The remote visa-free island at the top of the world - BBC REEL

Longyearbyen is the northernmost city in the world. It is also a visa-free zone where everyone is welcome to live and work. People from all over the world come to this remote Norwegian archipelago to start a new life at the top of the world.

Video by Will Francome

#bbcreel #bbc #bbcnews

[draven]

“Maybe if you dont fit in the world out there, then maybe this is your place.”

True words hit home

[atexaninkorea]

"It's the animals homes. We're guests"
Carry guns everywhere.
Bears be like, "worst guests ever. Can't take a hint."

[vanishagarg]

I think, for a person like me, sunlight is the most important. It gives so much energy and positive vibes. Hats off to the people who manage to live in their houses without sunlight that too straight away for a period of 3-4 months!

[Pilot-udyj]

I had the privilege of meeting Chicco Mattos a few years ago when visiting Svalbard during the polar night. A very unassuming guy. He was working behind the bar at the Radisson Blu. We got talking about our mutual love photography and he turned out to be a fantastic videographer as well as a photographer. Top bloke with some mad skills.

[airira]

Too bad I’ve learned about this place 30 years too late. I’m too old now, too unhealthy to go anywhere like this but I would have loved it for a while back when I could live and love and travel without the ties of approaching mortality. Beautiful place.

[me_here_now]

On arrival in Oslo, visitors will need to go through passport control. While Norwegian authorities do not require a visa for visiting Svalbard, as you will be transiting through Norway, nationals with visa requirements for Norway or the Schengen area will need a valid visa. No visa is required for EU passport holders.

[godsmarch]

I can feel the positive energy by just watching this video.❤️

[Joycemcnamara]

I love this. 51 different nationalities all living peacefully together who welcome newcomers.

[jeonlyxoxo]

I need a place like this just to ‘detox’ from the current mad world. I need my human senses back.

[stutzstudiowerks]

That was lovely. I'm glad places like this still exist in the world. Thank you for showing us. ❤

[RadioDadJokes]

Was there in February. Unreal. It has a B movie feel with the disused mines and doomsday vault - I loved it. Saw the aurora for the sixth time too. Svalbard is incredible beyond words.

[DonVigaDeFierro]

"We're literally at the edge of the world"

Flat earthers: WRITE THAT DOWN!! WRITE THAT DOWN!!!

[lakshyajindal]

Svalbard is definitely one of the most venturous and intriguing spots where one can think of living. Even though, one can find out numerous downsides about this place. For me, its upsides seem to outweigh everything else. I consider Svalbard as the ideal place for a getaway or a temporary residence and that too visa-free. Having a peaking interest in photography, I would definitely visit this place at least once in my life. Its stupendous scenic beauty can leave one flabbergasted and its innumerable relief features like the snow mountains and lakes can give you Goosebumps. Well at last, if you don't fit in the world out there, maybe Svalbard is your place.

[MelanieSakowski]

Life, truly: “This is a real community and people check on each other.”

[UTTAMRAY]

I would like to thank BBC REEL FOR COVERING SUCH A WONDERFUL EPISODE WITH

[Emma-llwv]

I visited Svalbard in January 2020, in the middle of the polar night. I completely fell in love with the place and the people. I know it sounds mad but I felt very comfortable there. I guess I like cold dark places.

[nordicgaming]

The Brazilian guy literally moved from southern edge of the world to the northern edge.. Must have been a crazy transition ^^

[thebetterbeyond]

I was just there last week. It truly is one of the most special places I have ever visited. I can't wait to return in the winter.

[Amuzic_Earth]

I especially liked each of the people who were interviewed.. they do seem vastly different from each other and yet have a common thing, a connection with the nature and an aloofness with the mainstream human civilization.

[edithvelez]

When he says if nature wants, nature keeps you inside your house. So true especially considering what we are living mow.