Testing regulations before departure to Svalbard eased

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Easing of regulations for testing before departure to Svalbard

Svalbard travel regulations are being eased by the Norwegian government. Therefore, people who are permanently residing in Svalbard, those who are fully vaccinated, and those who have recovered from COVID-19 do not have to get tested before departure. Tourists and permanent residents will benefit from the change, as it will simplify travel between the mainland and Svalbard.

"The exemption we are introducing now from the requirement to get tested prior to departure to Svalbard will benefit all people who live in the archipelago, the local business sector in general, and the travel industry in particular. However, it is not time to remove the test regime completely. The health service in Svalbard has limited capacity, and a rising infection rate and high sick leave rate could be even more problematic than on the mainland," says Minister of Health and Care Services Ingvild Kjerkol.

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