Jonas Nilsson from Charlottenberg has worked as a manager in a grocery store in Norwegian Magnor for six years.

Just over a mile - back and forth across the border every working day. Now it is different.

- When I commute to work, I have to show the passport and a certificate that I work in Norway. It felt unusual at first. I've never thought of it as a frontier before.

Required documents

After Norway closed its borders a little over a month ago, special reasons are required for foreigners who want to enter the country.

The 14,000 Swedes who live in Sweden but have their permanent place of work in Norway are allowed to pass, but they must have documents proving that they have work in the neighboring country.

- The phones have gone hot. There are many questions right now. We are used to just being able to cross the border, ”says Kjell Olsen at the Swedish-Norwegian information center Border Service.

Forced to trade in Norway

Some who, on the other hand, cannot cross the border are the thousands of Norwegians who normally trade in Sweden. Sales in the largest shopping malls at the border have decreased by between 80 and 90 percent.

In the Norwegian store where Jonas Nilsson is the manager, however, it is full speed. Sales have increased by up to 70 percent in Kiwi Group's stores at the border.

- We have had to increase staff and bring in extra help. We especially see an increase in border goods. It is unusual, says Jonas Nilsson.