Approval of Svalbard guides

From 01.07.2027, the use of approved Svalbard guides is required when traveling or engaging in activities outside inhabited areas, cf. Section 10 of the Field Operation Safety Regulations.

The requirement to use approved Svalbard guides applies to tourist activities and field activities.

Courses and learning requirements  

The Governor of Svalbard has prepared courses and learning requirements required for approval as a Svalbard guide.

This curriculum can be found here as a downloadable PDF.

There are two levels of guide – and you can apply for approval as either a summer guide or a winter guide. Winter guide is the highest level and automatically grants approval as a summer guide.

The approval scheme is structured in three parts. The first part is a digital and theoretical introduction to the various topics. The digital course covers the basic learning objectives for knowledge and is carried out in a separate course portal administered by the Governor of Svalbard. There will be a separate link to this portal from the Governor's website.

The second part of the approval scheme consists of practical courses, and functions as an in-depth study of the various subjects and includes both the skill objectives and objectives for general competence. Course providers can apply to become approved providers of courses that are part of the approval scheme. It is also possible to apply for approval as a Svalbard guide with courses that have not been pre-approved by the Governor. Persons who have not completed a pre-approved course must submit documentation of completed and passed courses, stating the course organizer, subject area, a short description of the course content, course date and duration.

The third part is a field course with a final assessment and is based on the competence that the candidate has acquired through the digital and practical part. Passing a winter field course automatically grants approval for the summer, but not vice versa.  

Transitional arrangement for experienced guides

As a transitional provision, experienced guides may apply to the Governor for an exemption from the requirements for an application for approval.

Exemption may be granted to guides who:
- have guided a minimum of 1500 hours over the past three years, and
- have, in the Governor's discretion, experience that meets the competence objectives set out in Section 11 of the Field Safety Regulations.

An application for an exemption must be submitted to the Governor by 1 January 2027.

We will provide further information on applications under this scheme.