Anchorages in Svalbard

Polar bear risk: firearm mandatory outside all settlements

Norwegian law (Svalbard Environmental Protection Act) requires any person leaving a settlement to carry a minimum .308 Win or 30-06 rifle plus a flare pistol for polar bear defence. There are no exceptions. Longyearbyen is the mandatory entry port — register with the Sysselmannen (Governor) on arrival. Check ice charts before every passage. Glacier calving creates sudden waves and floating ice hazards.