Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy and the Montserrat authorities 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 Montserrat’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Montserrat set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Visit Montserrat official tourism division.
\n\nTravel to and from Montserrat is by air either through Antigua or St Maarten. There is currently no ferry service.
\n\nIf you are travelling to Montserrat, you must meet the entry requirements of the relevant third country. Check the travel advice for Antigua or travel advice for St Maarten.
\n\nTo enter Montserrat, 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 Montserrat without a visa for up to 180 days.
\n\nYou need a work permit to work in Montserrat.
\n\nTo avoid delays at immigration upon arrival in Montserrat, travellers are required to complete the online Immigration and Customs Form -Montserrat - Online Immigration & Customs Portal which is available 72 hours prior to travel. This form must be saved or printed and presented to Immigration and Customs Officials upon arrival.
\n\nWhen you leave Montserrat you must pay an embarkation tax of 45 East Caribbean dollars (25 East Caribbean dollars if you are a resident). The tax is usually included in the flight cost – check with your airline.
\n\nTo enter Montserrat, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Montserrat guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Montserrat. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nCertain marine and animal specimens may not be taken from the island. Check with the local customs authorities before you buy such items and declare them when you leave.
\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 Montserrat, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nCrime levels are low, but watch your belongings when you are travelling. Keep your accommodation locked, do not leave baggage in parked vehicles and use hotel safes or deposit boxes if possible.
\n\nMontserrat is a British Overseas Territory and has its own laws.
\n\nBeachwear or swimwear is not socially acceptable except in beach areas and pools.
\n\nThe penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. If convicted, offenders can expect prison sentences and heavy fines.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is legal, but same-sex marriages are not recognised in law. Throughout the island, people are very conservative. They are tolerant of same-sex couples, but do not approve of showing affection in public.
\n\nHotels are generally welcoming to all, regardless of sexual orientation. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nMost large supermarkets, restaurants and hotels accept major credit cards. The territory has limited but modern banking facilities. US dollars are widely accepted.
\n\nThere are a small number of Bank of Montserrat (BoM) ATMs on the island, but they are only available to customers with a BoM bank account.
\n\nCoastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides and undertows are common. Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Montserrat, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nTo drive in Montserrat, you must apply online for a temporary visitor’s driving licence, valid for 3 months, and this should be completed 3 days (72 hrs) before date of travel. You must have a valid UK driving licence and pay a fee of 50 East Caribbean dollars.
\n\nThere is an island-wide maximum speed limit of 20mph, but local drivers do not observe it. Drive with caution due to dangerous hairpin bends, steep drops, poor road conditions and the unpredictable actions of other road users.
\n\nTaxis are not metered. Agree the fare in local currency before you set off.
\n\nShort notice cancellations or changes to flight schedules are common. Check with your airline ahead of travel.
\n\nThe Soufrière Hills volcano has been active since 1995. However, there has been no major volcanic activity since February 2010. The volcano is in a period of prolonged pause but may still emit ash clouds and toxic gases. The 40% of the island that is not directly affected by volcanic activity is still prone to ash falls and volcanic gases if the wind is blowing from south to north. Ash falls can lead to flight cancellations.
\n\nSee Regional risks for information about how the island manages the risk of volcanic eruptions.
\n\nThe hurricane season in the Caribbean officially runs from 1 June to 30 November, though stormy weather can happen outside this period. Landslides and local flooding are common. The Belham Valley is especially prone, and communities on the Isles Bay side of the valley quite regularly find themselves cut off for a day or so following heavy rains.
\n\nMonitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization and the US National Hurricane Center.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to hurricanes.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"The Soufrière Hills volcano has been active since 1995. However, there has been no major volcanic activity since February 2010. There are 5 exclusion zones around the volcano – A, B, C, F and V – and only one – zone V – is currently in force. See the hazard level system (HLS) map on the Montserrat Observatory website.
\n\nZones A, B, C, and V include some of the waters immediately around the island and there are 2 additional maritime exclusion zones – E and W. Mariners can pick up maps showing the maritime zones along with their GPS co-ordinates at the Montserrat Port Authority at Port Little Bay.
\n\nVolcanic activity is monitored 24 hours a day from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. The volcanic hazard level system specifies the current level of volcanic activity on a scale from 0 to 5, where 5 is the highest.
\n\nThe current hazard level is 1, which allows unlimited access to zones A, B, C and F. Zone V is authorised access only, and you are not allowed to enter without permission from the authorities. Vessels are not permitted to enter the maritime exclusion zones without permission.
\n\nAn island-wide siren system is used to warn of volcanic activity. The sirens are tested daily at midday. If the sirens sound at a non-test time, tune to Radio Montserrat (ZJB) immediately on FM 88.3 or 95.5 to get alerts. The radio station also gives regular scientific updates and advice.
\n\nThe 40% of the island that is not directly affected by volcanic activity is still prone to ash falls and volcanic gases if the wind is blowing from south to north. Ash falls can lead to flight cancellations.
\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 911 or 999 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nYou can also contact emergency rescue services on their local number, +1 (664) 491 7790.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Montserrat, including:
\n\nIf you suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems, you could be affected by airborne dust, volcanic ash and gases, including sulphur dioxide – SO2.
\n\nThere are 2 pharmacies in Montserrat:
\n\nThere can be shortages, so travel with a supply of all prescription medicines.
\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\nGood healthcare is limited in availability and medical evacuations are currently only possible during daylight hours. There is a small hospital and 4 district health centres. You may have to pay in advance to obtain medical services and it can be expensive. If you need specialist medical treatment, you may need to travel to a neighbouring island. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nDental care is by private practice, which is only available in the evenings and at weekends.
\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\nMontserrat is a British Overseas Territory, so there is no British Embassy and the Montserrat authorities will support you if you need help.
\nTelephone: 911 or 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\nContact the Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS).
\n\nTelephone: +1 (664) 491-2555/6
\n\nEmail: police@gov.ms
\n\nThe Governor’s Office in Montserrat does not offer any consular services to British nationals.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
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