North and Central America and Caribbean
Montserrat (British Overseas Territory)
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Still current at: 25 July 2008
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Updated: 11 July 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Entry Requirements sections (telephone number for Identity and Passport Service at the Home Office has changed). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory. There is no formal British diplomatic or consular representation in Montserrat and the local authorities deal with all requests for consular assistance. See the General (Consular Representation) section of this advice for more details.
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The hurricane season in Montserrat normally runs from June to November. See the Natural Disasters (Hurricanes) section of this advice and
Tropical cyclones for more details.
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The Soufriere Hills Volcano remains active although there has been no recent increases in the total volume of the dome. The Volcanic Alert Level is at level 4 (on a scale of 5). Around two thirds of the island is designated an Unsafe Area and two areas around the island's coastline are designated as Maritime Exclusion Zones. Entry to all of these areas is strictly controlled. Areas south of a line midway from the Belham Valley are closed to the public. See the Natural Disasters (Soufriere Hills Volcano) section of this advice for more details.
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A “Guide to Volcanic Hazards” as well as maps showing the Safe and Unsafe land and marine areas are available in the arrival hall at Geralds Airport, the seaport and local police stations. These contain essential information about the volcanic threat. You should ensure that you take a copy of these leaflets on arrival. The risk map can be viewed at:
http://www.mvo.ms/riskmap
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British passport holders do not require visas to enter Montserrat as a visitor but accommodation must be booked prior to arrival. For visa enquiries, non-British passport holders should contact the Identity and Passport Service at the Home Office on 020 7901 2334/7542 during office hours (0900-1700). See the Entry Requirements section of this advice for more details.
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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.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. 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
The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate attacks which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate attacks which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
There is a low rate of crime in Montserrat. Nevertheless, you should take the same sensible precautions against petty crime as you would at home. Do not leave valuables lying around; keep them in your hotel safety deposit box.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Montserrat Country Profile
General Elections were held on 31 May 2006 and a coalition government formed.
Local Travel
Political Situation
Montserrat Country Profile
General Elections were held on 31 May 2006 and a coalition government formed.
Local Travel
Air Travel
Since 11 September 2001, all airlines require earlier check-in times for passengers and luggage. All items of luggage are subject to search. You should allow extra time at the airport and should check with the individual airline for the recommended check-in time for your flight.
There is a daily air link to Montserrat’s Gerald’s Airport from VC Bird International Airport in Antigua. WINAIR operates regular daily flights in each direction and the journey time is approximately 20 minutes. Travellers should note that there is a 20 kilogram limit per passenger on hold baggage on these flights. If you have been in Antigua for more than 24 hours you will be charged an embarkation tax of 50 East Caribbean Dollars (EC$) per person for adults over 12 years of age by the Antiguan authorities. They also charge a Facilities Tax which is currently EC$54. However, this is normally added to the cost of your ingoing travel ticket on issue.
You will also be charged an embarkation tax and security charge when you leave Montserrat. Please see the Entry Requirements section of this advice for more details.
Road Travel
Minibuses are available along a number of routes in Montserrat (minimum fare EC$3), but with no regular schedules.
Car rental is available from several companies. To rent a car, or to drive in Montserrat, you will need to obtain a temporary Visitor’s Driving Licence. These are available from any police station on production of a valid driving licence and on payment of a fee of EC$50. The Temporary licence is valid for three months. When driving a vehicle, remember to drive on the left, as in the UK. There is a speed limit of 20 mph due to multiple hairpin bends. Do not drink and drive.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Local laws and customs
There are harsh penalties if you are caught with drugs of any kind.
You should observe the customs regulations on the importation and exportation of agricultural products and the protection of marine and animal life. There are a number of marine and animal specimens that may not be taken from the islands. If in doubt you should check with the local customs authorities prior to the purchase, importation or exportation of such items.
For those returning to the UK, please observe the UK Customs and Excise rules on the illegal importation of meat and animal products.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
You do not require a visa for Montserrat if you are either a full British passport holder or a British Overseas Territory passport holder.
For visa enquiries, non-British passport holders should contact the Identity and Passport Service at the Home Office on 020 7901 2334/7542 during office hours (0900-1700).
Passport validity
You must have at least six months' validity remaining on your passport.
Embarkation Tax
When you leave Montserrat you will be charged an embarkation tax. For residents this is EC$25 and for non-residents it is EC$45. In addition, there is a security charge of EC$10 for every passenger departing from Geralds Airport. This is payable at check-in.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.
You do not require a visa for Montserrat if you are either a full British passport holder or a British Overseas Territory passport holder.
For visa enquiries, non-British passport holders should contact the Identity and Passport Service at the Home Office on 020 7901 2334/7542 during office hours (0900-1700).
Passport validity
You must have at least six months' validity remaining on your passport.
Embarkation Tax
When you leave Montserrat you will be charged an embarkation tax. For residents this is EC$25 and for non-residents it is EC$45. In addition, there is a security charge of EC$10 for every passenger departing from Geralds Airport. This is payable at check-in.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.
Health
There is a well-equipped thirty-bed hospital, which provides a twenty four-hour casualty service. Anyone requiring specialist medical treatment may need to travel to a neighbouring island.
There is a private dental practice on the Island.
If you suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems you could be affected by airborne dust, volcanic ash and gases.
You should exercise normal 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 Montserrat 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.
There is a private dental practice on the Island.
If you suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems you could be affected by airborne dust, volcanic ash and gases.
You should exercise normal 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 Montserrat 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.
Natural disasters
Sourfriere Hills Volcano
The Soufriere Hills Volcanoremains active with a fluctuating level of activity. Scientists at theMontserrat Volcanic Observatory (MVO) continuously monitor the statusof the volcano. The Volcano Alert Level System ranges from Level 0 toLevel 5. In December 2006 it was increased to level 4, which isdescribed as: increased eruptive activity or potential for seriousactivity that could affect inhabited areas. Evacuation of personsand/or restrictions on movement are very likely.
SinceApril 2007, growth of the current volcanic dome has slowed and thelatest scientific advice is that the volcano is in a state of ‘pause’,but with the danger of a large hot dome remaining.
The Unsafe Zone
TheUnsafe Zone covers all areas south of a line midway from the BelhamValley to Corkhill in the west to Jack Boy Hill in the east.
TheUnsafe Zone covers all areas south of a line midway from the BelhamValley to Corkhill in the west to Jack Boy Hill in the east.
A“Guide to Volcanic Hazards” as well as maps showing the Safe and Unsafeland and marine areas are available in the arrival hall at GeraldsAirport, the seaport and local police stations. These containessential information about the volcanic threat. You should ensurethat you take a copy of these leaflets on arrival.
Access to theUnsafe Zone is strictly controlled and you will require a policelicence from the Royal Montserrat Police Force to enter. The initialrequest for a licence should be made at the Salem Police Station andshould contain the reasons why access is being requested.
Homeownersin areas bordering the Unsafe Area have been advised to be ready torelocate at short notice if necessary should the volcanic threatincrease. The situation remains under constant review.
Maritime Exclusion Zone
On18 January 2007, the maritime exclusion zone was extended with threedesignated exclusion areas around the western, southern and easterncoasts of the island. Maritime vessels should not visit these areas. Maps showing these areas are available from the Montserrat PortAuthority.
Other general information
Anisland-wide siren system is installed to warn of volcanic activity. Ifthe sirens sound, please tune in immediately to Radio Montserrat (ZJB)for a related safety message on FM 88.3 or 95.5. ZJB also providesregular scientific updates and advice.
High levels of ash can occasionally lead to cancellations of flights into and out of the island with little notice.
Visitsto the public areas of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) arepermitted. Further details of such visits and the status of thevolcano can be obtained from the MVO's website.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes
Thehurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see Tropical cyclones.
General
Insurance
You are strongly advised to obtain adequate medical insurance before travelling. This should cover the cost of medical evacuation to, and other medical costs in a third country. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees 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.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees 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
Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory and as such there is no formal British Consular Representation. The Governor's Office will assist you in a genuine emergency, but all enquiries regarding passport services should be made to the British High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Since 11 September 2001, international travel is subject to earlier check-in times for passenger and luggage. All items of luggage are subject to search. (You should allow extra time and should check with the individual airline for the recommended check-in time for your journey).
Money
Few shops, hotels or restaurants accept credit cards. The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. It is fixed to the dollar at 2.68 Eastern Caribbean Dollars to 1 US Dollar. US Dollars are widely accepted. The territory has limited but modern banking facilities.
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Change country
contacts
Montserrat, Brades, The Governor's Office
Address:
The Governor's Office
Farara Plaza
Brades
Montserrat
Telephone:
(1) (664) 491 2688/9 Office
(664) 491 6124 Governor's Residence
Fax:
(1) (664) 491 8867
Email: Govoffice.Montserrat@fco.gov.uk
Office hours:
GMT:
Mon-Fri: 1200-2000
Local Time:
Mon-Fri: 0800-1600
Website: http://www.montserrat-newsletter.com
