Visas and immigration
The Norwegian authorities do not require a visa for entry to Svalbard, but if you have a visa requirement to enter Norway/the Schengen area, you must have a visa if you travel via Norway/the Schengen Area on your way to or from Svalbard. It's important to ensure that you get a double-entry visa so you can return to the Schengen area (mainland Norway) after your stay in Svalbard.
Foreign nationals wanting to visit Svalbard and need a visa to enter Norway/the Schengen area, must contact the local Norwegian embassy. See www.udi.no for more information.
Requirements for multiple-entry visa for visits to Svalbard
It is important that you apply for 2 or more entries when applying for your visa. This is required because Svalbard is not part of the Schengen area even though Svalbard is part of Norway. If you require a visa to enter the Schengen area, you must also have a visa to return to Norway / the Schengen area when your visit to Svalbard comes to an end. See more information on the UDI webpage: Svalbard - Visa and residence requirements - UDI
Foreign nationals already staying on Svalbard can submit applications for visas to Norway/Schengen area to the Governor.
The Governor also accepts applications for residence and citizenship. These applications are forwarded to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) for processing.
To book an appointment for visa, residence, or citizenship, you must send an e-mail to visum@sysselmesteren.no. This also applies to urgent inquiries. The email must contain the name and nationality of the applicant.
It is important to be aware that even if you come to Svalbard and settle here, this in itself does not give you the right to Norwegian citizenship or residence in mainland Norway.
For advice and guidance in connection with questions concerning Norwegian immigration legislation, please contact the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). See https://www.udi.no/en/contact-us/ for information on phone times, chat, and e-mail to UDI.
Opening hours
To book an appointment for visa, residence or citizenship, you must send an e-mail to visum@sysselmesteren.no.
For general questions about visas and immigration matters, you must contact the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
If your inquiry concerns an application that has already been submitted to the Governor, you can contact us at visum@sysselmesteren.no, or by telephone (+47) 79 02 43 00 during the following opening hours:
- Monday at 10:00 – 14:00