British Indian Ocean Territory
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Warnings and insurance
British Indian Ocean Territory is a British Overseas Territory. Access is restricted. based in London has more information.
Travel insurance
If you are granted permission听to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full 鈥楤ritish citizen鈥� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government鈥檚 understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in British Indian Ocean Territory set and enforce entry rules. If you鈥檙e not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .
Restricted access
The British Indian Ocean Territory is not a tourist destination. There are no commercial flights, access is restricted and you need a permit before you travel.
Passport validity requirements
To enter the British Indian Ocean Territory, your passport must have an 鈥榚xpiry date鈥� at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Yachting permit requirements
Yacht crews must have a mooring permit to enter the British Indian Ocean Territory and make safe passage through the Indian Ocean (outer islands only).
Applying for a mooring permit
You must apply for a mooring permit at least 6 weeks in advance and have proof of appropriate travel insurance. Read .
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in the British Indian Ocean Territory
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in the British Indian Ocean Territory, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Sea travel risks
There is a risk of piracy in the Gulf of Aden. There are reports of attacks on local fishing vessels around the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa. See piracy and armed robbery at sea.
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Healthcare in the British Indian Ocean Territory
There are limited medical facilities in the British Indian Ocean Territory.
There are no hospitals or air ambulances. Medical evacuations take between 24 and 72 hours to organise. Search and rescue facilities are limited. The British Indian Ocean Territory administration will only grant entry permits to people who have appropriate travel health insurance and have accessible funds to cover the cost of medical treatment abroad and repatriation including medical evacuations.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for British Indian Ocean Territory
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the
Medication
If you are on prescribed medication, seek advice from a doctor. If you do travel to British Indian Ocean Territory, medication is highly unlikely to be available.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .
Getting help
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
British Indian Ocean Territory is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy. based in London provides assistance for British nationals.
Emergency services in British Indian Ocean Territory
If you are in a life-threatening situation, declare it as a maritime emergency. Authorities will consider all reasonable assistance. You can contact:
- British Indian Ocean Territory authorities in Diego Garcia by radio on 2.182MHz HF SSB or VHF
- British Indian Ocean Territory police station on +246 370 29 38
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
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