Due to the corona virus, strict restrictions on freedom of movement have been introduced in the UK, and anyone staying in the UK is expected to follow these rules. Many hotels and shops are closed and new restrictions may arise. For more information about coronavirus, see the entry Entry and Health.
It should be noted that current rules for entry and health care are regulated by the EEA Agreement. This can be changed from 2021. Negotiations between the UK and EU/EEA countries are ongoing. For more information, see the embassy’s website, the government’s Brexit page and information from the UK authorities.
Safety
The big cities in the UK are generally considered safe, and the same can be said for the rest of the country. However, there is a risk of being terrorized wherever you go in the world, and reasonable precautions should be taken.
UK authorities are constantly assessing the threat level. It is based on the likelihood of an attack. For information on the current threat level and what this means see Terrorism and national emergencies. Travelers are encouraged to be attentive and to report suspicious items. In addition, one should follow the news and abide by orders and recommendations from local police and authorities.
Tourists should be aware of a certain risk of pocket theft, especially in large crowds and on the underground. When using an ATM, you should take common precautions such as hiding the code, quickly depositing cash, etc. Traveling in other cities and in the countryside is not associated with greater risk than traveling in Norway.
Norwegian citizens are not required to register for a shorter or longer period in the UK, but are encouraged to register at reiseregistrering.no. Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance and bring their European health insurance card issued by Helfo.
- Local emergency numbers, police, ambulance, fire and rescue: 999.
- Emergency number for the blind and visually impaired: Text phone 18000.
- NHS Non-emergency: 111 (Can be used if you need medical assistance or advice).
In a crisis and emergency, the public is encouraged to contact the Embassy in London at the following contact information:
Royal Norwegian Embassy
25 Belgrave Square
London SW1X 8QD
Phone: 020 7591 5500
Email: emb.london@mfa.no
Outside the embassy’s opening hours, the public can contact the UD’s 24-hour operating center by phone: +47 23 95 00 00 or e-mail: UDops@mfa.no
Entry
Coronavirus (Covid-19): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued travel advice that advises travel that is not strictly necessary for all countries. Nor can Norwegian citizens who travel abroad despite the travel council expect consular assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to return to Norway.
However, if you choose to travel to the United Kingdom, you must follow the British Anti-Virus Rules, which can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus. People who are covid-19 symptomatic must quarantine on arrival. Everyone staying in the UK is expected to follow the current lockdown rules.
There are no other entry restrictions or general quarantine rules, but that may change. Therefore, if you are planning to travel, you must follow www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
It should be noted that many hotels and other accommodation options are closed and that there are several restrictions on staying open. It will still be possible to book accommodation for people traveling to Norway, including in transit. For more information see UK Government Guidance.
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Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
The United Kingdom is not a member of Schengen, so Norwegians need a valid passport for entry. The passport must be valid throughout your stay. Norwegians do not need a visa to enter the UK. Further information can be found here.
If you are traveling to the UK with children, you may be asked to document the affiliation with the child. Further information can be found here.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of the development of the coronavirus. Follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation. Information from the UK authorities can be found on Overview coronavirus (covid-19).
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Health and food hygiene in the UK is much like in Norway. Under the EEA agreement, Norwegians in the UK receive treatment under the National Health Service (NHS) on a par with British citizens. Such treatment is free, except for prescriptions that are paid at a small fee. There are also good private treatment options, but these are expensive. Norwegian citizens are obliged to bring European health insurance card through the use of NHS services. The embassy also recommends having valid travel insurance when traveling to the UK.
For information on Norwegians’ health rights in the UK, see the following links:
- Information on European health insurance card
- Information for residentsand students
- Information for tourists on the websites of UK health authoritiesand no
Contact Helfo if you are wondering if you are entitled to health insurance card or health care coverage on telephone number +47 23 32 70 00.
If you work abroad or stay abroad for more than 12 months, you may lose your membership in the National Insurance Scheme. See information on voluntary membership of the National Insurance Scheme.
See more information on NHS’s website and helsenorge.no.
For official health professional travel advice and health professional guidance when traveling abroad see the Public Health Institute’s website.
Practical information
According to allcitycodes, the area code for calls from Norway to the UK is +44.
The UK is in the GMT time zone.
The mains is 240 volts 50Hz. Electrical equipment designed for 220 volts can be used, but you need an adapter for a UK three pin socket.
London and the larger cities have well-developed public transport networks. In London, the tube is the fastest means of access. You can use contactless credit card or, if applicable, the Oyster card on public transport.
The black London cabs (‘black cabs’) are considered to be completely reliable and are usually praised on the streets. So-called ‘mini-cabs’ (regular cars with a taxi license) usually cover local urban areas and must be booked in advance by telephone. They may vary slightly in quality. Make sure they are licensed. In addition, there are a number of companies that offer transport booked via the app.
Note that taxis in several smaller locations may prefer, or only accept, cash payments.
Businesses are usually open every day from 10am to 5.30pm or 6pm. The large stores and department stores are usually open on Sundays and holidays.