Travelling internationally always comes with the tiresome process of getting a visa. But what if we told you that there is a country in Europe that is a completely visa-free zone? The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is such an amazing destination where globetrotters can enjoy a splendid vacation without undergoing the hassle of getting a visa.
Do you know the history behind Svalbard?
Many years back probably in the 12th to 13th century, the islands were first discovered by either the Vikings or the Dutch explorers. As years passed by, the island started inviting walrus and whale hunters. The island got its first industrial flavour in 1906 when John Munro Longyear, a businessman from the US, started the first coal mine. Svalbard is now a hub for tourism, ecological and environmental research. The other prominent sectors are agriculture, chemicals, fishing, and food processing.
How to spend an enthralling vacation in the island?
The most sought after experience in Svalbard is witnessing the Northern Lights. The tourists are enticed with the colourful flares of light spread across the sky. Best times for observing this awesome phenomenon is during the polar night starting from 14th November and ending till 29th January.
Food and drinks are expensive yet delightful and tasty. You must not miss tasting the local delicacies.
Its a treat to the eyes to observe the sheets of layers of ice spread across the entire landscape. As you traverse across the snowy path, with the chilled air brushing past, you can escape into a dreamland.
More about Svalbard
If you are a traveller and want to spend a vacation, then 4 to 5 days is enough to spend in the island. But if you want to settle down, there are few unique ways of survival in the island which you must be aware of. The cost of living is almost NOK 10,000 per month which is equivalent to INR 74,925. Language is not an issue as people can speak English along with Norwegian, Barentsburg Russian and Ukrainian.
The only means of transport along the roads and between the settlements are by boat in the summer or by snowmobile in winter. Since there are no hospitals, you need to be well geared up with medical kits and medicines. Carrying a rifle is sort of a must to protect yourself from the polar bears.
An offbeat place to explore and enjoy
Being an offbeat, secluded and unexplored place, Svalbard offers a peaceful experience to spend a vacation in solitude. Travelling to renowned destinations is common and is always packed with tourists. But sometimes we do need a place for a comforting, crowd-free and blissful stay. The island is exactly the place to be for that intriguing feel. If you are truly searching for a destination devoid of hustle and bustle, then you must surely add Svalbard in your bucket list.
Anyone can call Svalbard as their home
With its visa-free policy, anyone can call Svalbard as their home. Welcoming people from over 50+ nationalities, it is a haven for many people around the world. The natural environment is well preserved and bio-diversity is appropriately maintained.
No residence permit or work permit is required to stay in the island. However you must definitely have a job and a house for settling down in Svalbard.
So for all those travellers out there, if you are looking for venturing into an unexplored place for a calm and peaceful vacation and with no visa troubles, Svalbard is an overwhelming option for you.
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