Travelling to the Arctic – AECO Guidelines
As one of the first operators to become an AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) member, Aurora Expeditions is committed to responsible and respectful travel to the Arctic.
It is important to familiarise yourself with key information and protocols before travelling to this region.
Please download and read the following documents. We thank you for your support for the ongoing protection and preservation of the Arctic.
Visitor Guidelines
Biosecurity Guidelines
Clean Seas Guidelines
Svalbard Guidelines: Effective 1 January, 2025
Activities in the Arctic operate within a comprehensive framework of international and national laws and regulations to ensure safety and preservation of the environment. Visiting Svalbard involves adhering to guidelines put in place by AECO and and the Svalbard Government. Guidelines include:
- Maximum 200 passenger limitation in National Parks and Eastern Svalbard National Reserves.
- Prohibition of landings in protected areas.
- Minimum distance to Polar Bears of 500 meters and prohibition of disturbing/actively seeking/luring. Stringent fines and imprisonment apply
- Minimum 300 meters distance to Walrus at sea and minimum 50 meters ashore.
- 5 knots speed limitation within 500 meters of Bird Cliffs.
- Ice Breaking, prohibition of breaking fast ice.
- Prohibition for use of drones in protected areas, National Parks and Natural reserves and within 500 meters from bird colonies/cliffs.
AECO has also banned the general use of UAVs by passengers in the Arctic. The use of UAVs for special purposes may be decided by the operators within the limits of regulations and AECO guidelines. UAVs/Drones can under no circumstance be used to pursue or approach wildlife.
We will continue to maintain a proactive approach, closely monitoring updates from AECO and local authorities.
Greenland Guidelines: Effective 1 January, 2025
Activities in the Arctic operate within a comprehensive framework of international and national laws and regulations to ensure safety and preservation of the environment. Visiting Greenland involves adhering to guidelines put in place by AECO and and local authorities. Guidelines include:
- Polar Bear sight seeing, lure and actively seeking are not allowed.
- Polar Bears can be seeked only if a licensed Greenlander is on board.
- Narwhal no-go zones and speed limit zones.
- Clearance to enter Greenland if not from Schengen countries will NOT apply.
We will continue to maintain a proactive approach, closely monitoring updates from AECO and local authorities.
