The British Antarctic Territory is a British Overseas Territory. It is administered by a commissioner, based in London. The British Antarctic Territory website has more information.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
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.
Passport validity requirements
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.
Permits
Anyone on a British expedition to Antarctica or taking a British vessel or aircraft into Antarctica must apply for a permit from the Polar Regions Department of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
For passengers on an organised visit to Antarctica, the tour operator usually arranges a permit. If you are concerned, talk to your operator.
If you travel to any part of Antarctica without permission, you could get a fine or a prison sentence.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Antarctica guide.
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 staying safe abroad 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 Antarctic Territory
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the British Antarctic Territory, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
There’s no history of crime. The only people present besides visitors are those working at the scientific research stations.
Laws and cultural differences
The British Antarctic Territory has guidelines for visitors based on the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. If you are travelling with a tour operator or scientific unit, check how they plan to follow these guidelines.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex marriage has been legal in the British Antarctic Territory since 2014. Further information on getting married is on the British Antarctic Territory website.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Expeditions and adventure travel
Tour operators have their own safety measures to reduce risks for different types of adventure activities. These can vary between operator and may be unique to Antarctica. If in any doubt about safety, check with your tour operator.
When on land expeditions, consider taking precautions against:
- dangers on glaciers
- avalanches
- extreme and unpredictable weather conditions
Transport risks
Most visitors to Antarctica arrive by sea. For organised travel, consider using a tour operator that belongs to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. Its members sign up to codes of practice on operational and environmental safety.
Antarctica is inaccessible during the winter months, from March to October. During the summer, from November to February, landings may be difficult due to westerly winds and lack of sheltered anchorage.
Extreme weather
Antarctica has 2 seasons: Antarctic summer and Antarctic winter. Winter starts in late April and lasts until early October. It can get to minus 40°C or colder. There is very little sunlight, with it being almost permanently dark during the height of winter.
The Territory is inaccessible during winter. Most research stations are without staff during this time.
Before you travel check that you have appropriate travel insurance that specifies Antarctica. Ensure 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:
There are very limited medical facilities within the Territory. Be aware of the harsh climatic conditions in Antarctica.
Most people visit the Antarctic by ship. Some areas of the Antarctic are uncharted and ice-covered. Search and rescue teams called to vessels in Antarctic waters may be far away and take several days to arrive, particularly in bad weather. They can only offer basic transport and medical care and are unlikely to be able to offer advanced life support.
Before you book:
- check the experience and credentials of operators
- review the on-board medical facilities and discuss any pre-existing conditions with your operator
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of the British Antarctic Territory. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
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.
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
Get travel advice updates
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow and contact FCDO:
The British Antarctic Territory is a British Overseas Territory administered from London. For emergency help or advice, talk to your tour operator or expedition leader.
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