Svalbard is not part of the Schengen treaty. However a Schengen visa is required to enter Norway (since all flights to the archiplego go via Norway) and another visa for entry into Longyearben. Also make sure that you have the Schengen visa(type C) for atleast 2 entries to fly in and fly out of Spitsbergen. Spitsbergen however is visa free.
One always needs to carry a passport and/or national ID card to travel into Spitsbergen.
Norwegian visa/Schengen visa can be obtained from the VFS or at the respective embassies.
The Time Zone is UTC+1:00. Which means it is 4.30 hours behind India.
Over the course of the year, the temperature varies between -17°C to 9°C and is rarely below -28°C or above 12°C. Even though Svalbard is so close to the North pole, it has a relatively mild climate compared to areas at the same latitude. The Winters can get quite cold due to the added wind factor and fog is common during summers. Svalbard however is described as the “Arctic Dessert” due to just 200-300mm of annual rain and snowfall. The weather however is very unpredictable and can go into extremes at anytime.
The currency is the Norwegian Krone(NOK). Svalbard is a tax free zone and hence will be much cheaper than the Norway mainland. However it is possible to pay in American dollars and Euros in most shops.
1. The climate is very rough with dramatic weather changes hence always carry adequate clothing and equipment.
2. The fuzzy polar bears may look cute from a distance but can be a threat to life and property, hence always make sure you have flares, guns etc for your protection.
3. It is advisable to always take a guide with you and never go unaccompanied.
Cell phones will not work beyond Longyearbyen, hence the guide or you should carry a satellite phone and a distress beacon.
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