Regulations and travel restrictions

Research and educational institutions are obliged to familiarise themselves with the laws and regulations of Svalbard and must comply with the regulations in all their activities.

Published 6/20/2019, Updated 1/15/2025

New environmental regulations from 1 January 2025

Several changes to the environmental regulations on Svalbard came into effect 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.

Laws and regulations

The Svalbard Environmental Protection Act Leirforskriften Motor traffic in Svalbard Tourism regulations The use of drones Aircrafts and helicopters Ny-Ålesund/Kongsfjorden Dogs to Svalbard Alcohol regulations on Svalbard

Maps

Areas with access restrictions Cultural heritage sites with ban on traffic Snowmobile areas for visitors Snowmoble areas for residents Areas on Nordenskiøldland with ban on snowscoter traffic Motor traffic Svalbard - rules for permanent residents and visitor Motor traffic Svalbard - speed restrictions near bird cliffs