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.
Published 6/26/2024
Opening hours in July
The Governor’s office is open to the public at 10:00-13:00 in July.
Published 6/21/2024
Report the discovery of dead birds and animals
The Governor asks that people who find dead birds or animals notify us with the location of the birds or animals and photos.
Published 6/13/2024
Fined 1,000,000 for having sailed with heavy fuel oil
A foreign shipping company has been fined NOK 1 million for having sailed one of its ships with heavy fuel oil on board within the territorial waters around Svalbard, which is a breach of the Svalbard Environment Act. In addition, the captain has been fined NOK 30,000.
Published 6/11/2024
E-bikes only permitted on roads
The Governor of Svalbard has the following reminder for the use of bicycles, electric bicycles and dog sleds in the terrain.
Published 6/3/2024
Fire case dismissed
The Governor has dismissed the fire case in road 232-36 on 4 February 2024. The case has been dismissed because no criminal charges have been proven.