The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the Falkland Islands Government will support you if you need help.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the Falkland Islands’ current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in the Falkland Islands set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Falkland Islands Government London Office.
\n\nYou can travel to or from the Falkland Islands through Chile. If you choose this route you must make sure you meet Chile’s entry requirements, see Chile travel advice.
\n\nTo enter the Falkland Islands, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nYou can visit the Falkland Islands without a visa. Visitors are granted permission to stay for one month upon arrival. Those wishing to stay longer are advised to apply in advance. See Falkland Islands visitor permit.
\n\nTo work you must have a Falkland Islands work permit.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Falkland Islands guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the Falkland Islands. You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Falkland Islands, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nThe crime rate in the Falkland Islands is low, and there is rarely any disorder.
\n\nThe Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory and have their own laws.
\n\nDrug trafficking and possession are illegal in the Falkland Islands and can lead to a prison sentence.
\n\nYou must have a permit to take photos at Mount Pleasant Airport as it is a military site. The UK Ministry of Defence only issues permits for work purposes or in exceptional circumstances. Taking unauthorised photography at the Mount Pleasant military site could result in a lengthy prison sentence.
\n\nSame-sex marriage was legalised in 2017. LGBT+ travellers are unlikely to encounter difficulties in the Falkland Islands. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nAlthough the UK completed its Falkland Islands Demining Programme in 2020, landmines and unexploded weapons from the 1982 conflict can still be found on major battlefields and, occasionally, washed up on beaches. If you find any suspicious object, follow the guidance of the Royal Falkland Islands Police. You should:
\n\nFurther advice on what to do if you find a suspicious object is on the Falkland Islands Government website.
\n\nCredit and debit cards are becoming increasingly accepted across the Falkland Islands. However, visitors are still advised to carry some cash as a precaution, in British pounds or US dollars.
\n\nThere is only one ATM on the Islands, at the petrol station. If it’s not working, you can get a cash advance from the bank in Stanley, using a Visa or Mastercard or by using the cashback facility at a grocery shop.
\n\nSome travellers have experienced difficulties exchanging Falkland Islands currency in the UK. Limit the amount of Falkland Islands currency you leave with.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in the Falkland Islands, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK driving licence to drive in the Falkland Islands for up to 12 months. After this time, you must apply for a Falkland Islands driving license. See Royal Falkland Islands Police / driving licences.
\n\nTake care when driving outside Stanley. The road between Mount Pleasant Airport and Stanley is subject to hazardous road conditions and strong winds. There have been fatalities on this road and accidents are common.
\n\nThere are around 600 miles of unsurfaced roads on the Islands. You can use your UK driving licence to hire a self-drive 4-wheel-drive vehicle.
\n\nThe speed limit is 25mph in Stanley and 40mph in other areas.
\n\nThe Ministry of Defence operates a fare-paying service from RAF Brize Norton to Mount Pleasant Airport twice a week. This flight also stops in Ascension Island. It can be delayed because of poor weather, especially during the southern hemisphere winter, or technical issues with the aircraft. Be prepared for unscheduled diversions to South America by carrying anything you may need in case of any overnight stay. From 25 July to 15 November (dates subject to amendment), this service will use East Midlands Airport whilst the runway at Brize Norton is being resurfaced.
\n\nThe Falkland Islands Tourist Board has information on travelling to the islands.
\n\nThere are weekly scheduled flights to Mount Pleasant Airport from Chile, operated by LATAM Airlines. Check before you travel for up-to-date information.
\n\nYou can fly between the islands with the Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service (FIGAS) from Stanley airport. Book through FIGAS or a local tour operator. Check your flight has been confirmed the afternoon before your departure. In bad weather, check your flight is going ahead before you depart for the airport.
\n\nThe weather can change rapidly and you can experience several seasons in a single day. The sun can be very strong, so wear good sunglasses, a hat and high-factor sunscreen.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 999 and ask for an ambulance. Outside of Stanley, coverage is limited and there may be delays in emergency assistance arriving.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in the Falkland Islands, including insect and tick bites.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe Falkland Islands has a 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.
\n\nYou can access free medical care in the Falkland Islands through the UK-Falkland Islands reciprocal healthcare agreement, which covers:
\n\nYou will need proof of UK residency, such as a passport or NHS medical card.
\n\nTreatment under the UK-Falkland Islands reciprocal healthcare agreement does not extend beyond services provided in the Falkland Islands. Medical evacuation and treatment overseas are not covered under the UK-Falklands reciprocal healthcare agreement. Therefore you must take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance which includes at least 2 million US dollars. Find out more about healthcare for UK citizens in the Falkland Islands.
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in the Falkland Islands.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nThe Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy, and the Falkland Islands Government will support you if you need help.
\nTelephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nIf you’re in the Falkland Islands and you need emergency help, contact the relevant department of the Falkland Islands Government.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
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