Travel Summary
- Tristan da Cunha is a UK Overseas Territory. There is no formal British diplomatic or consular representation in Tristan da Cunha and the local authorities deal with all requests for consular assistance. See the General (Consular Assistance) section of this advice for more details.
- Tristan da Cunha does not have an air link. All journeys are by sea, usually via Cape Town. You should consult the Travel Advice for South Africa or for any other third country from which you are travelling. More advice on how to get to Tristan can be found on the Tristan da Cunha website which is essential reading before planning a visit.
- Most visits to Tristan da Cunha, if planned properly, are trouble-free But there are conditions which must be met before the island Council will authorise a visit. These are explained below.
- 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.
- Medical treatment on the island is not free for visitors, and major treatment, especially if repatriation to Cape Town is needed, can be very expensive. You should check that your insurance policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake and includes cover for medical evacuation. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and our Travel Insurance page.
Safety and security
Terrorism
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. For more general information see our Terrorism Abroad page.
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. For more general information see our Terrorism Abroad page.
Crime
The level of crime on Tristan is extremely low. For more general information see our Victims of Crime Abroad page.
Political Situation
Tristan da Cunha Country Profile
Local Travel
Trips to areas away from the main settlement on Tristan, including to Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands, must be made with a guide for safety reasons. A fee is payable and an indemnity declaration must be signed. You need prior approval from the Administrator to visit Gough Island, which is 200 miles away by sea to the south. Permission to land will rarely be granted as Gough is a World Heritage Site. If you intend to hill walk, fish or undertake any pursuit, which means that you leave the Settlement you should seek the advice of a local guide and let others know where you are going and when you intend to return. This especially applies if you intend to climb The Peak, which requires a high level of fitness and an early start.
Sea Travel
It is only possible to travel to the Island by sea. Fishing vessels from Cape Town visit the Island nine times a year, and there is one annual visit made by a South African research vessel in September/October. Due to the limited harbour facilities, vessels have to anchor offshore and passengers are ferried by smaller local boats. This can be hazardous in bad weather. Approaching bad weather can mean that you may have to return to your ship ahead of schedule. Fishing requirements mean that ships may need to depart Tristan ahead of schedule.
For more general information see our River and Sea Safety page.
Local laws and customs
Tristan da Cunha is an Overseas Territory, and local laws are similar to those of the UK.
There are strict rules about the importation of alcohol. A licence is required to import more than two bottles of spirits.
Camping is not permitted on the Island.
For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your Trip page.
Entry requirements
You will need the prior permission of the Island Council to land on Tristan. You should apply to the Administrator's office (enquiriestdc@gmail.com) for this permission. You must have a confirmed and fully paid return passage; comprehensive travel and medical insurance that covers the cost of medical treatment and evacuation to Cape Town; and sufficient funds to cover the cost of your visit. A small landing fee is payable on arrival at the Island.
Health
A good standard of medical care is available on Tristan da Cunha, but it can be expensive. Some cases will result in medical evacuation to Cape Town and this depends on the availability of ships. The journey itself can take up to a week, or longer in bad weather.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV AND AIDS page.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Tristan da Cunha 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.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV AND AIDS page.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Tristan da Cunha 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.
Natural disasters
Tristan is a volcanic island but it has not had an eruption since 1961. Between July and September 2004, there were minor tremors.
General
Insurance
You must obtain comprehensive medical insurance before travelling. This must cover treatment costs as well as medical evacuation to Cape Town if this becomes necessary. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see our Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see When Things Go Wrong.
Consular Assistance
There is no British Consul. If you experience problems, you should contact the local police (extension 2010).
If you need a replacement or emergency passport, you should contact the Administrator’s office at the Government offices in the Settlement.
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 crises staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Accommodation
Accommodation
There two guest houses on Tristan. Visitors can also stay with an Island family as paying guests.
Tristan da Cunha is an UK Overseas Territory and all Tristanians are British Citizens.
Money
Sterling is the currency used on the Island. There is a small bank that can exchange currency but supply is limited.
