Ascension Island - Immigration
All visitors to Ascension Island must obtain an E-visa prior to arrival (except certain members of the armed forces and government officials) and have a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry.
To apply for an E-visa contact aigenquiries@ascension.gov.ac or go to https://www.ascension-visas.com/apply or visit the immigration or customs/port office on St Helena. E-visas must be paid for on application.
Applications for entry visas should be made at least 14 days before the intended date of travel.
The maximum length of stay for tourists is three months.
Nationals from some countries will not be issued with a permit. For more details, see here.
Evidence of sufficient medical insurance cover with a minimum cover of £1m is required. This cover must include medical evacuation (as evacuation by air ambulance alone can cost this much) and COVID-19 provision.
Last updated: April 2022
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
Next Section: Formalities: Customs
Related to following destinations: Ascension Island
Country Navigation
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comMain Ports - Ascension Island
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comFormalities
Courtesy Flag Discounts
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.com
We just visited Ascension – five yachts – and for all of us it was an absolute highlight of the Atlantic. It’s an incredible island and not to be missed. The walks on Green Mountain are easy and nothing less than spectacular- Elliot’s and Dew Pond are absolute must do’s. Also Mars Bay, sooty tern bird colony, and Comfortless Cove (take your dinghy over) and the unusual cemetery behind Comfortless Cove – not to be missed.
You can hire cars – arrange with Kitty at the Harbour Master’s office ahead of time. (I don’t have her email on me but get it from Immigration at St Helena if you can’t find it) You MUST now apply ahead of time for a visa – it’s online and not difficult! The websites give confusing info on this but you do need to apply ahead.
The anchorage can be a bit rolly but we had no problem at all. It’s an awesome anchorage in the turtle season – they will be all around your boat along with the fish. Provisioning is also quite good here – plenty of cheese, bread, frozen goods – short on fresh food but have frozen berries etc. Anyway its better than St Helena in our opinion.
Finally – the people are awesome. Welcoming and beyond friendly. And it’s always pleasant to be in a place where there’s no such thing as theft or locking up required etc. Cannot recommend Ascension enough!!!
We anchored of Ascension to in Sept 2017. The hotel had closed, there were no cars for hire, the transport was limited to a bus at weekends on a fixed route, the one saving grace was the supermarket (operated by a Falklands company) it was great! We were also trapped onboard due to very large swells making the landing unsafe. Eventually realised our anchor had fouled and due to the diving ban no one was allowed to help us. The whole island is really a large semi military – communications centre in a geographically strategic location. The people were were very nice but nothing goes on here!!! Best bypass enroute to Brazil or the Caribbean
After a short 7 day sail up from St Helena, we arrived at Ascension. We had pre-applied for permits to visit as this is basically a joint military base for the British and American forces and part of the British Overseas Territories.
Once we arrived and set our anchors, we had to wait 4 days for the swell to calm down before we could get to land. The pier landing is small and fairly dangerous when there is a swell and currents – never mind the Galapagos sharks that always seen to lurk around the landing.
Link to attacks http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/27/second-shark-attack-three-months-ascension-island
The volcanic landscape is a sight to see as well as the area up at the higher altitudes of Green Mountain. We hired a car from the Obsidian Hotel (but see notes below) to do a day’s sightseeing and lunch at the Two Boats club.
Friends of ours also sailed to Ascension in September 2017 and they said that they would probably be the last tourists that are allowed to come to the island as it was “closing down” …. No more cars or accommodation & meals at the hotel etc. Will have wait for a more complete update on the situation and hopefully their official website information is also updated.
For information on visiting Ascension Island please contact the Ascension Island Tourist Information Office on tourism@ascension.gov.ac they will be able to provide information on entry permits, light dues, services and facilities, car hire, tours and much much more.
Further information also available on the website http://www.ascension-island.gov.ac and the facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Ascension-island-tourism