Rules and permits

Much of Norway’s law applies on Svalbard, but the archipelago also has its own rules to protect its environment. Ny-Ålesund adds a few more, because the measurements here are sensitive.

In short

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stay offWithin 20 km of Ny-Ålesund, unless you have a licence for scientific or safety use.
Keep to the roadsThe tundra may hide instruments, field sites and cultural heritage. In winter, use the snowmobile routes.
Stay out of instrument areasOnly instructed personnel may enter. No activity within 200 m of the Zeppelin Observatory.
Leave the birds in peaceBird sanctuaries are closed to all traffic from 15 May to 15 August.
Get a permit firstMost field activities need permission from the Governor of Svalbard.

Applications to the Governor of Svalbard

Fieldwork such as sampling or setting up instruments usually needs the Governor’s permission. Apply through the module in RiS. Not sure if you need a permit? Ask the Governor. There are four fixed deadlines a year.

Deadline
15 January
For fieldwork in
March, April, May
Deadline
1 March
For fieldwork in
June, July, August
Deadline
1 July
For fieldwork in
September, October, November
Deadline
1 October
For fieldwork in
December, January, February

Inside the Ny-Ålesund planning area

Kings Bay manages the planning area, and the Governor consults Kings Bay on every application inside it. Questions about research or instruments there go to adviser@kingsbay.no.

Borrowing a firearm

Anyone leaving the settlement needs a way to scare off polar bears. The Governor handles permits for people in the Svalbard population register and for foreigners living in or visiting Svalbard. If you live on the mainland, apply to your own police district.

Renting firearms on Svalbard

Mark and register your instruments

Get every permission in place before you install anything, from the Governor and from Kings Bay if needed. Then register the instrument in the Ny-Ålesund GIS by sending the template to research.nya@npolar.no.

Every instrument and installation is marked, indoors and in the field. Aluminium plates for field instruments are available from the same address.

Responsible institution: Your institution
Main point of contact or PI: Name
RIS ID: 2345
Start date: Date
End date: If you know it

What the label must show. RIS ID 2345 is the example used in the guidelines.

Radio silence

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are not allowed in Ny-Ålesund. Exceptions can be made for scientific or safety purposes.

The frequency range 2–32 GHz is protected by law within a 20 km radius. The Norwegian Mapping Authority’s geodetic observatory depends on receiving very weak signals in that band, and GFZ runs a satellite receiving station here that relies on the same quiet.

Need to transmit?

Apply for a licence from the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom), then coordinate with the Norwegian Mapping Authority and the rest of the science community. Questions go to the NPI research coordinator at research.nya@npolar.no.

Procedures for RF use NySMAC frequency list (PDF)

The Norwegian Mapping Authority's antennas at the geodetic observatory in Ny-Ålesund — The geodetic observatory is one of the first core sites in the Global Geodetic Observing System. Photo: Helge T. Markussen

Drones, AUVs and USVs

Unmanned vehicles help researchers work efficiently with less impact. Each operator is responsible for following Norwegian law. Recreational use is prohibited in Ny-Ålesund.

A fixed-wing research drone in flight past a snowy mountainside — Photo: Rune Storvold (NORCE)

Coordinate before you fly

The Norwegian Mapping Authority
If your vehicle uses radio frequencies, follow the RF procedures and check when NMA is operating. Flight time is far less restricted outside 2–32 GHz.
The Kings Bay airport
Traffic Information Zones surround the airport. Flying inside them must be agreed with airport staff at airport@kingsbay.no.
Other drone projects
Check the shared calendar of scheduled operations, and talk to teams whose flights may overlap with yours.

All drones except CE-marked toys must be insured under (EC) No 785/2004. Read the Governor’s guidelines for drones. NORCE runs the Arctic Center for Unmanned Aircraft at the airport and can help with questions.

Restricted areas

Regional and local restrictions protect the vulnerable environment and the research sites in and around Ny-Ålesund.

Bird sanctuaries: Three sanctuaries in Kongsfjorden cover the islands and the sea 300 m from shore. From 15 May to 15 August no boating, kayaking or landing is allowed without specific permission from the Governor. Solvatnet and Thiisbukta are local sanctuaries closed in the same period.
Instrument areas: Some areas are reserved for scientific instruments. Only instructed personnel may enter, and no activity is allowed within 200 m of the Zeppelin Observatory.
Snow sampling areas: East of the Old Post Office, east of the Italy building and the AWIPEV observatory, and east of Gruvebadet. Stay out all winter. Snowblowers are restricted here too.
Nature reserve and national parks: Ossian Sars-fjellet is a nature reserve where fires and camping are not allowed. To visit Prins Karls Forland or Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park in summer, fill in the Governor’s form from reception first.
Kongsfjorden: All commercial trawling is banned, including for seaweed, kelp and shells. Scientific fishing is not covered by the ban.

Map of instrument areas and bird reserves around Ny-Ålesund in summer — Restricted areas in Ny-Ålesund during summer. Open the map for full size.

Map of national parks and bird sanctuaries in Kongsfjorden — Protected areas in Kongsfjorden.