Snow-capped mountains, half a year mornings and nights that stretch for another 6 months, this is the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. This visa-free archipelago is home to people from more than 50 nationalities and we are eager to set foot in this mystical and beautiful land. Come, join us as we explore this hidden treasure. It truly is a treasure as you can live visa-free here.
You Can Live In Svalbard As Long As You Have A Home And A Job
Located 800km north of mainland Norway in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, Svalbard is full of superlatives: the world’s northernmost year-round settlement, home to the world’s northernmost university, church and brewery and one of the rarest place in the world anyone can live provided they have a home and a job. Longyearbyen is in fact, home to immigrants from more than 50 countries.
History Behind Svalbard
It’s believed the Vikings were the first to explore the islands in around 1200, though Dutch explorers were the first to pay a documented visit while trying to find the Northeast Passage to China in 1596. The following centuries brought walrus and whale hunters from Europe and in 1906, American businessman John Munro Longyear established the archipelago’s first coal mine, which remained Svalbard’s primary industry during most of the 20th Century. These days, the main activities on Svalbard are tourism and environmental and ecological research.
Also Read: Switzerland Rated As The Safest Country For Travellers In 2020
You Can Live Visa-Free In Svalbard
The best part about residing in Svalbard is that you can live visa-free here. Yes! You read that right! When it comes to mainland Norway, the Immigration Act regulates foreigners’ access to a residence in the country. And even though Svalbard is part of Norway, the Immigration Act doesn’t apply to the archipelago. So foreigners can live visa-free in Svalbard. You don’t need a visa, work or residence permits from the Norwegian authorities to travel to and settle in this gorgeous destination of Svalbard. But you may need a Schengen Visa for transit through Norway.
When it comes to the cost of living in Svalbard, it’s approximately the same as in the rest of Norway. Food and accommodation cost amounts to around NOK 10 000 (₹74,925) per month. And if you’re planning to settle here, then let’s tell you that most people speak English, apart from other languages like Norwegian, Barentsburg Russian and Ukrainian. You can probably find a job in the services sector which includes agriculture, chemicals, fishing, food processing, mining and other industries.
Beware Of Polar Bears And Frost Bites
And if you’re already building castles in the air about your visa-free stay in Svalbard, then we must warn you that you must beware of polar bears here. They are the most common dangers to your existence here. There’s a real risk of running into polar bears, cine thousands of them reside in Svalbard. Apart from looking out for polar bears, do keep yourself warm. The temperatures can go quite low which might leave you with a frostbite.
There Are No Hospitals In Svalbard
There are only 40km of roads on the islands and no roads between different settlements – which are only accessible by boat in the summer or by snowmobile in winter. Anyone who leaves the city limits usually carries a rifle in case they encounter a polar bear. After all, the archipelago’s roughly 3,000 polar bears outnumber its 2,926 humans. Despite being open for anyone to live, Svalbard is not the most ideal place to be born – or even die. There are no hospitals and if someone dies, the local government requires the body to be flown or shipped to mainland Norway. Burials have not been allowed in the archipelago since the 1950s because the islands’ permafrost preserves the bodies and may them out if not buried properly. Did you know This Swedish City Dumped Chicken Poop In Its Park To Discourage People From Gathering?
What Else?
The islands went ungoverned until 1920, when, in the aftermath of World War One, a treaty that guaranteed Norway’s sovereignty over Svalbard was signed by nine countries – today, 46 countries are part of the agreement. The treaty stipulates the territory cannot be used for military purposes and makes Norway responsible for preserving the islands’ natural environment. The most striking feature of the agreement, however, is the unique clause that states there must be no distinction between the treatment of Norwegians and non-Norwegians. For those of you looking for a secluded, peaceful stay away from the hustle-bustle of the city, Svalbard welcomes you with open arms thanks to its visa-free policies. So for all you people seeking peace and quiet, you might give this place a shot at least tick this beautiful place off your bucket list.