Weapons
Section for operations and field safety at UNIS supports staff and students with firearms for field excursions.
Due to the polar bear threat on Svalbard, anyone travelling outside the settlements must be equipped with suitable means of scaring off polar bears. According to UNIS regulations, always bring a rifle and flare gun for polar bear protection when leaving the settlement.
Norwegian citizens
If you have a valid Norwegian firearms permit for caliber 6.5×55 or larger you are allowed to borrow a rifle from UNIS.
If you don’t have a firearms permit, you must apply directly for the borrowing permit to the police district where you are registered in the population register. The application will need to include a document that shows “sufficient proficiency in the use of firearms”. This may include a completed national service, activity in an approved shooting organization, registration in the Norwegian Register of Hunters, or an approved safety course at UNIS that provides basic knowledge of using firearms (the course must be passed before you can apply).
Foreigners
If you hold a valid European Firearm Pass (EFP) for caliber 6.5×55 or larger you are allowed to rent a rifle from UNIS when you pass the UNIS polar bear safety course.
If you don’t have a EFP you must apply for a permit to borrow a firearm to The Governor of Svalbard. Foreigners are requested to enclose a police certificate showing a clean record, no older than three months. The application will need to include a document that shows “sufficient proficiency in the use of firearms”. This may include a completed national service, activity in an approved shooting organization or approved safety course at UNIS that provide basic knowledge of using firearms (the course must be passed before you can apply).