New Guide Requirements in Svalbard

– Svalbard guides will enhance safety for both the vulnerable nature and the tourists. By requiring the use of Svalbard guides, the government contributes to sustainable tourism development and better competitive conditions through quality assurance of the guides' competence, says Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth.

New regulation on field safety in Svalbard – guides must be approved

Today, tourism is one of the most important industries in Svalbard. It is primarly the unique nature and wildlife that have made Svalbard an attractive travel destination.

However, the increased activity has created a need to reduce the risk of harm to people and the environment. Therefore, a requirement is now being introduced for the use of approved Svalbard guides for companies who organize travel, activities, or stays outside inhabited areas in Svalbard.

The further development of tourism in Svalbard must focus on increased quality rather than quantity and remain within the environmental goals set for the archipelago. The requirements now being established will enhance visitor experiences while reducing the strain on the vulnerable nature.

The Ministry of Justice and Public Security is responsible for the new field safety regulation, similar to the previous tourism regulation. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries is responsible for the new guide requirement and related provisions.

The regulation outline the criteria for becoming an approved Svalbard guide. A guide must meet several knowledge and skill requirements related to safety and the environment. The regulation also specify requirements for educational institutions that wants to offer courses for becoming a Svalbard guide.

– I know that many of those currently guiding in Svalbard have high competence. That is why we are introducing a transitional provision for experienced guides. This will ensure a sufficient number of guides and help build course capacity to meet the approval requirement. Responsible and competent actors have contributed positively to the development of the tourism industry in Svalbard, says Minister Myrseth.

Svalbard Guides

• When “tourism or field activities” travel, conduct activity, or stay outside inhabited areas (in the field), they must be accompanied by an adequate number of approved Svalbard guides.
• The companies are responsible for the adequacy assesment, but the Governor of Svalbard may set a minimum number.
• To become an approved Svalbard guide, one must apply to the Governor.
• A Svalbard guide must have completed basic safety training.
• The Governor establishes the course and learning requirements for guide approval.
• The approval is valid for five years. Guides may apply for renewal after completing continuing education.
• The Governor must pre-approve courses that qualify, either fully or partially, for approval.
• The Governor will maintain a registry of issued licenses and supervise compliance with the regulation.
• In a transition period, experienced guides may apply for a dispensation from the application requirements. Dispensations may only be granted to guides who can provide sufficient documentation that they have guided for at least 1,500 hours over the past three years and possess the necessary competence to ensure that their guiding does not cause harm to people or the environment.
• The requirement to use approved Svalbard guides enters into force on July 1, 2027.