Complete operator registration at the start of each season. Your details are securely retained for all subsequent vessel registrations and visit bookings.

Register each vessel once at the start of the season. Vessel details are linked to your operator record and retained for all subsequent visit bookings, avoiding re-entry.

Work permits are required for all crew and staff who will spend rest or recreational time ashore. Obtain these at the start of the season for existing staff and as new crew are recruited. Valid for 8 months. Passports must be valid for the permit duration plus 4 weeks (a Seaman's Book is an acceptable alternative).

Operators and Expedition Leaders must read and understand the Visiting South Georgia Handbook and the Biosecurity Handbook. Ensure all relevant crew and staff are briefed on their contents before the season begins.

If your season programme includes any activities requiring a RAP - such as drone use, wildlife handling, scientific sampling, overnight camping or filming - apply well in advance. RAPs can take time to process.

RAPs are required for: collecting samples · handling or approaching wildlife · using drones/UAVs · camping overnight · installing equipment · construction or environmental work

Submit a visit booking for each individual visit to South Georgia. You will need to provide intended dates of entry and departure, and the planned date of the mandatory visit to Grytviken.

All passengers require a visitor permit (£250 per person, valid 40 days). Apply as early as possible. A £50 late fee applies if payment is not received at least 8 days before arrival. Permits will not be issued within 3 days of arrival.

Ensure all biosecurity measures are in place before departing for South Georgia:

• Ensure all passengers and crew have viewed the official GSGSSI briefing film
• Deliver a biosecurity briefing to all passengers and crew
• Procure rodent monitoring stations (non-toxic bait boxes) - available from GSGSSI offices in Stanley. If not calling at the Falkland Islands, source suitable alternatives (e.g. Detex with Lumitrack)
• Ensure adequate supplies of approved biocide (e.g. Virkon S or BioGuard) and boot-washing equipment are on board
• Check rodent monitoring stations at least 24 hours before entering the SGSSI Maritime Zone

Submit a passenger manifest to Government Officers at least 72 hours before arrival. The manifest must include valid permit numbers for all passengers who require them. Download the latest template and complete it carefully - the file must be downloaded to your computer before opening (opening in a browser loses functionality).

On entering the SGSSI Maritime Zone, the Master must:

• Observe the 10-knot whale slow-down speed limit throughout South Georgia waters, unless for reasons of safety, which must be communicated to the government officers at the earliest opportunity
• Contact the Government Officer at King Edward Point on VHF Channel 16
• Inspect all rodent monitoring stations and declare the vessel rodent-free (or report any concerns immediately)
• Provide arrival details

Government Officers will board the vessel at Grytviken. Before any landing takes place:

• A biosecurity audit will be conducted on selected passengers and crew
• The Expedition Leader must attend a briefing with Government Officers (allow up to 2 hours - schedule in advance)
• New vessels or operators may be asked to embark a government observer 

For every landing throughout the visit:

• Inspect all clothing, footwear and bags before going ashore
• Boot washing is mandatory before every landing and on return to the vessel
• Conduct a 5-minute pre-landing observation for signs of disease or unusual wildlife mortality
• -Land only at authorised visitor sites - disembarkation elsewhere is a criminal offence
• Maintain minimum wildlife distances: 5 m (general), 10 m (nesting birds)
• Report all bird strikes using the GSGSSI bird strike report form

Notify the Government Officer at King Edward Point of your departure from South Georgia, ideally by email to info@gov.gs.

A Post Visit Report (PVR) must be completed by the Expedition Leader or tour organiser and submitted within 30 days of departing South Georgia.

All bird strikes must be recorded and reported — including birds released unharmed — using the GSGSSI bird strike report form. This data is used to improve mitigation; it is not used to penalise the reporting vessel. Failure to report is an infringement of your Visit Permit. Email completed forms to Government Officers each time a strike occurs.