New regulations on field safety in Svalbard from 1 January
The Field Operation Safety Regulations will come into force on 1 January 2026, and will replace the current regulations on tourism, field trips and other travel activities in Svalbard.
Published 11/26/2025
Opening hours in December
From Monday 1 December, the Governor's Office will have some changes to the opening hours until the New Year. The same applies to visa applications.
Published 11/10/2025
Inspection of glaciers
In September, the Governor, in collaboration with the Longyearbyen Red Cross Corps, carried out a helicopter inspection of some glaciers in Svalbard.
Published 11/7/2025
Fined for breaking sea ice
A captain has been fined NOK 40,000 for breaking sea ice in Tempelfjorden this spring.
Published 8/26/2025
New routines in weapons management: Purchase of weapon
The Governor only processes applications for a permit to purchase firearms for polar bear protection in Svalbard. This applies to Norwegian citizens and foreigners who are registered in the population register in Svalbard. Application forms for the acquisition of weapons are available from the Governor or a weapons dealer.
All applications for the acquisition of firearms and weapon parts for hunting and sport shooting for persons with a registered address on the mainland must be submitted via www.politiet.no.
Published 8/11/2025
Application for temporary facilities for winter 2025-2026
The deadline for applying for temporary facilities for the winter Monday 15 September 2025.
Published 8/8/2025
Program for anniversary celebration 14 August
On Thursday, 14 August, we will celebrate that it is 100 years since Svalbard became part of Norway. The program for the day is now complete.
Published 8/4/2025
Avian influenza detected in arctic foxes in Svalbard
The Norwegian Veterinary Institute has detected highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in four arctic fox pups from an area near the Russian settlement of Barentsburg in Svalbard. This is the first time the virus has been detected in arctic foxes in Norway.
Published 7/11/2025
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Svalbard Act on 14 August
We are celebrating that August 14th marks 100 years since Svalbard became part of the Kingdom of Norway. HRH Crown Prince Haakon, Prime Minister Støre and Minister of Justice Aas-Hansen will attend the celebration.
Published 7/1/2025
Reporting on fish catch and collection of fish heads (anadromous salmonid fish)
We have placed a freezer box by sjøgarasjen opposite the power station for the delivery of fish heads.