Jan Mayen Rules and Regulations

Governance and Protocol

Jan Mayen is considered part of the Kingdom of Norway and, since 1995, has been administered by Statsforvalteren i Nordland (The County Governor of Nordland).

Prior permission is required for all visits. There are special requirements for foreign flagged yachts ≥15 m.  These need permission from Norwegian Joint Headquarters / Coastal Surveillance Centre at least 24 hrs in advance, see chapter 2.3 Norway – Rules and Regulations.

Yachts <15 m planning to stay less than 24 hours, advance contact should be made with the Jan Mayen Station Commander. Note that the station operates on mainland Norway time, not local solar time.

For stays of more than 24 hours and up to one week, permission must be obtained in advance from Nordland Police.

Stays of more than one week require advance permission from the Norwegian Ministry of Justice.

Support

Jan Mayen is uninhabited except for the personnel staffing the military and meteorological station. The station does not provide services to visiting yachts, including fuel, provisions, transport or accommodation, and is generally not open to visitors. Fresh water is scarce.

VHF channels 16 and 60 are monitored via satellite link by Coastal Radio North.

Nature Reserve

In November 2010, Jan Mayen and surrounding waters out to 12 nautical miles were designated a nature reserve. Landing is prohibited except in two small areas adjacent to the anchorages at Kvalrossbukta and Båtvika.

A detailed set of regulations applies and must be observed; these are published on the official Jan Mayen website. Pets are not permitted on the island.