⚡ Key Deadlines at a Glance

45Days before arrivalSubmit visit booking

8Days before arrivalEntry permits paid & confirmed (£50 late fee applies after this)

72Hours before arrivalSubmit manifest with permit numbers

24Hours before Maritime ZoneRodent monitoring stations checked

30Days after departurePost Visit Report submitted

1   Visiting South Georgia Handbook 2026–27

The Visiting South Georgia Handbook is the official guide produced by GSGSSI. It is the primary reference document for all vessel operators, expedition leaders and masters. Operators and Expedition Leaders are responsible for ensuring all relevant personnel are familiar with its contents.

​📄 Download Handbook (PDF)

2   Before You Visit

2.1   Contingency Planning

South Georgia lies approximately 1,400 km east of the Falkland Islands - one of the most isolated places on Earth. Vessels must be fully self-sufficient.

Contingency planning must be provided during the vessel registration process and must cover:

• SARCoP or equivalent information
• Safety plans for landings
• Evacuation support

2.2   Insurance and Certification Requirements

All visitors must hold valid insurance covering medical evacuation to the nearest country where adequate treatment can be provided, and repatriation of remains in the event of death. Vessels must also hold valid wreck removal and sanitation certificates. These documents are no longer requested during the booking process, but must be made available upon request.

2.3   Itinerary Planning

• First landings must take place at Grytviken, unless prior dispensation has been granted. Dispensation is generally only considered for IAATO member vessels.
• New vessels and new operators will not be granted dispensation - they must call at Grytviken first and may be asked to embark a government observer.
• All Expedition Leaders must attend a briefing at Grytviken (allow up to 2 hours and schedule in advance with Government Officers).
• At least one visit to Grytviken is mandatory on each visit to South Georgia.
• Under the Entry Control Ordinance 2022, disembarkation at unauthorised locations is a criminal offence.
• Any changes to planned Grytviken dates must be agreed with Government Officers before any changes are made on the IAATO Ship Scheduler.

2.4   Vessel Registration & Visit Booking

All vessel registration and visit bookings for 2026–27 are managed through this portal.

Register as a Cruise OperatorRegister as a Yacht Operator

2.5   Entry Permit Requirements

All visitors must hold a valid permit unless they qualify for deemed permission. Apply at https://eta.entry.gov.gs/

Permit Type	Cost	Validity	Notes
Visitor Permit	£250 per person	40 days	£50 late fee if not paid ≥8 days before arrival. Not issued within 3 days of arrival.
Work Permit	Free	8 months	Required for crew disembarking for rest or leisure. Obtain at the start of each season.

​Apply for PermitsPermit Guidance

2.6   Expedition Leaders

Each visit must have a nominated Expedition Leader (EL) who must:

• Have read and understood the Visiting South Georgia Handbook
• Ensure all crew and passengers are fully briefed and adhere to the Code of Conduct Whilst Ashore
• Provide a certificate evidencing successful completion of the IAATO Expedition Leader assessment (non-IAATO members should contact the Visitor Manager for an alternative assessment)

2.7   Regulated Activity Permits (RAPs)

A RAP is required for activities with potential environmental impact, including: collecting samples, handling or approaching wildlife, using drones/UAVs, camping overnight, installing equipment, or construction work.

​RAP Information & ApplicationsHOV/ROV Notification

2.8   Fees & Charges

All fees below are in Pound Sterling. 

Customs Fees

Service	Fee
Customs Entry Declaration	£37.00
Customs Exit Clearance	£37.00
Single officer visit (entry and exit combined)	£37.00
Customs officer — standard hours, per hour (min. 2 hrs)	£28.00/hr (£56 min)
Customs officer — outside standard hours, per hour (min. 2 hrs)	£44.00/hr (£88 min)

Harbour Fees — Cumberland East Bay Effective 1 July 2026

First 24-hour period at full rate; subsequent 24-hour periods at half rate. Yachts (LOA ≤24 m): £57.00 per 24-hour period.

Net Tonnage	≤12 Passengers	>12 Passengers
Less than 1,000	£400	£800
1,000 – 1,999	£600	£1,200
2,000 – 6,999	£850	£1,700
7,000 – 14,999	£1,380	£2,760
15,000+	£2,280	£4,560

3   On Arrival

3.1   Whale Slow-Down Protocol

A 10-knot speed limit applies throughout South Georgia waters. If it is necessary to exceed this speed for safety reasons, inform Government Officers at the earliest opportunity.

Enter text

3.2   Passenger Manifest

A passenger manifest must be submitted to Government Officers at least 72 hours before arrival, including all passenger permit numbers.

Manifest GuidanceSubmit ManifestValidation Checker

3.3   Entering the Maritime Zone

On entry into the SGSSI Maritime Zone, Masters must:

• Contact the Government Officer at King Edward Point on VHF Channel 16
• Declare that the vessel is rodent-free (based on inspection of rodent monitoring stations)
• Provide arrival details

3.4   Arrival at Grytviken

Government Officers will board vessels on arrival. A biosecurity audit will be conducted before any landing takes place. All visitors must have viewed the official GSGSSI briefing film prior to arrival.

Watch the Briefing Film

4   Biosecurity

South Georgia has benefitted from major habitat restoration including the eradication of invasive rats, mice and reindeer. A biosecurity failure could undo years of conservation effort.

4.1   Before Each Landing

• Inspect all clothing, footwear and bags; vacuum pockets and seams
• Wash all external surfaces of footwear and dip in an approved biocide (e.g. Virkon S or BioGuard)
• Boot washing is obligatory for all persons and must be overseen by a competent appointed staff member
• All cargo must be inspected, boxed and sealed — no loose cargo ashore

4.2   Biosecurity Audits 2026–27 New this season

All vessels are subject to a comprehensive audit on their first visit. Vessels that pass receive 'Trusted Vessel' status and qualify for a reduced audit on subsequent visits.

Pax on Board	Comprehensive (pax checked)	Fail if >	Trusted Vessel (pax checked)	Fail if >
1–12	100%	1	5	1
13–30	10	1	5	1
31–60	14	1	7	1
61–120	18	1	9	1
121–200	24	2	12	1
201–300	30	2	15	2
300+	36	3	16	2

4.3   Rodent Monitoring

All vessels must carry rodent monitoring stations deployed at least 24 hours before entering the Maritime Zone. Bait boxes are available from GSGSSI offices in Stanley. If not calling at the Falkland Islands first, vessels must source suitable alternatives (e.g. Detex with Lumitrack). Report immediately if bait has been gnawed or damaged on entry to the Maritime Zone.

4.4   Avian Influenza (HPAI)

H5N1 HPAI has been endemic in South Georgia since 2023. Before landing in areas of high wildlife density, a minimum 5-minute observation period must be undertaken.

​📄 Download Biosecurity Standard Operating Procedures

5   During Your Visit

5.1   Authorised Landing Sites

Landings may only be made at 42 authorised visitor landing sites listed in Annex 1 of the Handbook.

5.2   Prohibited Areas — Whaling Stations

It is forbidden to approach within 200 metres of the former whaling stations at Leith, Stromness, Husvik and Prince Olav Harbour, including from the sea. Entry without the Commissioner's permission is a criminal offence under the Prohibited Areas Ordinance (2010).

5.3   Wildlife Protection

Minimum approach distances are legally enforced under the Wildlife and Protected Areas Ordinance 2011:

Wildlife	Minimum Distance
All wildlife (general)	5 metres
Nesting birds	10 metres
Giant petrels	50 metres
Displaying albatross	25 metres

5.4   Facilities at Grytviken

There is no onshore accommodation, public internet or telephone access. Available facilities: South Georgia Museum, Post Office, Church and Cemetery (including Shackleton's grave) and public toilets. Fresh water is available to yachts at the Tijuca jetty.

6   After Your Visit

• ​​Notify Government Officer at KEP of departure - ideally by email.
• Submit Post Visit Report within 30 days of departing South Georgia - email to admin@gov.gs.
• Submit bird strike data using the GSGSSI bird strike report form.

7   Key Documents & Links

Document	Description	Link
Visiting South Georgia Handbook 2026–27	Primary reference for all operators and expedition leaders	Download
Biosecurity Handbook 2026–27	Standard Operating Procedures for biosecurity compliance	Download
Entry Permit Application Portal	Apply for visitor and work permits	Open
Manifest Data Template	Required format for 72-hour pre-arrival manifest	Download (.xlsx)
Manifest Completion Guidance	How to complete the manifest form correctly	Download (PDF)
Manifest Pre-Upload Validation Checker	Check your manifest for errors before submitting	Open
Regulated Activity Permits	RAPs for drones, wildlife handling, camping, science & media	Open
Deemed Permission Policy	Persons who do not require an entry permit	Download (PDF)
Wildlife & Protected Areas Ordinance 2011	Legislation underpinning wildlife protection	Download (PDF)

8   Contact

Government Officers at King Edward Point can be reached on VHF Channel 16 on arrival.