Evacuation maintained – traffic ban changes from tonight
From tonight at 23:00, the traffic ban on Road 100 between the school and the intersection at Road 106 will be lifted. At the same time, a traffic ban will be implemented on Road 300 from the intersection at Road 501 and all the way up to Sverdrupbyen. The evacuation in Nybyen will be maintained until further notice.
Published 1/10/2025
Extended evacuation of Nybyen
The Governor has decided to evacuate four more houses on the upper side of Road 100 in Nybyen. In addition, there is now a traffic ban on Road 100 between Longyearbyen School and the intersection at Road 106.
Published 1/10/2025
Partial evacuation and traffic ban on Road 100 and Road 300
Based on professional assessments from Skred AS and the weather forecasts, the Governor has decided to evacuate certain buildings in Nybyen, as well as a building in Sverdrupbyen. A traffic ban is in effect on the scooter route on the east side (upper side) of Road 100 from Longyearbyen School to and including Nybyen. Road 300 will also be closed from the intersection at Huset up to Gruvelageret.
Published 1/6/2025
Test of the Emergency Alert System
On Wednesday 8 January 2025 at 12.00 PM, the Emergency Alert System will be tested on the mobile telephone network throughout Norway, including Svalbard, in a national warning system test.
Published 1/2/2025
Man expelled from Svalbard
The Governor has decided to expel and deport a visiting man from Svalbard due to disorderly conduct. He has also been fined NOK 8,000.
Published 12/5/2024, Last edited 12/11/2024
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.