How to get a visa for Norway/Svalbard?
Foreign nationals residing in Svalbard can submit applications for a visa for Norway/the Schengen area at The Governor of Svalbard. The Governor has the authority to make decisions in visa cases.
How many countries can you visit with a Svalbard passport?
The Svalbard passport citizens can visit 125 countries. See a visual map of visa requirements on the world map. Find the capital, languages and currencies used. Svalbard is part of Northern Europe, Europe with main city at Longyearbyen. Its Developed country with a population of 3K.
How can I get help with immigration to Svalbard?
The Governor of Svalbard can provide advice and guidance with respect to Norwegian immigration legislation. You can also get application forms for the various permits here, e.g. permission to study on the mainland. The Governor has the authority to make decisions on visa matters.
Which countries offer free visa for Svalbard?
Netherlands tourist visa is free for Svalbard passport holders. Netherlands is part of Western Europe, Europe with main city at Amsterdam. Its Developed country with a population of 17M. The languages typically spoken are Dutch. The main currency is Euro. Ireland tourist visa is free for Svalbard passport holders.
Can anyone go to Svalbard?
Svalbard located on far north, welcomes anyone in the world with open arms, what makes it unique is there is no visas required and has open borders. Svalbard is a part of Norway, prior to 1925 known as Spitsbergen. The Svalbard Treaty of 1920 established full Norwegian sovereignty over the archipelago.
Is Svalbard a Schengen country?
Svalbard is not part of the Schengen co-operation, and foreigners need neither a visa nor a work or residence permit to stay on Svalbard. However, a visa for the Schengen area is required when travelling via the Norwegian mainland.
Can you go to Svalbard without a passport?
Do I need a visa, passport or other travel documents to enter Svalbard? All visitors to Svalbard must present either a passport or national ID card. This applies to Norwegian citizens and visitors from other countries.
How long can I stay in Svalbard?
Difference Between The Tourist Visa And Digital Nomad VisaDigital Nomad VisaTourist VisaCan be issued for a lifetime.It can be issued for only 30 days.Extensions are possible.Extensions are not possible.Issued for remote work purposes.Issued for travel purposes only.1 more row
How much money do you need to live in Svalbard?
The cost of living in Svalbard is approximately the same as in the rest of Norway. Stipulated costs for accommodation and food is approximately NOK 10 000 per month.
What is minimum wage in Svalbard?
6,610 NOK per monthMinimum wage Salaries in Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands range from 6,610 NOK per month to 117,000 NOK per month.
Is there a visa free country?
Qatar: Qatar, a country located in Western Asia also allows Indian citizens to visit the country visa-free. Indian nationals are permitted to stay in the country for a period of up to 30 days without the visa.
Is Svalbard open for tourists?
The Tourist Information is now open: The phone is open from 09:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Friday, and from 10:00 to 17:00 from Saturday to Sunday.
Which country owns Svalbard?
the Kingdom of NorwayAlthough Svalbard belongs to the Kingdom of Norway, two settlements in the archipelago are mostly populated by Russians and Ukrainians. Around 450 people live in the modern mining community of Barentsburg, while fewer than 10 live in the Soviet ghost town of Pyramiden.
Is it worth going to Svalbard?
But despite the significant costs involved and the time it takes to get there, Svalbard is 100% worth a visit. The scenery is spellbinding, and the islands offer you the chance to enjoy experiences that few other destinations can offer.
Do they speak English in Svalbard?
The official language is Norwegian. However, nearly everyone speaks English. In Barentsburg, Russian and Ukrainian are spoken.
What is the best time to visit Svalbard?
May - September These summer months are the best time to go to Svalbard. This is the warmest time to visit, and most suited to some of the outdoor activities you can enjoy such as snowmobile tours, skiing, dog sledding, hiking, and boat tours.
Which countries are under Schengen?
These countries are: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
Which EU countries are not in Schengen?
The Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom are EU members who opted out of joining the Schengen Area. Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus are also EU members who plan to become Schengen countries but are not at present....Four non-EU states form part of the Schengen Area:Iceland.Liechtenstein.Norway.Switzerland.
Which country is the easiest to get Schengen visa?
LithuaniaIn general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travellers.
When does the transition period end in Svalbard?
The transitional period ends on 31 December 2021. Everybody may live and work in Svalbard indefinitely regardless of country of citizenship. The Svalbard Treaty grants treaty nationals equal right of abode as Norwegian nationals. Non-treaty nationals may live and work indefinitely visa-free as well. Per Sefland, then Governor of Svalbard, said "It ...
Who said asylum seekers can settle in Norway?
Hans-Henrik Hartmann, then head of the legal unit at the Norwegian government's immigration department, said, "If an asylum seeker is refused residence in Norway he can settle in Svalbard so long as he can get there and is able to pay for himself.". Svalbard has a high cost of living, but only a limited welfare system.
Is Norway a visa free country?
Politics of Norway. Other countries. v. t. e. Uniquely, the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, located in the High Arctic, is an entirely visa -free zone. However, travelers who have a visa requirement to enter mainland Norway/the Schengen area must have a visa if they travel via mainland Norway/the Schengen Area.
Do you need a passport to travel to Svalbard?
Those traveling to and from Svalbard must bring passports or national ID-cards, as identity control is performed for all. Passports or national identity cards satisfy the Schengen regulatory requirements for identity verification.
Does Svalbard have a high cost of living?
Svalbard has a high cost of living, but only a limited welfare system. Welfare and health care is available only for Norwegians and for workers employed by a Norwegian company. The Norwegian Nationality Act applies to Svalbard, cf. Section 1.
What is the best ID to travel to Svalbard?
For Norwegian citizens. Passport or national ID-card is the recommended identification for all Norwegians travelling to Svalbard, as it is the fastest and easiest way to travel here.
How long does it take to get to Svalbard from Oslo?
Both Norwegian and SAS offers flights to Svalbard. The flights from Oslo takes about 3 hours, from Tromsø about 1 ½ hours.
Can a Norwegian child travel with an adult?
Norwegian children can therefore be identified by an adult accompanying the child to the plane or travelling with the child. After December 31 2021, Norwegians (including children) must identify themselves with a passport or national ID card. Read more about the rules and regulations for passport and visa here.
What does the governor of Svalbard do?
The Governor of Svalbard can provide advice and guidance with respect to Norwegian immigration legislation. You can also get application forms for the various permits here, e.g. permission to study on the mainland. The Governor has the authority to make decisions on visa matters. The Governor also accepts applications for residence permits and citizenship. These applications are forwarded to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) for processing.
Who has the authority to make decisions on visa matters?
The Governor has the authority to make decisions on visa matters. The Governor also accepts applications for residence permits and citizenship. These applications are forwarded to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) for processing.
Does the Governor of Svalbard arrange work?
The Governor of Svalbard does not arrange work and does not have an overview of which jobs are available. The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) provides an overview of job vacancies in Norwegian, but not in English.
Is it hard to get housing in Svalbard?
Most of the housing is owned by the various employers who offer them to employees as part of their employment. In other words, it’s hard to get housing if you do not have a job.
Does Norway have a visa for Schengen?
Visa to Schengen. In mainland Norway, the Immigration Act regulates foreigners’ access to and residence in the country. Although Svalbard is part of Norway, the Immigration Act does not apply to the archipelago.
Where is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault?
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is situated outside the city center and in an area where you need polar bear protection. We advise you to participate in an organized trip with a guide that has the necessary safety measures and can tell you more about the seed vault and the area around it.
What to do in Longyearbyen?
There is a lot of different activities in and around Longyearbyen on offer. Trips with dogs ( summer and winter), hikes , snowmobile trips , boat trips and sightseeing tours (on foot and in bus/taxi). You also have several attractions worth a visit, including a trip to a mine.
Where is the post office in Longyearbyen?
The post office is situated in the middle of the pedestrian street in Longyearbyen city center.
Does Longyearbyen have a menu?
The restaurants in Longyearbyen will adjust their menu/meal to your needs, as long as they are informed - preferably in advance, but let them know what you need when you order, and they will find a solution for you. Note that the number of alternatives can be limited due to transport/access issues.
Who bought Barentsburg?
The Russian state-owned mining company Trust Arktikugol bought the settlement Barentsburg from the Dutch in 1932.
Do you need polar bear protection in the city?
Our general rule is that the city itself is an area where you don’t need polar bear protection. We are then referring to the area where there are houses and human activity. If you walk outside of this area, included up into the mountains, we advise our guests to join organized trips with a guide. The city loop is a nice walk that the people who live here also walk frequently.
Do you need a visa to go to Svalbard?
If you come from a country that is visa bound for entry to Norway, you must however have a return transit visa because you are most likely to transit through Norwegian mainland on the way to and from Svalbard.
Where to fly to Svalbard?
Flying to Svalbard. Svalbard's only airport is at Longyearbyen, the main visitor hub. The vast majority of flights go via Oslo, Norway, around a 3-hour flight. Although flights are at least daily, be aware that they can be at awkward times.
How many kilometers of road are there in the Svalbard Islands?
There are only around 46 kilometres of road on the Svalbard Islands. Driving off-road is strictly prohibited.
How many ships can you circumnavigate in Spitsbergen?
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen onboard a choice of three small ships and in the company of specialist guides. Travelling in such small groups allows you more time to explore and some late season departures benefit from stunning autumn light. Ask about special…
How long is the flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen?
Flying time is 3 hours between Oslo and Longyearbyen. Longyearbyen airport is the world’s most northerly airport to receive regular scheduled flights. There’s no regular boat service to Svalbard at any time of year. The only way to arrive by ship is as part of an expedition cruise (9 - 14 days)
How many passengers are onboard the Svalbard?
Discover Svalbard on this extraordinary journey onboard a 12 passenger vessel. Ideally suited to photographers these late season voyages experience amazing light. Your expedition guides plan to take you to Ny Ålesund, the Hinlopen Strait, Bird Mountain and Edgeøya capturing…
What is the largest island in Svalbard?
The largest and only permanently populated of Svalbard’s islands, Spitsbergen is where all the activity and life happens. The beating heart of Spitsbergen itself is the town of …
What is the best place to visit in the Arctic?
Arctic Journey: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland. This comprehensive Arctic triumvirate encompassing Svalbard, East Greenland and Iceland offers the best of the Arctic: some of the best wildlife viewing with spectacular scenery, unspoiled fjords, gigantic icebergs and Inuit communities.
Where do most people live in Svalbard?
As the biggest settlement on the archipelago, Longyearbyen is where the majority of residents of Svalbard live, work and play.
How much is the tax rate in Svalbard?
As a general rule, income tax on Svalbard is much lower on the Norwegian mainland at just 8%, but this is offset but a much higher cost of living.
Who runs Svalbard?
The first thing to understand is how Svalbard is governed. The islands are part of Norway but are covered by the Svalbard Treaty, which gives equal rights to engage in commercial activities to the 46 signatories.
What chain is Longyearbyen in?
Many shops in Longyearbyen cater to tourists. Svalbardbutikken, part of the Coop chain, is definitely one for the locals.
What are the employers in Longyearbyen?
Employers include the Governor's Office, the Community Council, the University Centre in Svalbard, the school, and of course the tourism industry.
What are the challenges of living in Svalbard?
The biggest challenge faced by anyone living on Svalbard is adjusting to the harsh climate. While summers can be mild and snow-free, they come with permanent sunlight for months. In contrast, winters are permanently dark with snowstorms and avalanches common problems.
When did the Kulturhus open in Svalbard?
The modern kulturhus (Culture House) opened in 2010 and plays host to a cinema that shows more than 100 movies every year.
