Firearms


Due to the polar bear threat on Svalbard, anyone travelling outside the settlements must be equipped with suitable means of scaring off polar bears. The office of the Governor of Svalbard also recommends carrying firearms with you. The processing time for all types of firearms applications is up to 4 weeks.

Published 5/31/2019, Updated 5/15/2024

Carrying loaded firearms in the settlement area of Longyearbyen is forbidden. Firearms must be carried so that everyone can see that they are empty of ammunition. You are not allowed to bring firearms into shops or public buildings.

Note: Weapons are handed in ONLY by agreement.
The time for handing in is agreed with the weapons administration at the Governor's Office.

The weapon must be empty of ammunition and packed in a case etc., upon submission.

It is requested that a vital part of the weapon, breech block/slide/forarm etc., is not "mounted" when submitted.

Any weapon-related questions must be sent to firmapost@sysselmesteren.no