Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should be allowed to the territory. Ocean going vessels in transit to the location should consider the piracy threat. 

 

Crime

Crime levels are low. All of the islands apart from Diego Garcia, are uninhabited.

 

 

Sea travel

 

While there have been no attacks around the waters of the British Indian Ocean Territory, piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, and has occurred as far as 1,000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia.  

 

The British Indian Ocean Territory is not a tourist destination. Access is restricted and a permit is required in advance of travel. There are no commercial flights and permits are only issued to yachts in safe passage. Access to Diego Garcia is only permitted to those with connections to the military facility. 

 

 

Health

 

There are no medical facilities in the territory. Search and rescue facilities are limited. You should take out comprehensive travel insurance (to include medical evacuation for a minimum of $100,000 and yacht insurance (to include wreck clean up and disposal) before you travel. 

 

 

Permits

 

Before travelling to the British Indian Ocean Territory, you will need a valid permit, which you must obtain from the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH. Telephone: 020 7008 2691.

 

Any permit issued would be valid for the outer islands only. Access to Diego Garcia is restricted to those with connections to the military facility

 

Proof of adequate travel insurance and yacht insurance is required before a permit can be issued.

 

The forms below should be used to apply for a mooring permit for the territory:

 

BIOT laws and guidance for visitors

 

Declaration for yachts in BIOT waters

 

BIOT visit permit request form - yachts

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into British Indian Ocean Territory.

 

 

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