Permits

Permit Requirements

Entry Control Ordinance

Electronic Travel Authorisation – Permit Application Process

Since 1 August 2025 all persons (unless otherwise exempted) entering South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands for work or visitor purposes will require an Entry Permit. There are separate permits for work and visitor purposes.

Both visitor and work permits can be obtained individually, or by using the bulk application process, which has been streamlined for this season to reduce the administrative burden. When permits are approved, they are sent by email to the address/es provided. Operators can use a single email address in bulk application to receive the permits directly.

Those persons exempted from requiring a permit and the Government’s policy on these provisions can be accessed below.

Visitor Permits

Visitor permits cost £250.

Work Permits

There are no charges for work permits, which remain valid for 8 months. We recommend obtaining work permits for all current crew at the start of each season.
Please note that travel documents used in applications must be valid for 4 weeks past the expiry of the permit. Seaman's books can be used as an alternative to a passport.

Deemed Permission

Those persons exempted from the need for a permit, and the Government’s policy on these provisions can be accessed using the button below.

For the majority of cruise vessels, deemed permission is only applicable to those members of the crew that are required to escort passengers ashore and does not allow for disembarkation for rest or leisure.

Deemed Permission Policy