South America and South Atlantic Islands
Falkland Islands (British Overseas Territory)
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Still current at: 07 September 2008
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Updated: 12 August 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Health section (prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Falkland Islands). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
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Travel Summary
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The Falkland Islands is a British Overseas Territory. There is no formal British diplomatic or consular representation in the Falkland Islands and the local authorities deal with all requests for consular assistance. See the General section of this travel advice for more details.
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Most visits to the Falkland Islands are trouble-free and there is little crime or disorder.
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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 places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- Falkland Islands Government regulations state 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
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 places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For further information and advice see Terrorism Abroad.
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 places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For further information and advice see Terrorism Abroad.
Political Situation
Falkland Islands Country Profile
Crime
There is little crime or disorder on the Falkland Islands. For more general advice see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Crime
There is little crime or disorder on the Falkland Islands. For more general advice see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Local Travel
For longer distances, the Falkland Islands Government Air Service operate three Britten Norman "Islander" aircraft from Stanley Airport to other destinations throughout the Islands. Due to weather and other restrictions it is always worth checking that your flight is confirmed before travelling to Stanley Airport.
Road Travel
Four wheel drive vehicles are most commonly used. Stanley roads are metalled, as is much of the 35-mile Mount Pleasant Airport to Stanley road. In addition, there are some 200 miles of unsurfaced roads. Coach and taxi services are available to and from Mount Pleasant Airport for the RAF and LAN Chile arrivals and departures. Taxi services are available in Stanley. Local transport should be booked in advance.
Speed limits are 25 miles per hour in the Stanley area and 40 miles per hour on other roads. Because of the condition of most roads and the strong winds, extreme care must be exercised when driving outside Stanley, especially on the road between Mount Pleasant Airport and Stanley.
Self-drive four-by-four vehicles are available for hire and a UK driving licence is sufficient. Seat belts should be worn on all roads. Laws on drinking and driving are strictly enforced.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Local laws and customs
Customs officers are on duty at all inward international flights. Travellers are warned that drug trafficking is considered a serious offence and will be dealt with severely.
The Falkland Islands still have an estimated 14000 mines leftover from the conflict in 1982. These are well mapped and fenced-off. Entering one of these minefields is a serious offence, which will result in prosecution. Detailed maps of minefield locations are available locally on request.
Mount Pleasant Airport is a military site and photography is not permitted.
For more general advice for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
The Falkland Islands still have an estimated 14000 mines leftover from the conflict in 1982. These are well mapped and fenced-off. Entering one of these minefields is a serious offence, which will result in prosecution. Detailed maps of minefield locations are available locally on request.
Mount Pleasant Airport is a military site and photography is not permitted.
For more general advice for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
On arrival in the Falkland Islands you must have
- a passport valid for a minimum of six months with a current visa if required
- a return air ticket (or other evidence of pre‑paid onward travel)
- pre‑booked accommodation
- sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Islands
Travellers who intend to visit or stay on the Falkland Islands should also check if an entry visa for the UK or Chile is required for the journey (see Air Services below). A Direct Airside Transit Visa is not suitable for travelling to the Islands via the UK.
If a UK or Chilean visa is required it is essential that it is also valid for the date of the planned return journey. There are no facilities to issue UK or Chilean visas on the Islands.
Visitors are prohibited from obtaining paid employment without first obtaining a work permit.
For further information on entry requirements and RAF ticket services, you are advised to check with the Falkland Islands Government Office, Falkland House, 14 Broadway, Westminster, London SW1H OBH; Tel: 020 7222 2542; Fax: 020 7222 2375; e-mail: representative@falklands.gov.fk.
If a UK or Chilean visa is required it is essential that it is also valid for the date of the planned return journey. There are no facilities to issue UK or Chilean visas on the Islands.
Visitors are prohibited from obtaining paid employment without first obtaining a work permit.
For further information on entry requirements and RAF ticket services, you are advised to check with the Falkland Islands Government Office, Falkland House, 14 Broadway, Westminster, London SW1H OBH; Tel: 020 7222 2542; Fax: 020 7222 2375; e-mail: representative@falklands.gov.fk.
Health
The general standard of health in the Falkland Islands is good. Treatment is free to UK Citizens but you will have to demonstrate proof of residence in the UK (eg. 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
General
Insurance
Falkland Islands Government regulations state 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. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
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.
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 representation
The Falkland Islands is a British Overseas Territory and as such there is no formal British Consular representation. In an emergency, Government House in Stanley will assist British nationals.
The Falkland Island pound is fixed at a rate of one pound Sterling. Bank of England coins and notes are fully accepted in the Islands at full value.
Air services
LANChile Airlines currently operate a once weekly service to Mount Pleasant Airport from Punta Arenas in southern Chile. Onward air connections from Punta Arenas are available to Puerto Montt and Santiago de Chile, and onward from Santiago to other international destinations. Once a month this service stops in Rio Gallegos, on the southern coast of Argentina. The service will pick up passengers in Rio Gallegos on one week (usually the second Saturday of the month), and drops off passengers in Rio Gallegos the following week. You should check with LANChile in advance for up to date information on Chile/Falkland Islands air services.
The RAF operate a fare-paying service from RAF Brize Norton (via Ascension Island) to Mount Pleasant Airport three times a fortnight. This service can be subject to delays due to hazardous weather conditions, especially during the Southern Hemisphere winter. The total journey time takes approximately 20 hours. For further information, and how to book this service visit the Falkland Islands website or contact Falkland Islands Government House (see below for contact details). You are advised to carry some currency in US$ in case the flight is diverted to South America or North Africa.
Air services
LANChile Airlines currently operate a once weekly service to Mount Pleasant Airport from Punta Arenas in southern Chile. Onward air connections from Punta Arenas are available to Puerto Montt and Santiago de Chile, and onward from Santiago to other international destinations. Once a month this service stops in Rio Gallegos, on the southern coast of Argentina. The service will pick up passengers in Rio Gallegos on one week (usually the second Saturday of the month), and drops off passengers in Rio Gallegos the following week. You should check with LANChile in advance for up to date information on Chile/Falkland Islands air services.
The RAF operate a fare-paying service from RAF Brize Norton (via Ascension Island) to Mount Pleasant Airport three times a fortnight. This service can be subject to delays due to hazardous weather conditions, especially during the Southern Hemisphere winter. The total journey time takes approximately 20 hours. For further information, and how to book this service visit the Falkland Islands website or contact Falkland Islands Government House (see below for contact details). You are advised to carry some currency in US$ in case the flight is diverted to South America or North Africa.
Weather
Beware of weather changes. The weather can change rapidly and it is often possible to experience several seasons in a single day. Sunlight can be very bright and the wearing of good sunglasses, hats and a high-factor sunscreen is recommended.
Departure tax
There is a £22 departure tax on leaving the Islands.
London office
The Falkland Islands Government maintains an office in London that can provide further information for people wishing to visit the islands. Their contact details are:
Falkland Islands Government Office
Falkland House
14 Broadway
Westminster
LONDON
SW1H OBH
Tel: 020 7222 2542
Fax: 020 7222 2375
E-mail: representative@falklands.gov.uk
Money
The Falkland Island pound is fixed at a rate of one pound Sterling. Bank of England coins and notes are fully accepted in the Islands at full value. However, previous travellers have experienced difficulties in exchanging Falkland Islands’ notes at their bank on return to the UK. You should therefore limit the amount of Falkland Islands currency you carry on departure.
In Stanley, many of the main shops, hotels and restaurants will accept MasterCard or Visa. However, credit cards are not widely acceptable in Camp (the countryside). You should check when making bookings. There are no ATM cash machines on the Islands. UK cheques can be cashed (for a fee).
Travel advice for this country
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contacts
Falkland Islands, Stanley, Government House
Address:
Government House
Stanley, FIQQ 1ZZ
Telephone:
(500) 28200
(500) 27110 Secretariat for Chief Executive
Fax:
(500) 28201
Email: gov.house@horizon.co.fk
Office hours:
GMT (early Sept to Mid April): Mon-Fri: 1100-1500 / 1615-1930
GMT (Mid April to early Sept): Mon-Fri: 1200-1600 / 1715-2030
Local Time: Mon-Fri: 0800-1200 / 1315-1630