Do You Need a Visa to visit Longyearbyen Svalbard
Svalbard itself does not require a visa for entry. However, since all flights to Longyearbyen go via mainland Norway, you must follow Schengen visa rules for the transit through Oslo.
- If you do not need a visa for the Schengen area, you can travel to Longyearbyen without restrictions.
- If you need a Schengen visa, you must have a multiple entry visa to leave and re-enter Norway after visiting Svalbard.
For Singaporean and Malaysian Passport Holders
- No visa is required for tourism in Norway or Svalbard.
- You can travel freely through Oslo and continue to Longyearbyen.
- A standard 90 day visa-free stay applies within the Schengen zone.
For Indonesian Passport Holders
You need a Schengen visa to travel to Longyearbyen via Oslo.
There are two possible scenarios:
If You Have a Valid Schengen Visa
- Your visa must allow multiple entries to return to Norway after visiting Svalbard.
- A single entry visa is not enough unless Longyearbyen is your final destination and you are not returning via Oslo.
If You Do Not Have a Schengen Visa
- You must apply through the Norwegian Embassy or VFS Global.
- As of July 2025, there is a simplified process for those who previously held a valid multiple entry Schengen visa. You may be eligible for a Schengen transit permit with no interview required.
- This new rule makes it easier and faster for Indonesian travelers with a good travel history.
Please check your eligibility before applying.
Do you need a visa to visit Longyearbyen, Svalbard?
No, a visa is not required to enter Svalbard. However, since all travel to Longyearbyen passes through mainland Norway, you must follow Schengen visa rules for that part of the journey.
Is Svalbard part of the Schengen zone?
No, Svalbard is not part of the Schengen zone. But since you must transit through Norway (a Schengen country), Schengen visa requirements apply for that leg.
Do Singaporeans need a visa for Svalbard?
No, Singaporean passport holders do not need a visa for either Norway or Svalbard for short-term tourism. You can travel freely through Oslo and onward to Longyearbyen.
Do Malaysians need a visa to go to Svalbard?
No, Malaysian passport holders can enter Norway and Svalbard without a visa for tourism. The standard 90-day visa-free stay applies for travel within the Schengen zone.
Do Indonesians need a visa to visit Svalbard?
Yes, Indonesian passport holders need a Schengen visa because all flights to Svalbard go through Norway. Entry to Svalbard itself is visa-free, but Schengen rules apply for the transit.
Can I travel to Svalbard with a single-entry Schengen visa?
Only if Longyearbyen is your final stop and you are not returning via Oslo. Otherwise, a multiple-entry Schengen visa is required to re-enter mainland Norway after your visit to Svalbard.
What is the new simplified Schengen visa rule for Indonesians (2025)?
From July 2025, Indonesian travelers with past multiple-entry Schengen visas may apply for a transit permit with a faster, easier process. This can reduce waiting times and may not require an embassy interview.
Can I go to Svalbard without a Schengen visa if I’m Indonesian?
No. Even though Svalbard doesn’t require a visa, you still need a Schengen visa to transit through Norway. A valid visa is required for both entry and re-entry to the Schengen zone.
