British Antarctic Territory travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary (removal of Swine Flu paragraph). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• The British Antarctic Territory is a British Overseas Territory. There is no formal British diplomatic or consular representation in the British Antarctic Territory and it is administered from London. See the Contact Details section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• You may require a permit issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office if you are organising a trip to Antarctica, including the British Antarctic Territory. You are also encouraged to travel with a company affiliated to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). See gidance for visitors to Antarctica for more details.
  
  
• The British Antarctic Territory is inaccessible during the winter (March-October) and during the rest of the year there will be times when, because of the prevailing weather conditions landings may be difficult. See the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. For more general information see terrorism abroad.

Crime

There is no history of crime within the Territory. The Territory has no indigenous population and the only residents are personnel who work at the few scientific research stations in the Territory.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political situation

British Antarctic Territory Country Profile

Local travel

There are no air links to the Territory and there are no road links within the Territory. Access to Antarctica is by sea only.

In winter (March-October) the Territory is inaccessible. And during the Austral summer (November-February) there will be times when, because of the prevailing westerly winds and lack of sheltered anchorage, landings may be difficult.

Local laws and customs

The British Antarctic Territory is a British Overseas Territory. The Territory has a comprehensive set of its own laws and is administered by a Commissioner, based in London. (See contact details below).

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.

Entry requirements

Before travelling to the British Antarctic Territory, and the wider continent of Antarctica, you will need a valid permit which your tour organiser may obtain from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.

For further information on permits, please see: guidance for visitors to Antarctica.

Health

There are no medical or search and rescue facilities within the Territory. You should be aware of the harsh climatic conditions in Antarctica.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to British Antarctic Territory and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see travel health and Swine Flu.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

Contact details

Government of the British Antarctic Territory
Polar Regions Unit
Overseas Territory Department
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
London
SW1A 2AH.

Tel: 020 7008 1921

Fax: 020 7008 2086

Office Hours (GMT): Mon-Fri: 0900-1300 and 1400-1700.

International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) - http://www.iaato.org/