Travel to Antarctica

The UK supports safe and environmentally sustainable tourism in Antarctica. Last year British nationals comprised the third highest nationality of visitors to Antarctica.  The overwhelming majority of Antarctic tourists visit the British Antarctic Territory.

General travel advice for Antarctica and the British Antarctic Territory can be found here on the British Antarctic Territory Travel Advice page.

Permitting System

If you wish to visit Antarctica you may need to obtain a permit.

Carrying out activities in Antarctica without first obtaining a permit when required by legislation, or in breech of a permit condition, is a criminal offence punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

If you are travelling to Antarctica as a passenger on a cruise ship it is unlikely that you will require a permit but if you are uncertain please contact your tour operator.

International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)

Most companies which offer tours to Antarctica are members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). IAATO sets out strict environmental standards for Antarctic tourism operators, and manages the annual tourism traffic to Antarctica. The FCO encourages all visitors to Antarctica to travel with IAATO affiliated companies.

There is more information on the permitting system in this section.

These pages are intended for guidance only. They have no legal status.

Anyone planning to visit Antarctica should consult the information contained in this section or contact us (see contact details on the right) and if necessary seek independent legal advice.