New procedures for alcohol cards
The Governor introduces new procedures for ordering alcohol purchase permits (so-called "alcohol cards") for new residents to Svalbard, with effect from 1 July 2023. The new procedures only apply to new residents, not to those who already have an alcohol card on 1 July 2023.
Published 6/26/2023
Public consultation: Land-use plan Ny-Ålesund 2023-2033
Kings Bay AS announces a public consultation of the proposed land-use plan for Ny-Ålesund 2023-2033. The hearing deadline is 25 August 2023.
Published 6/9/2023
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.
Published 5/21/2023
Still a risk of wet snow avalanches, but low risk for them reaching roads and buildings
Based on the weather conditions over the past 24 hours and the weather forecast, there is still a risk of wet snow avalanches, but there is a low risk of such avalanches reaching roads and buildings according to NGI.
Published 5/20/2023
Increased risk of wet snow avalanches in Longyearbyen
Based on avalanche expert advice from the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), the Governor will urge the public to exercise caution along Roads 100 and 300 as there is an increased risk of wet snow avalanches (see the map).
Published 4/27/2023
The Norwegian Maritime Authority increases supervision in Svalbard
From May to August, inspectors from the Norwegian Maritime Authority will be present to supervise vessels calling at ports on Svalbard.
Published 3/20/2023
The Norwegian Customs Service takes over responsibility for the VAT refund form in Svalbard
From 1 April 2023, there will be a change in routines for stamping VAT refund forms in Svalbard.
Published 3/15/2023
Man killed in scooter accident
An American citizen died on an organized snowmobile trip today.
Published 2/2/2023
Snowmobile traffic in a snowmobile-free area
The Governor reminds that only permanent residents of Svalbard are allowed to drive snowmobiles until 1 March in the snowmobile-free area marked in green on map A in the Regulations on motor traffic in Svalbard.
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.