News

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

Repeals the quarantine order for permanent residents today

The Governor repeals the home quarantine order for permanent residents in Svalbard from today at 18.00. In accordance with the government's guidelines, the Governor will open for leisure travellers to Svalbard from 1 June 2020.

Published 5/15/2020

Working on setting a specific date for limited opening of tourism

Efforts are being made to set a specific date for when Svalbard can again welcome tourists from the Norwegian mainland and for when the quarantine for travellers to Svalbard can be lifted. - The tourism industry in Svalbard has now been given the responsibility to prepare guidelines and concrete plans for how to operate in an infection control responsible manner, says Governor Kjerstin Askholt.

Published 5/7/2020