Before you go to Svalbard & Jan Mayen: what to know
Must know
- This guide primarily covers Svalbard. Jan Mayen requires separate landing permission and has no normal visitor infrastructure.
- Svalbard is outside Schengen; check the documents needed to travel via mainland Norway.
- Longyearbyen has no bank, currency exchange or ATM.
Entry and visas
Svalbard does not require its own entry visa, but all travellers need accepted travel documents. A traveller who needs a Schengen visa for the mainland route normally needs permission for two entries. Norwegian admission restrictions still matter for transit. Jan Mayen is a separate destination: apply for landing permission; Svalbard rules do not establish access there.
Passport validity: Carry a valid passport or another specifically accepted travel document; check mainland transit validity separately.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: en.visitsvalbard.com ↗, en.visitsvalbard.com ↗, jan.mayen.no ↗
Money
Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Cards are widely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
ATMs: No bank, cash dispenser or currency exchange on Svalbard; obtain any cash before leaving mainland Norway.
- Longyearbyen businesses prefer cards and accept most credit cards. This does not describe facilities on Jan Mayen.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: en.visitsvalbard.com ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Do not lure, pursue, feed or unnecessarily disturb polar bears.
- Drones are prohibited within five kilometres of Longyearbyen airport.
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Join experienced local guides outside settlements and follow polar-bear safety requirements.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: en.visitsvalbard.com ↗, en.visitsvalbard.com ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Svalbard Church belongs to the Church of Norway and also hosts visiting Catholic ministry.
Clothing: Wear warm windproof layers and sturdy waterproof footwear; follow guide advice.
Etiquette
- Remove outdoor shoes where requested in Longyearbyen buildings.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: lokalstyre.no ↗, en.visitsvalbard.com ↗, en.visitsvalbard.com ↗
Climate
Svalbard has an Arctic climate with rapidly changing weather. Winter extends October–May; June–September is a cold, often windy summer. These notes do not describe Jan Mayen.
Month by month
- January: Jan: Arctic winter; cold, wind and darkness
- February: Feb: Arctic winter; cold, wind and darkness
- March: Mar: Arctic winter; check daylight and forecast
- April: Apr: Arctic winter; check daylight and forecast
- May: May: Arctic winter; check daylight and forecast
- June: Jun: Arctic summer; cold and wind possible
- July: Jul: Arctic summer; cold and wind possible
- August: Aug: Arctic summer; cold and wind possible
- September: Sep: Arctic summer; cold and wind possible
- October: Oct: Arctic winter; check daylight and forecast
- November: Nov: Arctic winter; cold, wind and darkness
- December: Dec: Arctic winter; cold, wind and darkness
Best season: Choose the daylight season for your planned guided activity; pack warm clothing even in summer.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: en.visitsvalbard.com ↗
What to pack
- Accepted travel documents
- Warm windproof layers
- Waterproof boots
- Reflectors for dark-season travel
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Setting out beyond settlements without polar-bear protection and expertise
- Assuming Jan Mayen is an ordinary extension of a Svalbard trip
Practical
Plugs: Socket specification not independently confirmed; ask your accommodation.
Water: Check Longyearbyen council’s current supply notices; water-quality and infrastructure work is ongoing. Do not assume mainland advice applies.
Traffic: drives on the right
Health: Remote Arctic conditions limit access to medical assistance; plan guided activities and emergency arrangements.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: lokalstyre.no ↗, en.visitsvalbard.com ↗, forsvaret.no ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.