Arctic FAQS

Entry to the Arctic will be dependent on your initial entry to either Norway, Finland, Iceland or Denmark

There are no entry requirements for the Arctic itself, however you must make sure you have your passport ready to present when you board your flight or vessel from the mainland. You may also have to show your travel insurance.

Your passport must be valid at the time of disembarkation; however, we strongly recommend it remain valid for at least six (6) months beyond your planned return date. Some countries may deny entry if your passport expires sooner.

We will confirm certain elements of your trip such as domestic flights, permits or train tickets using your current passport details. If a member of your party changes their name in their passport after booking (for example, through marriage or adoption) this could mean having to reissue important parts of the trip at an extra cost and subject to availability.

Please note that requirements can change and we recommend that our guests contact the local embassy in the country where you live for the most recent and up to date information.

There are several biosecurity regulations to follow when visiting the Arctic to prevent the introduction of non-native species, such as seeds, microorganisms, and insects, into the pristine environment. Expedition operators strictly follow the guidelines set out by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), making it essential that all gear you pack – including clothing, footwear, and bags – is thoroughly cleaned and examined before you leave home. Particular attention should be paid to pockets, seams, and Velcro fasteners, which can easily trap organic material.

Once on your expedition, you will be expected to follow specific biosecurity procedures, especially when moving between distinct geographic regions like Svalbard, Greenland, and Canada. This includes cleaning any organic matter off your gear before leaving a site and using mandatory disinfectant footbaths between landings. Additionally, local laws protect the environment and heritage: it is forbidden to pick flowers, disturb cultural remains, or remove items such as stones, bones, and driftwood.

As of 2025, strict new environmental laws, particularly in Svalbard (Norway), heavily regulate Arctic wildlife viewing to prevent disturbance to species, especially polar bears. Key rules include mandatory 300–500 meter distances from polar bears, prohibitions on chasing or luring animals, and severe restrictions on drone use and large cruise ships in protected areas.

Yes, once your trip is confirmed, it is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in case anything unexpected happens.

We always recommend you choose the maximum level of coverage that you feel comfortable investing in. Read more about travel insurance for US travellers here and for travellers from other countries here.

The typical baggage allowance for all flights in this region is 20kg per person. Checking in for domestic/regional flights will be advised at time of final documents.

Yes, you should visit a travel doctor before your trip, as they may recommend certain vaccinations or medications before or during travel. Furthermore, due to the extreme remoteness of the Arctic, most expedition operators require you to submit a completed medical form prior to departure. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, a doctor’s signature will be required on this form to clear you for travel.

Travel pack
Before you head off on your adventure you will be sent a travel pack. The travel pack is full of great information and is also a beautiful keepsake. It is not necessary to travel with vouchers or confirmations on your trip but we do recommend having a printed copy of your travel itinerary to hand when you arrive into Japan.

Bon Voyage email
Around two weeks before you depart we will email you an electronic version of your travel pack including your domestic flight tickets. Once you’ve received this email your travel designer will reach out to arrange a time for you to talk on the phone to go over any last-minute questions and talk you through the information provided.

Prior to, and after your trip in the Arctic you will need to plan your money as per the country you’re based in, either Norway, Finland, Iceland or Denmark.

For the Arctic itself, you will not need cash (except for tipping). Credit and debit cards are the only form of payment.

Any tipping is at your discretion and entirely optional. Should you choose to tip, the standard amount is roughly USD 20 per person per day. This can be added to your account and paid by credit card – you do not need to tip in cash. The gratuity will be divided among the team.

Please note that specific tipping guidelines vary by cruise; these details will be shared with you directly by your dedicated concierge to ensure you have the most accurate information for your specific itinerary.

During the summer in the Arctic, temperatures typically range from 5°C (41°F) to 15°C (59°F). In some land regions, temperatures can climb even higher, occasionally reaching 20°C (68°F). The air is often damp, and frequent fog or mist is common as the sea ice melts. Winds of 15 to 20 kilometres per hour are frequent and can make the humid air feel much more biting. The Arctic experiences 24 hours of sunlight, which triggers a rapid transformation of the landscape as the snow melts to reveal green tundra and wildflowers.

In terms of packing, each operator will include certain items so that you don’t need to bring those with you. To understand what you will be provided with on your trip, please speak to your travel designer or concierge well before departure.

Overall, there are few essential things to remember to pack, that you might find hard to get while you’re travelling:

• Medication – if you need medication please remember to pack enough for your entire trip, accounting for any delays you might incur.
• Layers – typically operators will provide outerwear (such as coats, boots, etc) only, so you should bring your own base layers to keep you warm during outdoor activities.
• Waterproof trousers
• Gloves (consider waterproof)
• Winter hat
• Sunscreen – the sun can be very strong in the Arctic
• Eyewear – either sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses.
• Head net – bugs can be a nuisance in the Arctic
• Cameras and the relevant charging and any extra batteries
• Comfortable and informal clothes for your time inside your ship.

Most ships will have laundry facilities on board, however these can be quite expensive so it’s best to check the price list before sending your items.

Different vessels will use different plugs and power so please speak with your concierge or travel designer for the exact information for your adventure. Many vessels do now have wifi available at an extra cost, however it can be quite patchy and often a bit slow.