Foreign travel advice

Falkland Islands

Health

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

See what health risks you’ll face in the Falkland Islands, including insect and tick bites.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

Healthcare facilities in the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands has a good, modern hospital in Stanley with medical and dental staff. There is no resident qualified optician. You may need to be medically evacuated to Chile or Uruguay for more complex treatments.     

You can access free medical care in the Falkland Islands through the UK-Falkland Islands Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement, which covers:

  • hospital treatment
  • other medical treatment
  • prescribed medicines
  • ambulance travel

You will need proof of UK residency, such as an NHS medical card or passport. You must take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance which includes at least 2 million US dollars for medical evacuation as this is not covered under the arrangement. Other medical costs are also not covered. Find out more about healthcare for UK citizens in the Falkland Islands.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in the Falkland Islands.    

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.