Genvisec advises that all travel can continue to South Georgia can continue, ensuring personnel are trained and aware of climatic conditions.

 

Crime

 

There is no recorded crime in the Territory. The Islands have no indigenous population and the only residents are employees of the government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, the British Antarctic Survey and the South Georgia Heritage Trust.

 

Weather

 

The climate on the Islands is changeable and unpredictable with severe storms throughout the year. Weather conditions may affect your plans. Frequent westerly storms and the lack of sheltered anchorages may make landing on the Islands very difficult.

 

You should make sure you have clothing and equipment suitable for the climatic conditions and are trained and competent in the use of any specialist equipment. The sun can be very strong across the Territory and you should take appropriate steps to protect yourself.

 

In winter the South Sandwich Islands may be surrounded by pack ice.

 

Local travel

 

There are no air links to South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands. You can only travel to the Islands by sea. There are no scheduled services other than those provided by cruise ships, yachts or expedition companies. There are no road links on any of the Islands.

 

The conditions and terrain of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands are harsh. The interior is not fully mapped and nearby waters are not always accurately or completely charted.

 

Operators of cruise vessels

 

Operators of cruise vessels must have fully adequate insurance arrangements to cover liability. Permission for visits by cruise vessels is granted on this basis.

 

Unexploded ordnance

 

Unexploded ordnance may be found on the Islands. If you come across any unexploded ordnance, don’t touch it. Notify its position and physical appearance to the Government Officer at King Edward Point.

 

Local laws

 

South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is a British Overseas Territory. The Territory has its own laws and is administered by a Commissioner, based in Stanley in the Falkland Islands. The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands maintains a continuous presence at King Edward Point on South Georgia.

 

Biosecurity

 

There are a number of biosecurity measures in place to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Islands from invasive species. You should follow the government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands’ biosecurity protocols while on the Islands. Failure to do so could result in prosecution.

 

Prohibited areas

 

On South Georgia access is prohibited to all historic buildings at the former whaling stations of Prince Olav Harbour, Leith Harbour, Stromness and Husvik. This is due to the buildings being in a dangerous state of disrepair or because of the asbestos content. Wind-blown debris including asbestos dust presents a significant health risk at all times. You are prohibited from entering or approaching within 200 metres of the former whaling stations, unless directed otherwise by the Commissioner’s Office or the Government Officer at King Edward Point.

 

Money

You can buy stamps from the Post Office and gifts from the museum shop on South Georgia. Both accept pounds sterling, Euros, US dollars and VISA and MasterCard credit cards. American Express isn’t accepted. There are no banking facilities on the Islands.

 

Health

There are no search and rescue or other emergency services on the Islands. The Falkland Islands and South America have the nearest medical facilities and are approximately 3 to 5 days sail away respectively. There’s no independent transport between South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands and the Falkland Islands or South America.

 

You should consider the on-board medical facilities of the vessel you intend to travel on and talk to cruise operators or organisers as appropriate, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

 

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

 

Visa requirements

 

South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands has restricted access and visitor permits are required. The Commissioner of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, based in Stanley, Falkland Islands regulates all access to the Territory. Visas aren’t required, but you must apply to the Commissioner for permission to land on the Islands before you travel regardless of your nationality or mode of transport. If you’re travelling on a cruise ship or yacht the vessel operator will normally submit your visit application and handle the administration of your visit on your behalf.

 

On arrival in South Georgia, you must report to the Government Officer at King Edward Point, Cumberland Bay East.

 

Masters of vessels and visit permit holders must report to the Government Officer at King Edward Point on arrival in South Georgia.

 

Passport validity

 

You must hold a valid passport to enter South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry.

 

Visitor fee

 

From July 2014 there will be a landing fee of £120 per person for up to 72 hours. For visits of longer than 72 hours the fee will be £120 per person, with an additional charge of £20 per day up to a maximum of £200. The maximum landing fee of £200 will be valid for 1 month from the start of the visit with further fees payable if the stay extends beyond this period.