Citizens of United States of America must obtain a visa in advance. You have to apply for visa through a South Georgia And The South Sandwich Islands diplomatic mission or one of its authorized visa agents outside South Georgia And The South Sandwich Islands. You will need to visit the Embassy in your country to process this visa. Need help in getting prepare the required documentation contact us.
South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands are a remote and pristine group of islands located in the Southern Ocean, and they are only accessible by sea. As there is no accommodation ashore, most visitors reach the islands via cruise ships or yachts. However, to obtain access to these islands, all visitors must have a visit permit. If you are a passenger on a commercial or private vessel, your vessel's owner or operator will submit the visit permit application.
All visits require a visit permit. Visit permit applications for both commercial and private vessels are submitted by the vessel owners or operators. Individual passengers don’t need to submit an application as permits are issued for each vessel and covers all visitors on board.
Vessel operators are normally members of IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) and as such are permitted greater access to landing sites. Details of all IAATO members and vessel operators (including charter yachts) are detailed on the IAATO website.
If you are visiting South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands for a purpose other than tourism, or intend to use a drone or submersible, a Regulated Activity Permit (RAP) may be required. A RAP is also required for expeditions which are defined as any activity involving camping ashore overnight. For more information refer to the Expeditions section.
Please note that there are some activities that GSGSSI will not permit. These include the use of aircraft including helicopters and hot air balloons, field projects which are not supported by BAS and that do not have a dedicated support vessel, use of explosives, importation of non-native species, and methods or activities that are banned under CCAMLR. Exceptions to the above may be granted by the Commissioner in exceptional circumstances.
Persons wishing to carry out activities that are covered by international law, treaty or convention e.g. UNCLOS should ensure that they comply with all relevant requirements.
Expeditions to South Georgia, defined as any approved activity involving overnight camping on the island, must be totally self-sufficient. These expeditions may include mountaineering, skiing, science, longer trekking, sea kayaking, or other activities.
To obtain a permit for an expedition, applicants must go through an assessment process that involves advice from a panel of expert advisors. This process incurs an administrative fee. The advisory panel uses the planning factors and expedition guidelines outlined in the downloaded information to guide their decision-making.
Upon successful completion of the assessment process, an expedition permit may be issued.
All Countries / Nationalities that required regular visa for South Georgia And The South Sandwich IslandsNo, all visitors must be part of a guided tour or expedition.
The best time to visit is during the austral summer, from November to March.
Visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and seabirds.
Yes, visitors must follow designated routes and stay within permitted areas to protect the fragile environment.
No, visitors do not need a visa, but they must obtain a visit permit and follow specific regulations.
Warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, and sun protection are essential.
No, all food and drink must be obtained from authorized suppliers to prevent the introduction of non-native species.
Limited medical facilities are available, and visitors are encouraged to bring any necessary medications with them.
Visitors typically arrive by boat or cruise ship, with some flights available to the Falkland Islands.
Limited internet and cell phone service is available in some areas, but visitors should not rely on it.
The official currency is the British Pound, although US dollars and Euros are also accepted.
No, visitors are not permitted to take any natural or historical items from the islands, including rocks, fossils, or wildlife specimens.
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