Clarification regarding VAT refunds on travel goods
The Governor of Svalbard is in the process of working with the relevant agencies to transfer the task of VAT refunds to the appropriate authority. As part of this, the Governor wishes to remind you of the conditions for using form RD 0032B (VAT refund on goods bought on the mainland and brought up to Svalbard).
Published 1/24/2023
Accepts driving licenses from countries that have joined the Geneva Convention of 1949
The Governor has decided further exception from the driving license requirement for foreign driving licenses in Svalbard. The exception is extended to cover driving licenses for passenger cars/class B, if the driving license is issued in a country that is a party to the Geneva Convention of 1949 or the Vienna Convention of 1968 on road traffic. The driver's license must be valid in the issuing country. The exception in Svalbard applies from today through 31.12.2023.
Published 1/20/2023
Temporary facilities for tourism winter 2023
The Governor of Svalbard has given tourism operators permission for temporary facilities outside the Longyearbyen planning area this winter.
Published 1/16/2023
Introduces fixed application deadlines for research activity on Svalbard
From 2023, the Governor of Svalbard will introduce four fixed application deadlines per year for research activity in Svalbard.
Published 1/12/2023
Record number of criminal cases and criminal case production in 2022
In 2022, the Governor of Svalbard has had the highest number of criminal cases and criminal case production since the year 2000. The reason is not that there are necessarily more people committing criminal offences, but rather an increased presence and more controls carried out by the Governor in the field.
Published 1/2/2023
National weapons amnesty 2023
The government is introducing a weapons amnesty from 1 January to 1 June 2023. In Svalbard, weapons and ammunition can be delivered to the Governor on Mondays and Tuesdays until 1 June.
Published 1/1/2023
Polar bears back at Hiorthhamn
The two polar bears are back at Hiorthhamn. The Governor assesses the situation continuously and asks the public to stay away from the area.
Published 12/30/2022
The polar bears have left Hiorthhamn
The two polar bears that have been at Hiorthhamn for the past few days are now in Mälardalen and will hopefully leave the immediate area.
Published 12/28/2022
Polar bear observed
The Governor has certain observation of polar bears at Hiorthhamn and encourages the public to stay away from the area. The Governor monitors the situation.
Published 12/28/2022
Possible observation of polar bear
The Governor has received a report about a possible sighting of a polar bear at Hiorthhamn this morning. The Governor is now trying to locate the bear and asks the public to be very careful out in the field.