Svalbard and Jan Mayen Travel Information

Svalbard and Jan Mayen are two remote and unique destinations located in the Arctic region of Norway. Svalbard is an archipelago known for its glaciers, polar bears, and Northern Lights, while Jan Mayen is a volcanic island with rugged mountains and breathtaking fjords. Here are the top 10 things to do in Svalbard and Jan Mayen:

1. Go on a wildlife safari

Svalbard is home to a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes. Wildlife safaris are a popular activity, with guided tours available by snowmobile, dog sled, or boat.

2. Visit the Global Seed Vault

The Global Seed Vault, located on the island of Spitsbergen in Svalbard, is a secure storage facility for plant seeds from around the world. Visitors can take a guided tour of the facility and learn about the importance of seed conservation.

3. See the Northern Lights

Svalbard is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The aurora can be seen from late September to early April, with guided tours available to help visitors spot the lights.

4. Explore Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is the largest settlement in Svalbard and is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and museums. Visitors can take a walking tour of the town and learn about its history and culture.

5. Go dog sledding

Dog sledding is a popular activity in Svalbard, with guided tours available to take visitors across the Arctic tundra. It's a unique and exciting way to experience the beauty of the region.

6. Visit the Jan Mayen Station

Jan Mayen is home to a weather and research station operated by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. Visitors can take a guided tour of the station and learn about the island's climate and geography.

7. Hike in Svalbard

Svalbard has a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Arctic landscape. Popular hikes include the walk to the Russian settlement of Barentsburg and the trek up to the top of Sarkofagen Mountain.

8. Explore the ice caves

Guided tours are available to take visitors into the ice caves of Svalbard. These natural formations are made of ice and snow and offer a unique and magical experience.

9. Go kayaking

Kayaking is a popular way to explore the fjords and glaciers of Svalbard. Guided tours are available for all levels of experience.

10. Visit the Kongsfjorden Glacier

The Kongsfjorden Glacier is one of the largest and most impressive glaciers in Svalbard. Visitors can take a boat tour to get up close to the glacier and see it in all its glory.

Svalbard and Jan Mayen are located in the Arctic region and have a polar climate with long, dark winters and short, cool summers.

Climate

The climate in Svalbard and Jan Mayen is cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from -14°C (7°F) in winter to 6°C (43°F) in summer. The region experiences polar night in winter, with no daylight for several weeks, and midnight sun in summer, with 24-hour daylight.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Svalbard and Jan Mayen is during the summer months, from late May to early September. This is when the weather is mildest and there is 24-hour daylight, allowing visitors to make the most of their time in the region. It is also the best time for outdoor activities, such as wildlife safaris, hiking, and kayaking. The winter months, from November to February, are a good time to visit for those who want to see the Northern Lights, but the extreme cold and darkness can make it challenging for some visitors.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

There are a few hotels in Svalbard, mainly located in the town of Longyearbyen. These hotels range from basic to more luxurious options, with amenities such as restaurants, bars, and spa facilities. Jan Mayen does not have any hotels, but visitors can stay in the research station on the island.

Guesthouses

There are a few guesthouses in Longyearbyen that offer basic, affordable accommodation. These guesthouses are often family-run and provide a more intimate and personal experience for visitors.

Camping

Camping is a popular option in Svalbard during the summer months. Visitors can camp in designated areas and enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife of the region. However, camping is not allowed on Jan Mayen.

Research stations

Visitors to Jan Mayen can stay in the research station on the island. The station has basic accommodation facilities and is only accessible to those who have permission to stay there.

Cruise ships

Cruise ships often visit Svalbard and Jan Mayen as part of their Arctic itineraries. These ships provide comfortable and luxurious accommodation for visitors, along with the opportunity to explore the region from the water.

Air

The easiest way to get to Svalbard and Jan Mayen is by air. Longyearbyen Airport (LYR) is located in Svalbard and is served by several airlines that operate flights from mainland Norway. Jan Mayen has a small airstrip that is only accessible to military and research personnel.

Sea

Cruise ships are a popular way to reach Svalbard and Jan Mayen. Several companies offer Arctic cruises that stop in Svalbard, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the region from the water. Jan Mayen is only accessible by sea for research and military personnel.

Snowmobile

Snowmobiles are a common means of transportation in Svalbard during the winter months when the ground is covered in snow and ice. Visitors can rent snowmobiles and explore the region's rugged terrain and stunning scenery.

Boat

Boats can also be used to explore Svalbard's coastline and nearby islands. Local operators offer boat tours that allow visitors to see glaciers, fjords, and wildlife such as whales and seals.

Dog sled

Dog sleds are a unique and traditional means of transportation in Svalbard during the winter months. Visitors can take dog sled tours and experience the region's stunning landscape while being pulled by a team of huskies.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.