New regulation on field safety in Svalbard – guides must be approved

“It is important that tourism in Svalbard is developed as much as possible in accordance with the overarching objectives of Svalbard policy. The new field safety regulation is one of several measures intended to lead the development of tourism and other field activities in Svalbard in the desired direction,” states Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen.

Both tourism and other travel in Svalbard have increased significantly in recent years.

The regulation therefore introduces an approval scheme for Svalbard guides. It is the first of its kind in Norway. 

“This scheme will enhance safety for both vulnerable nature and tourists. It will also create more equal competition conditions through quality assurance of the guides’ competence,” says Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth.

Climate change has increased significantly in recent years, creating new challenges. There is a need for updated and adapted regulations, and changes have been made in line with input from the consultation process.

Government has chosen to accommodate a particular local request to retain the system formerly known as Management Area 10, where many of the requirements of the regulation only apply outside of the the Isfjord area, and a limited area around Ny-Ålesund, henceforth referred to as the area of travel.

Considerations of safety and emergency preparedness, in regards to Svalbard’s location, vast distances, and challenging climate, as well as the high environmental objectives for the region, have been central to the development of the regulation.

“The purpose of the regulation is to ensure that activities are planned and carried out in a way that safeguards the safety of tourists, other participants, and company employees. This will create better experiences for tourists while also reducing the strain on vulnerable nature,” Aas-Hansen adds.

The field safety regulation will replace the current regulation on tourism, field arrangements, and other travel activities in Svalbard from 1991. To allow sufficient time for adaptation to the new rules, the regulation will enter into force on January 1, 2026, and the requirement to use Svalbard guides will apply from July 1, 2027.

The new regulation codifies existing law and practice in several areas, but also introduces some new elements.

Key elements of the new field safety regulation:

• Introduction of an approval scheme for Svalbard guides and a requirement to use such guides in tourism and field activities.

• Introduction of the definition “field activity.”

• Requirement for permits for travel, activity, or stays related to tourism, field activities, and research and education activities, along with rules for application deadlines.

• Introduction of internal control requirements for tourism, field activities, and research and education activities.

• Standardization and simplification of the insurance system.

• Introduction of mandatory insurance and requirements for carrying communication equipment for research and education activities conducted outside the travel area.

• Reporting obligation to the Svalbard Tax Office for tourism and field activities.