Tour operators are required to notify the Governor about planned activities in Svalbard well in advance of every season and, at the very least, a month before the activities are publicised.

Such notification has to include certain pieces of information. A "notification guide for tour operators" is available from the Governor's office.

Compulsory adjustments

Please note that the Governor is entitled to demand that you make adjustments to, or alter, the details of your programme (marketing, transport, equipment etc.) if this is deemed necessary so that your programme, on its own or in collaboration with other enterprises,

• ensures the safety of the participants;
• protects the environment of Svalbard;
• respects the local communities and their culture;
• complies with current legislation.

The Governor may even forbid planned tours or activities, or the completion of them, if his demands or other provisions in the "Regulations relating to tourism and other travel" have not being complied with.

Insurance

Tour operators are required to take out an insurance or produce a bank guarantee for expenses incurred for potential search or rescue operations (SAR) or transport of patients in connexion with activities in Svalbard. The Governor determines the amount to be insured on the basis of information you supply in your notification.

Documentation confirming the existence of your SAR insurance (or bank guarantee) should be sent or delivered to the Governor before activities can be initiated. A copy of the insurance contract (or the original bank guarantee) in Norwegian or English is accepted as valid documentation.