a separate room... — Engelbert Humperdinck (@ehumperdinck) January 27, 2021

but on the 8pm call to God, and our son Brad, who is always here and checking up, is on call with supplies... ready, willing and able to do anything. — Engelbert Humperdinck (@ehumperdinck) January 27, 2021

My biggest “ask” is for my darling wife, Patricia (Popea) She has been through so much and does whatever it takes. She is an unbelievable woman of strength. Please also keep our wonderful caregivers in your prayers. Thank you, Engelbert pic.twitter.com/OATgEabVcJ — Engelbert Humperdinck (@ehumperdinck) January 27, 2021

Humperdinck also represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021 with the song Love Will Set You Free, finishing second-last

Americans will have to wait “months” before everyone who wants a Covid-19 vaccine can get, the White House coronavirus taskforce has warned in its latest briefing, reports David Smith.

Andy Slavitt, the White House senior advisor for Covid told reporters: “Right now, I want to level with the public that we’re facing two constraining factors. The first is getting supply quickly enough and the second is getting the ability to administer the vaccines quickly once they’re produced and sent out to the sites.”

Slavitt added: “We are taking action to increase supply and increase capacity but, even so, it will be months before everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one.”

But President Joe Biden has warned that the pandemic might worsen yet again, after referring to the fight against the virus as a ‘wartime undertaking.’

“Cases will continue to mount,” Biden warned on Tuesday. “It’s going to take months for us to turn things around,” Reuters reports.

As the two biggest sporting events of last year were moved to summer of 2021, International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach, has conceded for the first time that fans may have to miss out on the Tokyo games for safety reasons my colleague, Sean Ingle reports.

While the president is confident that the games will take place, whether or not fans will be able to cheer on their favourite athletes, is yet to be decided.

“Everybody would love to have full-capacity stadia and the roaring crowds,” said Bach. “But if that is not possible, we will respect our principles safety is our first priority.”

Summary of the key developments:

• The British home secretary, Priti Patel , has outlined new rules for tighter border controls amid unprecedented pressure on the UK health service and over 100,000 Covid-19 deaths. The home secretary has said that those who want to leave will need to make a written declaration explaining why they need to travel.
• The Czech health ministry has recommended halting new Covid-19 vaccinations for the next two weeks to prioritise giving second doses due to supply delays.
• Pakistan will launch its Covid-19 vaccination programme next week, starting with frontline health workers, a government minister said on Wednesday. In the past 24 hours, the country has reported 1,563 new infections and 74 deaths.
• The German government has said that they expect to grow its economy by 3% this year, less than previously forecast, as the ongoing pandemic slows economic recovery.
• On a popular resort in Thailand , officials arrested 89 foreigners for violating coronavirus regulations at a party in a bar. Thailand has barred nearly all tourists from entering the country since last April.
• The UK recorded a further 1,725 deaths, up from 1,631 the day before, and a further 25,308 cases of the disease. This is the second-highest daily death toll since the pandemic started, with the highest daily number of deaths recorded on 20 January, 1,820.
• As the pandemic swept across Mexico, deaths increased by nearly 37% between January and August. Covid-19 was the second-leading cause of death nationwide during the eight months, after heart disease.
• The French Cannes 2021 film festival will take place between 6 July and 17 July instead of 11-22 May as initially planned, organisers said in a statement on Wednesday.
• Norway is set to close its borders to all but essential visitors from midnight on Friday local time.
• Pfizer’s production plant in Puurs, Belgium have said that their back on schedule to produce the vaccine. Last week and the start of this week, dose production was 8% lower than initially expected, Le Soir reports.
• On holocaust memorial day, nearly 60 survivors received their Covid-19 vaccination in Bratislava, Slovakia .
• South Africa is expecting its first 1m Covid-19 doses to arrive on Monday, February 1, the health ministers Zweli Mkhize has said.
• Vaccinations in Israel will now be available for all citizens aged 35 and up beginning on Thursday, the health ministry said.

In Lisbon, Portugal , hospitals are packed with Covid-19 patients and is struggling to meet the oxygen demand.

The head of the doctors association has said that Germany has sent military medics to the country to see how they can help.

On Wednesday, the country reported 293 Covid related deaths.

German military medical experts sent to Portugal “will be exploring the situation on the ground and trying to clarify what kind of support is needed and feasible,” a Defence Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday evening, confirming a report in Germany’s Der Spiegel magazine. The Portuguese newspaper Observador said German medical experts had already visited the Fernando Fonseca Hospital and would visit other health centres during their stay. Health Secretary Antonio Lacerda Sales said the government was looking into getting more help from European partners. The problem at Portuguese hospitals is not a lack of oxygen, but the fact that reservoirs cannot provide it at enough pressure to so many patients at once, Order of Doctors head Miguel Guimaraes told Observador radio. “What is happening in these hospitals, and particularly in Lisbon, is that their capacity has been largely overwhelmed... It’s what we call ‘catastrophe medicine’,” he said. Luis Pisco, president of Lisbon’s health authority, told broadcaster RTP that hospitals were working to boost reservoir capacity and improve distribution over the next fortnight.

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Coronavirus: Norway lifts ban on flights from UK

Travellers can land in country from 2 january but will need to get negative covid test, article bookmarked.

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Norway is lifting its ban on flights from the UK after it was introduced to stop the spread of a more contagious variant of the coronavirus .  

The country’s health ministry said the restrictions would be lifted to allow planes to land from 4pm GMT on 2 January.  

Following the lead of other European nations, Norway halted travel from Britain on 21 December following news the new variant of the virus was rapidly spreading.  

Oslo on Thursday announced it would introduce mandatory Covid-19 tests for all people arriving in Norway from abroad as of 2 January, either directly upon arrival or up to 24 hours after.  

Travellers from any point of origin will need to enter the Nordic country at designated entry points where testing is available, with smaller border crossings to be closed, the justice ministry said.  

• Norway vs Israel friendly cancelled over coronavirus fears
• Norway gives quarantine exemption to 2020 Nobel winners
• Travel bans on UK flights, ferries and trains: the essential questions

Prime minister Erna Solberg said at the time: "If this strain should spread in Norway, it will probably mean a full lockdown of society.”  

Norway's 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants was down to 113.6 as of Wednesday, the fourth lowest in Europe behind Iceland, Greece and Finland, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said.  

Additional reporting by Reuters

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