Permits are issued automatically by email to the address provided at the time of application. If a permit has not arrived, the first step is to check junk and spam folders - this is the most common reason permits appear to go missing.

If the permit is not in the junk folder and several days have passed since the application was submitted, please contact the Visitor Manager by email at jamie.oliver@gov.gs.

A Visitor Permit (£250, valid 40 days) is required for all passengers and anyone visiting for non-work purposes. A Work Permit (free, valid 8 months) is required for all crew and staff who will spend rest or recreational time ashore. Crew operating under deemed permission for operational duties only do not require a Work Permit, but it is strongly recommended that all crew who intend to go ashore obtain one.

As early as possible. A £50 late fee applies to permit applications where payment is not received at least 8 days before arrival. Permits cannot be issued for applications made within 3 days of the intended arrival date. Work permits for crew should be obtained at the start of the season where possible.

Yes. Operators and travel agents may purchase visitor permits on behalf of passengers, individually or in bulk. Using a single corporate email address for bulk applications means all permits arrive in one place, making them easier to manage and distribute. Set the permit start date to the day of embarkation to allow flexibility if itineraries change.

Under the Entry Control Ordinance 2022, the following do not require an Entry Permit: HM Armed Forces personnel entering in the course of their duties; GSGSSI staff; UK Government staff in an official capacity; BAS scientists and staff; and ship's crew required by the Master to disembark solely for operational purposes (re-provisioning, cargo, vessel maintenance, or escorting permitted passengers). Deemed permission for ship's crew does not cover rest or recreational shore time.

A passport is the standard accepted document. Passports must be valid for the full duration of the work permit (8 months) plus an additional 4 weeks. A Seaman's Book is an acceptable alternative to a passport.

A single manifest, containing all passenger and crew/staff details, must be submitted directly by the vessel through the Entry Control Portal at least 72 hours before the intended date of arrival in the Territory. Separate manifests for passengers and crew are not required.

The manifest template must be downloaded to your computer and opened in Excel or equivalent spreadsheet software. Opening it directly in a browser removes its functionality - cell instructions, formatting, and validation features will not work. Always download the file first.

The completed manifest is submitted directly by the vessel through the Entry Control Portal. Use the validation checker first to catch any errors before submitting.

Visit bookings must be made at least 45 days before the intended date of entry into South Georgia waters. GSGSSI reserves the right to refuse entry at its discretion.

Yes, the first landing of each visit must take place at Grytviken, where Government Officers will board the vessel and conduct a biosecurity audit. All Expedition Leaders must attend a briefing at Grytviken regardless of dispensation status - allow up to 2 hours and schedule this in advance.

Yes, but any changes to planned Grytviken dates must be agreed with Government Officers before any changes are made on the IAATO Ship Scheduler. Contact Government Officers at go@gov.gs to request a change.

Vessels may only land at authorised visitor sites listed in Annex 1 of the Visiting South Georgia Handbook. Disembarkation at unauthorised locations is a criminal offence under the Entry Control Ordinance 2022. Landing anywhere in the South Sandwich Islands is strictly prohibited. IAATO members should book sites using the IAATO Ship Scheduler.

All vessels are subject to a comprehensive biosecurity audit on their first visit of the season. Government Officers will inspect a sample of passengers' clothing, footwear, and equipment for soil, seeds, organic material, and invertebrates. The number of passengers checked depends on the total passenger count. Vessels that pass the comprehensive audit receive Trusted Vessel status, qualifying for a reduced audit on subsequent visits.

All vessels must carry rodent monitoring stations (non-toxic bait boxes) deployed in up to six locations: fo'c'sle/bosun's locker, aft mooring deck, zodiac storage or shelter deck, cargo receiving areas, dry food and provision stores, and waste storage areas. Stations must be deployed at least 24 hours before entering the SGSSI Maritime Zone and must remain on board throughout the visit. Bait boxes can be collected from the GSGSSI offices in Stanley.

Yes. Boot washing is mandatory before going ashore and again on return to the vessel for every landing throughout the visit. Footwear must be scrubbed clean and dipped in an approved biocide such as Virkon S or BioGuard, used according to manufacturer instructions. Boot washing facilities must be cleaned and refreshed between each landing. Inspections are overseen by a competent member of the visit team, and Government Officers may inspect facilities and procedures at any time.

A minimum separation distance of 5 metres must be maintained from all wildlife and carcasses at all times, unless a Regulated Activity Permit specifically authorises a closer approach. Additional distances apply to certain species: 10 metres from nesting birds, 25 metres from displaying albatross, and 50 metres from giant petrels. If animals show signs of disturbance, visitors are too close. Landings must be aborted if the 5-metre distance cannot be maintained.

The use of UAVs (drones and quadcopters) for recreational purposes is not permitted. Drones may only be operated if a Regulated Activity Permit has been granted in advance by GSGSSI, for approved use in support of science or media activity. Apply for a RAP at gov.gs/regulated-activity-permit.

All bird strikes must be recorded and reported using the GSGSSI bird strike report form, including birds that are released unharmed. Forms must be emailed to Government Officers each time a strike occurs. Failure to report a bird strike is an infringement of the Visit Permit. This data is used to improve mitigation measures and is not used to penalise the reporting vessel.

There are no public medical services, no independent search and rescue capability, and no evacuation options from South Georgia. Vessels must be entirely self-sufficient. All visitors must hold valid insurance covering medical evacuation to the nearest country where adequate treatment can be provided, including transport and in-transit care costs, and repatriation of remains in the event of death. The granting of a visit notification or permit does not indicate any Government responsibility for providing support.

The main fees are as follows. All fees are payable in Pound Sterling. South Georgia is cashless - payment is by major debit or credit card only.

Two things are required after each visit. First, notify the Government Officer at King Edward Point of departure, ideally by email to go@gov.gs. Second, a Post Visit Report must be completed by the Expedition Leader or tour organiser and submitted within 30 days of departure.