Europe
Svalbard and Jan Mayen
High-Arctic archipelago where Longyearbyen is the base for glaciers, polar bears, northern lights and midnight sun. Safe in town, but leaving it needs a guide or firearm. Very expensive.
- CurrencyNOKUS$1 ≈ kr9.62Details
- English4/5Widely spoken
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 112 · Ambulance 113 · Fire 110
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water in Longyearbyen is safe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityNorwegian law applies.Details
- DrivingOn the rightFew roads and no need to drive; snowmobiles require a valid driving licence and usually a guide.
Where to go in Svalbard and Jan Mayen
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LongyearbyenTown | 4/5 | $3,950–5,720 | Feb–Mar, Jun–Aug | — |
When to visit Svalbard and Jan Mayen
March–May for snowmobiling with returning light; June–August for boat trips and midnight sun. Polar night runs mid-November to late January.
Good to know
Entry
- Svalbard is outside Schengen and Norwegian immigration law: no visa is needed for Svalbard itself.
- You transit mainland Norway; if you need a Schengen visa, get a double-entry one so you can return.
- Anyone may live and work here without permits, but you must support yourself; the Governor can turn people away.
- Independent trips outside the main travel area need Governor approval four weeks ahead, plus rescue insurance.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Leaving the settlement requires polar bear protection; disturbing or chasing bears is illegal.
- All traces of human activity from before 1946 are protected; don't touch or take anything.
- Alcohol is rationed: show your flight ticket to buy at Nordpolet.
Etiquette
- Take shoes off at the entrance of hotels, museums and many buildings.
- Never leave town without a guide or polar bear protection.
- Keep well away from wildlife, including reindeer in town.
Tipping
Not expected; service is included.
Sources
- Governor of Svalbard: entry and residence
- Governor of Svalbard: visas and immigration
- Governor of Svalbard: application and registration for trips
- Governor of Svalbard: alcohol rules
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.