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Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose 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 you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .

Passport validity requirements

To enter South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

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.

Visitor permits

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands has restricted access and you need a visitor permit. The Commissioner, based in the Falkland Islands, regulates all access to the territory.

You must apply before your visit for permission to land on the islands. If you’re travelling on a cruise ship or yacht, the vessel operator will normally submit your permit application and handle the administration of your visit.

Masters of vessels and visit permit holders must report to the Government Officer at King Edward Point on arrival in South Georgia.

Permit fees

See for information on permit fees.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .

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.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

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 South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

There is no history of crime in the territory. The islands have no indigenous population, and the only residents are employees of the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the British Antarctic Survey and the South Georgia Heritage Trust.

Unexploded weapons

There are unexploded weapons on the islands. If you come across a weapon:

• do not touch it or approach it
• clearly mark the area where the item is located
• take a picture of the item, if safe to do so
• inform the Government Officer at King Edward Point of its position

Laws and cultural differences

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is a British Overseas Territory and has its own laws. It is administered by a commissioner, based in the Falkland Islands.

The maintains a staffed office at King Edward Point on South Georgia.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex marriage is legal in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Biosecurity

Biosecurity measures are in place to protect the fragile ecosystem of the islands from invasive species. Follow the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands� while on the islands. If you fail to do so, you could get a fine or a prison sentence.

Prohibited areas

Access is prohibited to all historic buildings at the former whaling stations of Prince Olav Harbour, Leith Harbour, Stromness and Husvik on South Georgia. This is due to the buildings being in a dangerous state of disrepair or because of asbestos. Wind-blown debris including asbestos dust is a significant health risk.

You are prohibited from entering or approaching within 200 metres of the former whaling stations, unless directed otherwise by the Commissioner’s Office or the Government Officer at King Edward Point.

Transport risks

You can only travel to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands by sea. There are no scheduled services other than those provided by cruise ships, yachts, or expedition companies. There are no roads on any of the islands.

The conditions and terrain on the islands are harsh. The interior is not fully mapped, and nearby waters are not always accurately or completely charted.

Cruise vessel operators

For organised travel, consider using a tour operator that belongs to the . Its members sign up to the codes of practice on operational and environmental safety and often have access to more of the islands.

Cruise vessels operators must have adequate insurance arrangements to cover liability. Permission for visits by cruise vessels is granted on this basis.

Extreme weather

There are risks posed by the harsh climatic conditions, with changeable and unpredictable storms throughout the year which may affect your plans. Frequent storms and the lack of sheltered anchorages may make landing on the islands very difficult. In winter the South Sandwich Islands may be surrounded by pack ice.

Before you land, consider taking sensible precautions by:  

• making sure you have clothing and equipment suitable for the conditions
• being trained and competent in the use of any specialist equipment
• taking appropriate steps to protect yourself from the sun as very strong

Before you travel make sure you have appropriate travel insurance. Make sure you have accessible funds to cover unexpected medical evacuation.

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:ÌýÌý

• check the latest ÌýÌý
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the 

There are no search and rescue or other emergency services on the islands. The Falkland Islands and South America have the nearest medical facilities and are approximately 3 to 5 days sail away respectively. There’s no independent transport between South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and the Falkland Islands or South America.

Before you book:

• check the experience and credentials of operators
• review the on-board medical facilities of the vessel and discuss any pre-existing medical condition with your operator

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands. Read more about .

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .

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.

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is a British Overseas Territory. It is administered by a commissioner in the Falkland Islands.

In an emergency, the can provide basic assistance but they and the Commissioner’s Office cannot issue replacement passports.

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

Support for British people in the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

For help or advice, talk to your tour operator or expedition leader.

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