News | Governor of Svalbard

Extends the quarantine provisions for travellers from the mainland

Longyearbyen Community Council and the Governor of Svalbard continue the provision of 14 days home quarantine for all visitors coming from the mainland. Businesses can apply for exemptions of the quarantine provisions for some people.

Published 3/25/2020

Stops demolition work in Lia

Due to the weather forecast, with snow and increasing winds from the southeast until tomorrow morning, the Governor in consultation with Skred AS has decided to halt the demolition work in Lia for the time being. It is not currently necessary to evacuate people living in Lia and Nybyen. The Governor follows the situation and will make a new assessment together with Skred AS tomorrow morning. - We ask people to follow us on our website and on Facebook, says Governor Kjerstin Askholt.

Published 3/23/2020

Government with benefit scheme for foreign workers in Longyearbyen

The Norwegian government announces a fixed-term benefits scheme for foreign employees in Longyearbyen whose income is suspended due to the current corona virus epidemic. - This is good, says Governor Kjerstin Askholt.

Published 3/20/2020

Home quarantine for everyone who comes to Svalbard

The Governor has decided that all travellers to Svalbard arriving in Ny-Ålesund, Barentsburg, Pyramiden, Svea and Hornsund will be placed in home quarantine for 7 days after arrival. The Longyearbyen Local Council has previously decided that everyone who comes to Longyearbyen should be imposed home quarantine.

Published 3/20/2020

Exception from Regulations on expulsion

Foreign nationals residing permanently in Svalbard can now pass through the Norwegian mainland when traveling from abroad to Svalbard.

Published 3/19/2020

Exemption from home quarantine in Longyearbyen

You can apply for community-critical key personnel to be exempt from required home quarantine for 14 days after arriving in Longyearbyen. The exception only applies when this is strictly necessary to maintain the proper operation of critical social functions. In addition, exceptions may be made for persons who have been in home quarantine for 14 days on the mainland. Apart from this, no exemptions are granted from these provisions. Se more information on Longyearbyen lokalstyre's website.

Published 3/18/2020