New environmental regulations enters into force on 1 January
Several changes to the environmental regulations on Svalbard will come into force on 1 January 2025. Some of the adopted changes apply to everyone – regardless of whether you are a permanent resident, an individual traveller, a researcher, or engaged in tourism or field activities. Other rule changes specifically target different groups.
Published 12/2/2024
Helicopter inspections of glaciers
This fall, the Governor flew by helicopter over glacier areas where there is a lot of traffic, especially in winter. In addition, the Norwegian Polar Institute has inspected the glacier systems around Ny-Ålesund.
Published 11/12/2024
New routines for buying alcohol in Svalbard
The routines for purchasing quota-regulated alcohol on Svalbard have changed. Permanent residents no longer have to seek permission from the Governor to buy alcohol but must present proof of residence and identification to buy quota-regulated alcohol in Svalbard.
Published 10/28/2024
Self-preparedness week 2024
Self-preparedness week 2024 takes place this week (October 28 – November 3). Updated advice on self-preparedness was launched this spring, where the recommended duration of self-preparedness increases to one week.
Published 9/25/2024
Application for temporary facilities for winter 2024 – 2025
The deadline for applying for temporary facilities for the winter is Wednesday 23 October 2024.
Published 8/23/2024
Hiking in the Svalbard mountains
Recently, there have been landslides in several places in the mountains around Longyearbyen. Hiking close to mountain sides is not recommended. If you are hiking in the outback, you should avoid unstable areas.
Published 7/18/2024
Schengen-visa – Checklist for applications from Svalbard
When you apply for a visa or a residence permit to Norway, you must always hand in a number of supporting documents to the police or embassy. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) has made checklists explaining which documents you need to hand in. We finally have a checklist specifically made for Svalbard.
Published 7/16/2024
Fined for driving on the tundra in a cultural heritage area
The Governor has fined two tourists NOK 20,000 each for driving on the tundra in an automatically protected cultural heritage area in Longyearbyen.
Published 7/9/2024
Fined for not registering tour plans
The Governor has imposed a fine of NOK 100,000 on a French tour operator for failing to give notice of tour plans within eight weeks before the tours started.
Published 7/1/2024
Fined for having disturbed polar bears
Two guides in a French shipping company have been fined NOK 20,000 each for seeking out and disturbing polar bears.