Overview
Who needs a permit?
Every person who enters South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands requires either a Visitor Permit or a Work Permit, unless they qualify for deemed permission under the Entry Control Ordinance 2022. This applies to tourists, expedition staff, scientists, and media personnel without exception.
Permits must be obtained well in advance of arrival. Applications made close to the intended arrival date may be subject to late fees or refused entirely.
Important: Visitor permits will not be issued for applications made within 3 days of the intended arrival date. A late fee of £50 applies to applications not completed with payment received at least 8 days before arrival.
Key Deadlines
Apply early — don't miss these dates
As early as possible — Submit permit applications. Operators are encouraged to apply in bulk at the start of the season.
At least 8 days before arrival — Deadline to complete payment without incurring the £50 late application fee.
No later than 3 days before arrival — Hard deadline. Visitor permits will not be issued for applications made within 3 days of the intended arrival date.
Permits are issued to the email address provided at the time of application. Ask passengers to check their junk or spam folders if a permit does not arrive promptly.
Permit Types
Visitor & Work Permits
There are two permit types. Choose the one that applies to each person's role on board.
For passengers & tourists
Required for all passengers and anyone visiting for non-work purposes.
Cost
£250
Validity
40 days
For crew & staff
Required for all crew and staff who will spend rest or recreational time ashore. Free of charge.
Cost
Free
Validity
8 months
Tips for operators
- Obtain work permits for all crew and staff at the start of each season where possible, rather than on a trip-by-trip basis.
- Visitor permits can be purchased individually or in bulk. Operators and travel agents may purchase them on behalf of passengers.
- Use a single corporate email address for bulk applications to make permit management easier.
- Set the permit start date to the day of embarkation to provide flexibility if itineraries change.
- Passports must be valid for the duration of the work permit (8 months), plus an additional 4 weeks. A Seaman's Book is an acceptable alternative travel document.
Exemptions
Deemed permission
Certain categories of person are considered to have "deemed" permission to enter the Territories under the Entry Control Ordinance 2022 and therefore do not require an Entry Permit.
| Who | Basis for deemed permission |
|---|---|
| HM Armed Forces personnel | Military personnel entering in the course of their duties |
| GSGSSI staff | Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands staff entering in the course of their employment |
| UK Government staff | UK Government personnel entering in an official capacity |
| BAS scientists & staff | British Antarctic Survey personnel entering in the course of their work |
| Ship's crew (operational purposes) | Crew members required by the Master to disembark for re-provisioning, loading or off-loading cargo, vessel repair or maintenance, or to escort permitted passengers ashore |
Note: Deemed permission for ship's crew does not extend to disembarkation for rest or recreational purposes. It is strongly recommended that all crew members who intend to go ashore for any other reason obtain Work Permits to allow full flexibility during the visit.
Further Information
Need help?
Full guidance on the permit application process and entry control legislation is available below. If you have a question not answered here, contact the Visitor Manager at info@gov.gs.