Permission is required from the Commissioner for all visits to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Applications should be made in writing by completing the appropriate downloadable form. See www.gov.gs

Travel to the Island should not be undertaken without having first obtained official approval. Completed Visitor Application Forms are to be returned to the Office of the Commissioner, Government SGSSI no later than 60 days before the intended visit.

A post-visit from must also be completed and returned within 30 days.

All vessels must make contact with the Government Officer at King Edward Point at Cumberland East Bay as soon as practicable on entering the 200NM Maritime Zone around South Georgia. use VHF 16, or SSB using 4049kHz (1100 to 1200 UTC) or email go@south-georgia.demon.co.uk

This office must also be notified on departure.

On arrival at Grytviken, a Government office will board the boat and carry out necessary formalities and biosecurity checks.

Under the revised Tourism Management Policy document, tighter restrictions have been placed on site access for private vessels carrying more than 10 persons on board (including employed crew). Such vessels may be required to carry an approved observer, depending on the proposed itinerary. Privately owned vessels carrying 10 persons or less on board (including professional crew) may be permitted to land passengers at approved landing sites (including those that are Specially Protected Areas). Find out more at www.gov.gs.

Fees have increased and vessels which are members of IAATO (The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) have greater access to landing sites.

Yachts Planning to Visit Antarctica:

Any U.K. yachts planning to visit Antarctica can apply to the U.K. Foreign Office. Yachts with at least one British national on board are also able to apply. This can also be done even if the yacht is not U.K. flagged. See www.gov.uk/visits-to-antarctica-how-to-apply-for-a-permit for more information as well as useful data about sailing in Antarctica. The forms are now tailored to expeditions by smaller yachts.

Last updated:  July 2018.

Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

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