Temporary change to regulation on motor traffic in Svalbard
The Governor of Svalbard has decided to temporarily change the regulation on motor traffic in Svalbard. The changes will apply until 1 June 2024. The background for the regulation is the need to protect habitats and avoid disturbance of ice-dependent species.
Published 2/23/2024
Amendments to environmental regulations in Svalbard
The Norwegian Government has adopted several amendments to the environmental regulations in Svalbard. The purpose is to protect wildlife, and one of the largest wilderness areas left in Europe. The amendments entry into force 1 January 2025.
Published 2/20/2024
Record number of criminal cases in 2023
In 2023, the Governor of Svalbard had the highest number of criminal cases since 2001. The reason is an increase in supervision and controls in the field. In the long term, we hope that the number of criminal cases will decrease, says Governor Lars Fause.
Published 2/15/2024
Illegal drone flight resulted in a fine of NOK 12,000
The Governor has imposed a fine of NOK 12,000 on a tourist after an illegal drone flight in the centre of Longyearbyen. The fine has been accepted.
Published 2/15/2024
Avalanche exercise 17 February
This coming Saturday the Governor of Svalbard, together with the Longyearbyen Red Cross Rescue Corps and Norwegian Rescue Dogs Svalbard, will conduct an avalanche exercise near Longyearbyen. There will be helicopter traffic and emergency personnel in the terrain.
Published 2/14/2024
Sysselmesterens time 2024
The Governor of Svalbard would like to invite guides and tour operators in Svalbard to the annual "Sysselmesterens time" event. The event will be held in auditorium Lassegrotta at UNIS on Thursday 29 February at 19:00-21:00.
Published 2/9/2024
Hearing on temporary changes to the Motor Traffic Regulations
The Governor submits for consultation a proposal for a temporary amendment to Section 8 of the regulation on motor traffic in Svalbard. The proposed changes include traffic on the sea ice in the areas of Billefjorden, Tempelfjorden and Dicksonfjorden. The hearing deadline is 23 February.
Published 2/7/2024
Snowmobiling in a snowmobile-free area
Only permanent residents of Svalbard are allowed to drive snowmobiles in the snowmobile-free area until 1 March. Visitors can be passengers but cannot drive their own scooter in the area.
Published 2/4/2024
Fire under control
The fire service now has control of the fire in road 232 and on Sunday evening some of the evacuees can move back.
Published 2/4/2024
80 people evacuated from road 232
The fire service is still working to extinguish the fire.