Conducting firearm inspections in Longyearbyen
The Governor will conduct firearm inspections of gun owners in Longyearbyen during the dark season. Affected gun owners will be notified at least 3 days before the inspection is carried out.
Published 9/25/2026
Jens Olav Vestgøte Sæther appointed new governor
The government has appointed Chief Public Prosecutor Jens Olav Vestgøte Sæther (58) as the new Governor of Svalbard. He comes from the position of Chief Public Prosecutor at the Oslo Public Prosecutor's Office.
Published 9/9/2026
Large exercise in Longyearbyen 10 September
On Thursday 10 September, there will be a large emergency preparedness and rescue exercise in Longyearbyen. Parts of the exercise will be visible to the public.
Published 9/8/2026
Russian passengers back in Russia
The Governor, in cooperation with the Russian authorities, has assisted in getting the passengers who were supposed to sail on the "Professor Molchanov" back to Russia.
Published 9/2/2026
Russian ship seized in Svalbard
The Governor of Svalbard has today, following an order from the Nord-Troms District Court, arrested the Russian ship "Professor Molchanov" which is docked in Barentsburg. The arrest was carried out after the Nord-Troms District Court granted the Ukrainian company Naftogaz the right to seize the Russian ship.
Published 8/28/2026
In memory of H.M. King Harald V
It is with great sadness that we today, August 28 at 08:35 have received the news of the death of His Majesty King Harald. In cooperation with Longyearbyen Local Council and Svalbard Church, arrangements have been made for the population of Longyearbyen to show their respect.
Published 8/27/2026
Fined for flying a drone in a national park in Svalbard
A visitor has been fined NOK 12,000 for flying a drone in a national park in Svalbard. The fine has been accepted.
Published 8/25/2026
Bird flu detected in yet another polar bear
The Norwegian Veterinary Institute has detected avian influenza in a young polar bear found dead on the northern tip of Spitsbergen. This is the second time the virus has been detected in polar bears in Norway and Europe.
Published 8/13/2026
Fined for disturbing a polar bear
A person has been fined NOK 50,000 for disturbing a polar bear in Svalbard.
Published 6/24/2026
All dogs must be on a leash
The Governor reminds that all dogs in Svalbard must be on a leash from 15 May to 15 August.