Research permissions and applications

Those conducting research and educational activity in Svalbard must familiarise themselves with the applicable regulations. Much of Norway’s legislation applies to Svalbard, but the archipelago also has its own regulations to protect its unique environment and conditions.

As a rule, most field activities will require permission from The Governor of Svalbard, but you also might need permissions from other agencies as well. The Svalbard Science Forum Guide to Research Permissions lists some of these agencies that may be relevant to adress, depending on your planned activity. Examples of activities requiring permission from other agencies include the use of WiFi and Bluetooth in Ny-Ålesund (The Norwegian Communications Authority) and animal experiments (The Norwegian Food Safety Authority).

Table of contents:

Applications to the Governor of Svalbard

Field work (sampling, set up of instruments etc.)

All applications to the Governor of Svalbard must be submitted through a module in the Research in Svalbard Portal. If you are unsure whether your research requires a permit, you can contact the Governor of Svalbard for clarification. For more details on activities requiring the Governor’s consent, refer to the Guidelines for Researchers in Svalbard issued by the Governor.

Please note that the Governor introduced four fixed application deadlines per year for research activity in Svalbard. The deadlines are:

1 January for fieldwork in March, April, and May.
1 March for fieldwork in June, July, and August.
1 July for fieldwork in September, October, and November.
1 October for fieldwork December, January, and February.

Rental of firearms

Due to the polar bear threat on Svalbard, anyone travelling outside the settlements must be equipped with suitable means of scaring off polar bears. The Governor of Svalbard processes applications for permits to borrow firearms for persons entered in the population register, or for resident/visiting foreigners in Svalbard. Persons living on the mainland must apply for a loan permit in their own police district. Private individuals over the age of 18 who have a valid Norwegian firearms license or a valid European firearms passport can borrow weapons without applying.

Read more about the application to borrow firearms on Svalbard here.

Do you plan to conduct research within the land-use planning area of Ny-Ålesund?

Kings Bay is responsible for the Ny-Ålesund planning area and plays a key role in managing activities within this area. As part of the application process for research activities in Ny-Ålesund, the Governor of Svalbard consults Kings Bay to ensure compliance with the land-use plan. All applications for research activities within this area are reviewed in coordination with Kings Bay.

For questions about research or instrument installations within the Ny-Ålesund planning area, please contact: adviser@kingsbay.no.

Marking and registration of instruments in the field

All instrument and installations needs to be marked when set up in the field. Aluminium plates are available for this purpose. Contact Kings Bay (laboratories@kingsbay.no) for help with making of the label. The label shall contain the following information:  

• Responsible institution 
• RIS ID and booking number: Example RIS ID 2345 B12 
• Start date 
• End date 

All instruments shall also be registered in the GiS-system (read more about the GIS here).

Contact research.nya@npolar.no for support on registration in the Ny-Ålesund GIS

Use of equipment emitting radio waves

In Ny-Ålesund Research Station there are restrictions on the use of radio frequencies (RF) in the frequency range 2-32 GHz in the geographical area within a 20 km radius from Ny-Ålesund. This involves (among others) the use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth from both personal and scientific equipment. The frequency range is protected by law due to scientific activity. For questions contact the NPI research coordinator: research.nya@npolar.no.

Do you need to use equipement that emits radio waves? Please read more here.

Use of scientific unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

There are guidelines for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Ny-Ålesund area—please see the link below. Use of the airspace must be coordinated in close dialogue with the airport personell in Kings Bay: airport@kingsbay.no.

Planning to use UAVs? Guidlines for use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

NORCE is operating the Arctic Center for Unmanned Aircraft (ASUF) at the airport in Ny-Ålesund. Questions may also be directed to them (Rune Storvold, rust@norceresearch.no)