Requires a negative corona test before travel to Svalbard
The government tightens the rules for entry to Svalbard. A negative result on the corona test taken within 24 hours before departure is required. The test must be completed on the mainland. All travel to Svalbard that is not considered as strictly necessary is discouraged.
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- The spread of the coronavirus and especially the more infectious variants will have serious consequences on Svalbard. We therefore introduce rules on testing before leaving the mainland. By demanding a negative test result before departure, any cases of infection can be handled on the mainland, says Minister of Health and Care Services Bent Høie in a press release.
An assessment will also be made of the need for further measures, such as a stop of serving alcohol.
The new rule concerning testing is based on advice from the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the National Institute of Public Health, and corresponds to the rules for entry into mainland Norway.
The changes will take effect on the night of Friday 29 January.
The Governor does not currently have more information beyond what is stated in the press release, but will post information as soon as we receive more details.
Questions about testing must be directed to the central health authorities.