South America and South Atlantic Islands

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• Tristan da Cunha is a UK Overseas Territory. There is no formal British diplomatic or consular representation in Tristan da Cunha and the local authorities deal with all requests for consular assistance. See General - Consular Assistance.
  
  
• Tristan da Cunha does not have an air link all journeys are by sea, usually via Cape Town. You should consult the Travel Advice for South Africa or for any other third country from which you are travelling. More advice on how to get to Tristan can be found on the Tristan da Cunha website which is essential reading before planning a visit.
  
  
• Most visits to Tristan da Cunha, if planned properly, are trouble-free; but there are conditions which must be met before the island Council will authorise a visit. These are explained below.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive medical insurance before travelling. Medical treatment on the island is not free for visitors, and major treatment, especially if repatriation to Cape Town is needed, can be very expensive. See General - Insurance.

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 more general information see our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime
The level of crime on Tristan is extremely low. For more general information see our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel
Trips to areas away from the main settlement on Tristan, including to Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands, must be made with a guide for safety reasons. A fee is payable and an indemnity declaration must be signed. You need prior approval from the Administrator to visit Gough Island, which is 200 miles away by sea to the south. Permission to land will rarely be granted as Gough is a World Heritage Site. If you intend to hill walk, fish or undertake any pursuit, which means that you leave the Settlement you should seek the advice of a local guide and let others know where you are going and when you intend to return. This especially applies if you intend to climb The Peak, which requires a high level of fitness and an early start.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sea Travel 
It is only possible to travel to the Island by sea. Fishing vessels from Cape Town visit the Island nine times a year, and there is one annual visit made by a South African research vessel in September/October. Due to the limited harbour facilities, vessels have to anchor offshore and passengers are ferried by smaller local boats. This can be hazardous in bad weather. Approaching bad weather can mean that you may have to return to your ship ahead of schedule. Fishing requirements mean that ships may need to depart Tristan ahead of schedule. 

See our River and Sea Safety page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Tristan da Cunha is a UK Overseas Territory.

Tristan da Cunha Country Profile

Local laws are similar to those of the UK. There are strict rules about the importation of alcohol. A licence is required to import more than two bottles of spirits. Camping is not permitted on the Island.  

See our Your Trip page.

You will need the prior permission of the Island Council to land on Tristan. You should apply to the Administrator's office (enquiriestdc@gmail.com) for this permission. You must have a confirmed and fully paid return passage; comprehensive travel and medical insurance that cover the cost of medical treatment and evacuation to Cape Town; and sufficient funds to cover the cost of your visit. A small landing fee is payable on arrival at the Island.

You must hold a valid passport to enter Tristan. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. However, it is always sensible to have a short period of extra validity on your passport in case of any unforeseen delays to your departure. You do not have to wait until your old passport expires to apply to renew it. Any time left on your old passport when you apply will be added to your new passport, up to a maximum of nine months. For passport applications in the UK, you should apply to the Identity and Passport Service.

Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

A good standard of general practice level medical care is available on Tristan da Cunha, but it can be expensive. However operations and more serious medical cases usually require medical evacuation to Cape Town and this depends on the availability of ships. The journey itself can take up to a week, or longer in bad weather.  Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Limited pharmaceutical supplies are available on Tristan and you should ensure that you take sufficient stock of any regular prescription medication with you.

Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV AND AIDS page.

Our Travel Health pages offer further advice on how to stay healthy when overseas.

Tristan is a volcanic island but it has not had an eruption since 1961. Between July and September 2004, there were minor tremors.

General - Insurance 
You should take out comprehensive medical insurance before travelling. This must cover treatment costs as well as medical evacuation to Cape Town if this becomes necessary.  Check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page. 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Consular Assistance  
There is no British Consul. If you experience problems, you should contact the local police (extension 2010). If you need a replacement or emergency passport, you should contact the Administrator’s office at the Government offices in the Settlement.  

General - 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 crises staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  

General - Accommodation
There two guest houses on Tristan. Visitors can also stay with an Island family as paying guests.

General - Money   
Sterling is the currency used on the Island. There is a small bank that can exchange currency but supply is limited.