🐻❄️ Svalbard: safety basics & why "only with guides" is smart 🧭
This overview is not a substitute for official rules/instructions. Special nature conservation and safety regulations apply in Svalbard; before setting out, check the requirements of the Sysselmesteren (Governor of Svalbard) and avalanche/weather warnings.
"Green zone" = within settlements (Longyearbyen/Barentsburg/Ny-Ålesund)
● Within Longyearbyen and other settlements, you can walk in inhabited areas and on lit paths, but bears may appear in the town — please be careful. Loaded weapons are prohibited within Longyearbyen and may only be carried if clearly unloaded; weapons may not be brought into shops or public buildings.
● Outside settlements, it is mandatory to have bear deterrents; the Governor also recommends carrying a firearm (we do not provide details on its use).
Quick reference: The central areas of Spitsbergen (Isfjorden with Longyearbyen/Barentsburg/Ny-Ålesund) are Forvaltningsområde 10 ("management area 10"). For trips outside this area, route notification and SAR insurance are mandatory (see below).
Requirements for leaving settlements: what the Governor says
● Notification and insurance (SAR). If you are travelling independently outside Zone 10, submit an electronic notification form in advance and take out insurance covering search and rescue and medical evacuation costs (standard travel insurance does not usually cover SAR). The insurance must be valid for +2 weeks after the planned return date. After the trip, submit a short report.
● Camps and duty. Long-term camping (a week or more in one place) requires permission. In camps, a bear watch and perimeter protection measures are mandatory.
● Distances to bears — new since 2025. Minimum 300 m year-round and 500 m between 1 March and 30 June; if encountered closer, retreat is mandatory. Disturbing/luring/pursuing bears is prohibited.
● Drones/landings. From 2025, environmental regulations will be tightened: drones will be banned in protected areas and restrictions will be imposed on tourist group landings in a number of nature reserves. Check the latest maps and exceptions.
Deterrents (no weapon training required)
● The law requires you to have appropriate deterrents (signalling/lighting devices, etc.) when leaving settlements; weapons are recommended by the Governor. For details on storage/transport and entry into buildings, see the official rules. Independent use is only possible if you have the necessary skills and legal grounds.
● Observation etiquette: there are no "bear safaris" in Svalbard — searching for/stalking bears is prohibited; do not publish the exact locations of dens/encounters. Organised tours observe distances and procedures.
Photo etiquette and "red lines"
● Do not approach (less than 300 m/500 m in spring), retreat immediately, do not drive animals towards water/ice.
● Drone photography in protected areas is prohibited; local restrictions apply in other areas. See the latest publications from the Governor/Government.
Communication, plan B and insurance
● Emergency number — 112 (also available in the header of the Governor's pages). For satellite calls, use the international prefix +47. VHF does not cover everything; satellite communication and a beacon are standard for long-distance trips.
● The Governor's helicopters use the Lifeseeker system (phone search even without coverage). It is recommended to keep your phone on and have a power bank. This is a supplement, not a replacement for satellite communication/inReach.
● Avalanches. Regional warnings for Svalbard are published on Varsom (winter/spring). Follow the reports for the regions "Svalbard vest/øst/sør".
Why "only with guides" is a good idea
Local providers:
● are familiar with ice/avalanche windows, terrain and "weather traps";
● carry safety equipment (including bear protection, communication devices, first aid kits) and observe distance/landing rules;
● take out insurance/notifications for tours. Visit Svalbard strongly recommends that guests travel in an organised manner.
How to choose a guide and tour level
● Within settlements: walking city tours, museums, viewpoints (minimal risks, but remain vigilant).
● Isfjorden day trips: boat/snowmobile tours depending on weather and season (operators will agree on routes/disembarkation points in advance).
● Expeditions (multi-day): only with providers that clearly state their safety procedures, communication methods and cancellation policy. A list of activity providers is available on Visit Svalbard.
Where is relatively safe within the city limits
● Longyearbyen: stay within the planned boundaries of the settlement (residential areas/centre/waterfront). Beyond the "bear danger" signs, you are in the wilderness. Loaded weapons are prohibited within the settlement.
● Barentsburg/Ny-Ålesund: general city regulations apply within the built-up area; outside the built-up area, the rules for wilderness areas apply (see above). Map 10 shows the main settlements in central Spitsbergen.
FAQ
Within settlements — yes (with reservations). Outside settlements, you will need deterrents, expertise and, for independent trips outside Zone 10, a route notification and SAR insurance ( ). For almost all visitors, organised tours are safer and easier.
At a minimum, bear deterrents; the governor recommends weapons (carry/storage rules are available on the official website). For camps, have someone on duty and protect the perimeter. Plus, communication (satellite phone/inReach), maps, and a power supply.
Within the settlement: streets/main trails. But remember: bears can appear in the city — stay alert, follow the reports and instructions of local services.
