British Indian Ocean Territory
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.
Healthcare in the British Indian Ocean Territory
There are limited medical facilities in the British Indian Ocean Territory.
There are no hospitals or air ambulances. Medical evacuations take between 24 and 72 hours to organise. Search and rescue facilities are limited. The British Indian Ocean Territory administration will only grant entry permits to people who have appropriate travel health insurance and have accessible funds to cover the cost of medical treatment abroad and repatriation including medical evacuations.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for British Indian Ocean Territory
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Medication
If you are on prescribed medication, seek advice from a doctor. If you do travel to British Indian Ocean Territory, medication is highly unlikely to be available.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.