Fox trapping in winter 2022/23
The Governor has now opened for applications for fox trapping for the coming winter. The application deadline is 30 October 2022.
Published 10/7/2022
Captain sentenced for violation of traffic ban
A captain of a foreign sailing boat has been convicted in Nord-Troms and Senja District Court for violating the traffic ban in the Bjørnøya nature reserve. The penalty is a fine of NOK 24,000. In addition, the captain is ordered to pay NOK 3,000 in court costs.
Published 10/6/2022
Requirements for a valid driver's license in Svalbard
The Governor of Svalbard reminds that people with a foreign driver's license that is valid in their home country can use such a driver's license for the relevant motor vehicle group during their entire stay in Svalbard. However, the driver's license must be of the model required by the Vienna Convention of 1968 on road traffic. International driving licenses are not valid in Svalbard.
Published 8/1/2022
New e-mail address for submitting passenger and crew lists
A new email address has been created for submitting passenger and crew lists for flights to Svalbard. The new address is grense.svalbard@politiet.no
Published 7/18/2022
If you find dead birds
On Svalbard, several birds have recently been found to have died of bird flu. Do not touch dead birds. The Governor requests that people who find dead birds or observe birds with abnormal behaviour, sends information to the Governor at firmapost@sysselmesteren.no. with position on where the bird(s) are found and a picture if possible.
Published 7/15/2022
Illegal weapons on ships
A foreign shipping company has brought 50 weapons and a significant amount of ammunition to Svalbard without the necessary permission from the police.
Published 6/16/2022
Are you unsure where there is a traffic ban?
THE SVALBARD MAP is the Norwegian Polar Institute's interactive thematic atlas of Svalbard, which offers a display of a rich range of environmental datasets. Here you can choose between different topics, including traffic which further gives you the digital boundaries of the no-traffic zones in the map. You will find the map here.
Published 6/10/2022
Traffic ban on Mariaholmen, Midterhuksletta and Eholmen
The Governor reminds that on Mariaholmen, Midterhuksletta and Eholmen in Van Mijenfjorden National Park there is a traffic ban between 15 May - 15 August due to wildlife. The prohibition zone extends 100 meters from land. See map in the protection regulations.
Published 6/7/2022
Restraint for all dogs
The Governor remaninds that there is restraint on all of Svalbard for all dog breeds from 15 May to 15 August.
Published 5/18/2022
Investigating disturbance of polar bears
The Governor has received several reports of searching of and possible illegal disturbance of polar bears. - We will follow up on tips and have started investigation on a specific case, says vice governor Sølvi Elvedahl.