Rules and Regulations

The information below supplements that given in Chapter Norway, 3. Rules and Regulations. Some of those rules also apply to Svalbard.

Norway has full sovereignty over Svalbard under the 1920 Svalbard Treaty. The territory is administered by the Governor of Svalbard (Sysselmesteren), based in Longyearbyen.

Although Svalbard is part of the Kingdom of Norway, it is not fully integrated into Norway and is a demilitarised zone. The Svalbard Treaty was signed by 48 nations, all of which are granted specific rights, largely reflecting historical economic activity, particularly mining.

Immigration

Svalbard is not part of the Schengen area, but passport requirements are the same as for mainland Scandinavia and no additional visa is required. Time spent in Svalbard does not count towards the Schengen 90-days-in-180 limitation.

Customs

There is no customs clearance on arrival in Svalbard. However, vessels are required to clear customs on return to mainland Norway. Normal import limits for alcohol and tobacco apply when re-entering Norway.

Search and Rescue Insurance

All yachts travelling outside Management Area 10 must have approved Search and Rescue (SAR) insurance. Management Area 10 covers only Van Mijenfjorden, Isfjorden, and Kongsfjorden, so most cruising plans require SAR insurance to be arranged before leaving the mainland.

A travel plan must be submitted to the Governor before arrival in Svalbard. Based on this plan, the Governor will specify the level of SAR cover required. This process should be started several months in advance to allow time for assessment and for insurance or guarantees to be arranged.

SAR insurance options include:

PJ Hayman & Co: Travel insurance with SAR cover. Available only to UK residents under 69 years of age.
Europeiske: SAR cover available. Policy details are in Norwegian. International travellers are accepted and there is currently no upper age limit.
Pantaenius: SAR cover is available under their Personal Accident Policy for existing clients.
Garmin: The Governor has reportedly accepted this cover on at least one occasion. Each crew member must be insured individually.

As an alternative, the Governor may accept a bank guarantee equal to the required SAR amount.

Polar Bears (Isbjørner)

There are an estimated 2,500–3,000 polar bears in Svalbard, and they are strictly protected. Encounters are possible anywhere and anytime in the archipelago.

Polar bear sightings in or near Longyearbyen, must be reported to 112 immediately

Polar bears are curious, relatively fearless, and highly unpredictable. A bear may move rapidly from curiosity to aggression without warning. Signs of stress may include flattened ears, turning away, hanging lips, or yawning. Increased aggression may be shown by foot stamping, growling, or short charges. However, bears may also charge without displaying any of these signs.

Polar bears can move extremely fast on land and may swim faster than a low-powered dinghy. They are accustomed to leaping from the water onto ice floes to catch seals, and a jump onto the deck of a small boat or sugar-scoop stern is well within their capability.

The danger is real. In 2020, a Dutch visitor was killed by a polar bear while camping near Longyearbyen. In 1995, a young woman was killed while hiking above the town.

Polar Bear Protocol

Polar bears have been protected from hunting in Svalbard since 1973, and any form of harassment is a serious offence. Shooting a bear in self-defence would be a tragedy and must only be considered when there is no other way to protect human life. Significant fines have been imposed where shootings were judged avoidable. In general, shots taken at distances greater than about 30 m are likely to be considered unjustified. Maintaining a good lookout, especially in broken terrain, is essential. If a polar bear is seen, leave the area calmly but promptly. Do not run, and never approach a bear, even to take photographs.

New distance regulations came into force on 1 January 2025. A minimum distance of 500 m must be kept between 1 March and 30 June, and 300 m during the rest of the year. If a bear is detected closer than these limits, you are legally required to withdraw to re-establish the correct distance.

Protection of property is normally not accepted as justification for shooting, although limited exceptions may exist. The regulations state:

“Animals may be killed where this is considered necessary to eliminate an immediate risk to a person’s life or health or to prevent substantial material damage.”

If a bear must be shot, the chest or shoulder is the preferred aiming point, as the head is relatively small. A follow-up shot should be fired immediately, and firing should continue until death is certain. Polar bears have a very slow metabolism, and their heart may continue beating for some time even after fatal injury.

Any shooting of a polar bear must be reported to the Governor without delay. All parts of the carcass become state property, and every killing is investigated by the authorities.

Polar Bear Deterrence And Protection

The risk of polar bear encounters is taken very seriously by the authorities. When moving outside settlements, it is mandatory to carry a suitable firearm and approved deterrents.

Bear spray is not permitted.

Deterrents

Approved deterrents include flare guns and thunder flashes. Flare guns are unlicensed in Norway and may be purchased by anyone over 18. They serve both as polar bear deterrents and maritime distress signals.

Practice with flare guns is strongly recommended. Cartridges may bounce before detonating and could accidentally drive a bear towards the user. Polar bears are familiar with gunshot-like noises from life on pack ice, and visual flashes may be more effective than sound alone.

The Governor recommends trip wires connected to flares around campsites. Similar arrangements can be used around a dinghy while ashore. Carrying a small backup inflatable or SUP may prevent being stranded if the primary dinghy is damaged.

Rifles and Shotguns

Foreigners may not purchase firearms in Norway or Svalbard, but firearms may be:

Brought in temporarily
Rented from a licensed agent
Borrowed from a private individual

Each option requires advance planning and documentation.

Approved firearm specifications include:

Rifles in .308 or .30-06
Expanding bullets of at least 10 g and 2200 J at 100 m
Shotguns of 12 gauge or larger, using slugs

Automatic weapons, semi-automatic assault rifles, and large pistols are prohibited, except for certain residents of Svalbard.

Bringing Your Own Firearm

Some countries require permission to export a firearm. Check local regulations well in advance.

With a European Firearms Passport you may temporarily import your personal firearm into Norway and Svalbard.
Without a European Firearms Passport you must apply to Norwegian Police for a temporary import permit at least two months before arrival. Firearms must be declared to Customs on entry.

Renting a Firearm in Longyearbyen

Firearms can be rented in Longyearbyen. If you choose this option, both your first and last time ashore must be in Longyearbyen, and your itinerary and routes need to be planned accordingly.

With a European Firearms Passport you may rent a firearms on presentation of your passport and firearms passport.
Without a European Firearms Passport you must apply to the Governor for permission to rent a firearm.

Licensed agents in Longyearbyen rent firearms and deterrents for polar bear protection:

Borrowing a Firearm from a Private Individual

Holders of a European Firearms Passport may legally borrow a firearm from a private individual in Norway or Svalbard. Documentation from Norwegian Police is required.

Whichever route you choose, the process should begin many months before departure.

Environmental Concerns

The landscape and ecology of Svalbard are extremely fragile, with little vegetation to hide damage. Plant growth is very slow, so any disturbance to the ground can remain visible for many years.

While some areas have already suffered serious damage, in some cases recently and through authorised activities, most regions away from the few settlements remain largely untouched.

Great effort is therefore made to prevent further damage and, where possible, to repair existing impacts. Official policy aims to discourage mass tourism and to control and concentrate visitor activity. Regulations are intended to ensure that visitors leave no trace.

An environmental fee is charged for each person on board and is paid into the Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund.

It is important that sailors follow these rules closely. Every breach of regulations or incident requiring official intervention increases the risk of stricter controls, which could limit future recreational access to Svalbard.

When applying to visit Svalbard, the Governor will provide a full list of environmental regulations in force at the time, including current area restrictions. The main points are summarised below.

Animals and nests must not be disturbed. Arctic terns can be aggressive when defending nests. Holding a stick overhead can provide a distraction, but striking at birds is prohibited.

Large parts of Svalbard are subject to access restrictions, including all areas outside Management Area 10 and all of Bjørnøya. Trespassing can result in substantial fines. Of particular importance to boat crews are the following exclusions:
- Within 300 m of Moffen between 15 May and 15 September
- Within 500 m of Kong Karls Land all year
- Within 1 nautical mile of the south coast of Bjørnøya between 1 April and 1 September for vessels over 40 ft(passage to seek shelter in an emergency is permitted)

Some cultural heritage sites are completely closed to traffic. In other locations, access to historic remains may be restricted while anchoring is still allowed. Special permission may be granted by the Governor to visit sites such as Virgohamn. All artefacts or traces of earlier human activity, including old whale or walrus bones, must be left in place. Any objects dating from before 1946 are protected by law.

Drones

The use of drones in Svalbard is strictly regulated and actively enforced. Fines are substantial and drones have been confiscated.

Flying drones is prohibited:

Within 5km of the airport of Longyearbyen;
Within 20km of Ny-Ålesund, which means it is prohibited throughout Kongsfjorden;
In protected areas;
Within 500 m of bird cliffs between 1 April and 31 August;
Within 12nm off the shore at Bjørnøya