Investigating disturbance of polar bears
The Governor has received several reports of searching of and possible illegal disturbance of polar bears. - We will follow up on tips and have started investigation on a specific case, says vice governor Sølvi Elvedahl.
Published 5/5/2022
Border of Travelers to and from Svalbard
From 6 May, the Governor will have the opportunity to carry out ID control of travelers to and from Svalbard by plane and boat. - To begin with, the inspections will be sporadic, and primarily concentrated on charter flights that come directly to Svalbard from abroad, says Chief Superintendent Stein Olav Bredli.
Published 4/29/2022
Breaking fjord ice is prohibited
The Governor has received reports of breaking fjord ice. According to the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act, this is not permitted.
Published 4/20/2022
Todalen / Gangdalen is closed for snowmobiling
In connection with Svalbard ski marathon, the Governor has decided to close Todalen and Gangdalen for snowmobiling from Friday 22 April at 18.00 to Saturday 23 April at 15.00.
Published 4/13/2022
Questions about weapon applications
The Governor is using extra resources to reduce the case processing time for both applications for the purchase of weapons and loan licenses. As a result, the case processing time is now significantly reduced in most cases. - We prioritize the processing of applications. We therefore do not have the opportunity to use resources to respond to inquiries from individuals about the status of their application, and ask the public not to contact us about this, either by phone or email. We process the applications as quickly as possible, says Police Chief Superintendent Stein Olav Bredli.
Published 3/15/2022
Advice on selv-preparedness
Even though we live in a safe society, unwanted incidents can also occur with us on Svalbard. Then it is important that as many of us as possible are able to manage themselves for at least three days, without access to important resources such as electricity, internet, water and food.
Published 2/24/2022
Driving with snowmobiles on bare ground
In some places in the terrain there is very little snow. The Governor has been notified of driving with snowmobiles on bare ground. We remind you that in Svalbard it is only allowed to drive with tracked vehicles in the terrain where the ground is both frozen and snow-covered. See Regulations relating to motor traffic
Published 2/24/2022
Covid-19 and travel to Svalbard
The Governor asks people who have questions about travel to Svalbard and covid-19, to contact Norwegian health authorities.
Published 2/15/2022
Self-test after arrival Svalbard
Everyone who comes to Svalbard must still take a covid-19 test within 24 hours of arrival. The test must be antigen fast test.
Published 2/2/2022
Easing the rules for testing before travel to Svalbard
The government is easing the rules for travel to Svalbard. Permanent residents of Svalbard, people who are fully vaccinated and people who have undergone covid-19, no longer must be tested before leaving for Svalbard, the government states in a press release. All persons arriving in Svalbard must still be tested for SARS-CoV-2 within 24 hours of arrival. The new rules came into force at 23:00 on Tuesday 1 February.