Negative coronavirus test required before arrival in Svalbard
Historical archive
Published under: Solberg's Government
Publisher: Ministry of Health and Care Services
News story | Date: 04/02/2021
The entry rules to Svalbard have been tightened. A negative test result from a coronavirus test taken in Norway within 24 hours before the scheduled departure time is now required. The test must have been taken on mainland Norway. All unnecessary travel to Svalbard should be avoided.
‘The spread of the coronavirus, and particularly the more contagious variants, will have serious consequences on Svalbard. We are now implementing a requirement for testing before departure from the mainland. By requiring a negative test result before departure, it will be possible to deal with any cases of the virus on the mainland,’ says Minister of Health and Care Services Bent Høie.
An assessment will also be made of the need for further measures, such as to stop the serving of alcohol.
The change is based on the recommendations of the Directorate of Health and the Institute of Public Health and corresponds to the entry rules to Norway.
The changes are implemented with effect from Friday 29 January.