Asia and Oceania

Pitcairn (British Overseas Territory)
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 20 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary (paragraph on formal health declaration). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Travel Summary

Pitcairn Island is a British Overseas Territory. There is no formal British diplomatic or consular representation. The Governor's Representative on the island can provide advice if required. See the General section of this travel advice for more details.
Visitors wishing to stay on Pitcairn for two weeks or more, or wishing to travel with children must contact the Pitcairn Island Office in Auckland before making any plans to travel. See the Entry Requirements (Requirements on arrival) section of this advice for more details.
There is no air access to the island, but from December 2009 a regular shiping service will operate between Pitcairn and Mangareva. Details of sailings can be found on visitpitcairn.pn Transfer to and from the island is by longboat and can be dangerous in adverse weather conditions.
As a precaution against the spread of Swine Flu (H1N1) Pitcairn has introduced a requirement for vessels travelling to the island to provide a formal declaration of the health of passengers and crew. The Pitcairn Island doctor will communicate with either the Captain or the ship’s doctor, as appropriate. If there is doubt about fitness of an individual to land on Pitcairn, a brief medical examination may be required including measurement of body temperature.
There is a low threat from terrorism on Pitcairn. 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 recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Medical facilities are limited. You should ensure that your travel insurance covers medical evacuation. 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

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 further information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Any type of crime against visitors is rare.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Pitcairn Island Country Profile

Local Travel

Road Travel

Pitcairn has one sealed road. There are no other proper roads on Pitcairn, only dirt tracks. Transport around the island is by quad bike or on foot. All quad bikes are privately owned and therefore most visitors travel on foot. Longer-term visitors who propose using a quad bike are required to pass a driving test before a licence will be issued.

For further information see Driving Abroad.

Sea Travel

Transfer to and from the island is by boat only and can be dangerous in adverse weather conditions.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Local laws and customs

You should note that it is illegal to import alcohol without a licence. It is also illegal to drink alcohol in a public place. The main religion on Pitcairn is Seventh Day Adventism. Sabbath is observed on Saturday.

The import of plant and animal products is strictly controlled and visitors should contact the Pitcairn Islands Office in Auckland for advice before travelling.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

Entry requirements

Requirements on arrival

Any adult wishing to stay on Pitcairn for less than two weeks does not require a visa or licence prior to arrival, and does not need to complete an entry clearance application in advance of their visit. The Immigration Officer assesses applications for short-term visitors to Pitcairn upon arrival.

Visitors wishing to stay on Pitcairn for two weeks or more must contact the Pitcairn Island Office in Auckland before making any plans to travel. Without a valid “licence to land and reside”, access to Pitcairn will not be granted. Further details of entry requirements and how to obtain a licence can be found on the following: http://www.government.pn/tourist.htm.

Passport validity

A valid passport is required. You should also check the passport and visa requirements for the countries you plan to travel through to get to Pitcairn.

Travelling with children

Visitors wishing to travel to Pitcairn with children under 16 years must contact the Pitcairn Island Office before making any plans to travel. An entry clearance application will need to be completed for any child wishing to visit the island. The Pitcairn Island Office can provide further details.

The FCO does not currently allow our officers based on Pitcairn to be accompanied by their children.

Health

Pitcairn has a medical clinic and a resident doctor, but you should note that medical facilities are limited. The nearest hospital facilities are in French Polynesia or New Zealand, at least four days sail away. This should be taken into account when travelling with children who may be particularly vulnerable.

You should exercise 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 Pitcairn 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 Heath 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.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should ensure that your travel insurance covers medical evacuation. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the all activities you want to undertake. See Travel Insurance for more details.

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. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Consular assistance

Pitcairn is an Overseas Territory and the Governor's Office, which is part of the British High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, does not provide any formal consular assistance. In the event of any problems whilst visiting the island, you should contact the Governor’s Representative on island. Please not that consular and medical assistance is extremely limited. You can contact her through the Governor's Office or, if on the island, you can contact her at The Hostel.

Access to the Island

Pitcairn is roughly halfway between New Zealand and Panama. A regular shipping service between Pitcairn and Mangareva is due to commence in December 2009. Further details may be found at www.visitpitcairn.pn. There is no air access to the island.

There are no hotels but self-catering and homestay accommodation is available.

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Contacts

Pitcairn Henderson Ducie & Oeno Islands, Pitcairn Islands Office (Overseas Territory)

Address:

Pitcairn Islands Office:
Private Box 105696
Auckland
New Zealand

Telephone:

(+64) (9) 366 0186

Fax:

(+64) (9) 366 0187

Email: admin@pitcairn.gov.pn

Office hours:

Local Time:
Mon-Fri: 0830-1700

Website: http://ukinnewzealand.fco.gov.uk/en/

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Asia and Oceania

Pitcairn (British Overseas Territory)