News

The Governor reopens public services from 15 June

Due to the Covid 19-situation, the public must, until further notice, book time on telephone number 79024300. Opening hours are 09.00 - 15.00 every weekday.

Published 6/14/2020

Coastal cruises - infection prevention plans are mandatory

Everyone who plans coastal cruises on Svalbard must provide their own infection prevention plans for all aspects of their business. In cooperation between the cruise industry by AECO and the Norwegian authorities, a template has been prepared for this. No one can start coastal cruise operations until the plans have been reviewed by the Governor and Infection Protection Superior in Longyearbyen and they have received feedback.

Published 6/14/2020

Plans for infection prevention operations

Based on an infection prevention guideline, the individual tourism businesses must draw up their own plans for infection prevention responsible operations. Travel companies wishing to start operations in Svalbard from 1 June must submit their plans to the Governor during 24 May. This is according to an agreement between central authorities, the Governor and organized tourism on 18 May. Until the final guideline is ready, the preliminary version must be used.

Published 5/22/2020

Inquiries about holiday trips and tour activities in Svalbard

The Norwegian government decided on 15 May that all tourism companies active in Svalbard must prepare their own concrete plans for how to conduct infection control responsibly before they can start up the activity and receive guests after 1 June. The Governor uses great resources to prepare for the gradual reopening of tourism business in Svalbard. This work is prioritized.

Published 5/22/2020

Foreign citizens who want to travel to mainland Norway

Due to the corona situation, foreign citizens residing in Svalbard will basically not be able to travel to mainland Norway for visits or holidays. This applies to both persons who are subject to visa requirements and nationals of countries with which Norway has an entry agreement and who do not normally need a visa for entry to the mainland, including nationals of EEA countries.

Published 5/22/2020

Government exploring subsidies scheme for non-EU/EEA citizens to return home

The Ministry of Justice and Public Security is exploring a fixed-term scheme for subsidising the return home of foreign employees in Longyearbyen who are without income or means to return to their country of origin.

Published 5/15/2020