What do the new Svalbard regulations mean for travellers?

New regulations are coming into place for travellers visiting the Svalbard archipelago from 2025 onwards.
Travellers will not be able to get within 500 metres of a polar bear; current regulations are 150 metres.
Our Product and Impact Director, Jarrod, shares his thoughts here about how this will affect the tourist experience.
If visiting the archipelago in search of polar bears is an experience on your list, speak to our experts today about planning your trip for this summer:
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#polarbear #polar #arcticwildlife #travelinspiration #travel

[@Kimbermoi]

When "encountering" an apex predator that can weigh up to 800 kg and whose top speed can reach 40 km/h... Yeah, 500 meters is a really tres bien amount of space.

[@CeliaBordeaux]

He is absolutely right. Most tourists desire to protect wildlife and their environment, both the flip side is that too many tourists can destroy habitat which in turn effects the wildlife. But like one of the comments says, what to do if the polar bear comes closer. I guess you smile while politely informing said bear it’s violating the new tourist laws…l😂

[@rdavidmarks5326]

Wow, 500 meters is quite a long distance...and if the bears come closer to you?

[@steppestravel]

Great question - If you happen across a polar bear within this distance or if it comes closer to you or the boat (swimming or walking on ice or land), then you will have to move away.

[@rdavidmarks5326]

@@steppestravel Thanks, appreciate the response! I understand there is such a delicate balance...this seems to be extreme and would certainly affect the tourist experience.