South America and South Atlantic Islands

The general standard of healthcare in the Falkland Islands is good.  Treatment is free to UK Citizens but you will have to demonstrate proof of residence in the UK (e.g. medical card or driving licence).  The only hospital is located in Stanley and offers very modern facilities with a full complement of medical, dental and nursing staff.  There is no resident qualified optician. More complex treatments might require medical evacuation. You should ensure that your travel insurance is sufficient to cover this.

RAF Brize Norton - Testing for Swine Flu

In order to protect MOD operational capability, it has become mandatory for all passengers arriving at RAF Brize Norton Passenger Terminal for check-in to automatically have their temperature tested as a preventative measure against the further spread of Swine Flu, this includes all civilian passengers travelling southbound to Ascension Island and the Falkland Islands.  Although this testing is quick and easy, please be aware that it will inevitably cause a slight disruption and delay to the check-in process. If your temperature is found to be of a high enough degree to cause concern you will be given 30 minutes 'cool-down' to allow for re-testing and temperature verification. This could cause some passengers to miss their flight check-in if they arrive too close to the 'Latest Arrival Time' to allow for the completion of this procedure. Therefore, it is recommended that all passengers programme extra time into their travel plans to allow for any possible false negative tests and cool down period.

If any passenger fails the 2nd temperature test after 30 minutes, they will be shut off the flight and unable to travel again for a further seven days. Consequently, it is suggested that all passengers keep their transport available until after the testing is completed and civilian passengers are strongly advised to ensure they take out adequate travel insurance to cover such an eventuality. 

MOD have advised that they will keep the screening programme under constant review by balancing medical and operational advice accordingly.  Anyone who is due to depart from RAF Brize Norton should direct any questions to the Passenger Flight Information Line on 01993 896050.

A (H1N1) (Swine Flu)

There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus - Swine Flu in the Falkland Islands.  You can check for  a statement on the overall situation on the Falkland Islands Government website.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.  Check the FCO's dedicated Swine Flu page for further information.  Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

Yellow Fever

The Ministry of Defence recommends inoculation against Yellow Fever for passengers travelling on the RAF service in case flights are diverted to a risk area.

HIV and AIDs

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

General

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Falkland Islands 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.