St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha travel advisory today

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities on St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, email the:

• St Helena Government UK office: shgukrep@sthelenagov.com, or the St Helena Immigration Services: evisaenquiries@sainthelena.gov.sh
• Ascension Immigration office: police.admin@ascension.gov.ac
• Tristan da Cunha administrator: tdcenquiries@tdc-gov.com

Passport validity requirements

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

St Helena and Ascension

To enter St Helena or Ascension, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Tristan da Cunha

To enter Tristan da Cunha, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Visa requirements

St Helena

You must have an entry permit to visit St Helena. A short-term entry permit is valid for up to 183 days. You can apply for a short-term entry permit when you arrive. To get a permit, you must have:

• a return ticket or proof of funds to buy one
• accommodation
• sufficient funds for your visit
• medical insurance which covers medical evacuation to the value of £175,000

An entry permit costs £20, payable in cash in British pounds, euros, US dollars or South African rand.

To stay longer than 183 days you must have a long-term entry permit.

To work on St Helena on a self-employed basis for 6 months or more, you must have a work permit and a long-term entry permit.

Email the St Helena Immigration Services for more information: evisaenquiries@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Ascension

You must have a visa to visit Ascension. A single-entry visa allows you to stay for up to 3 months. To get a visa you must have:

• a return ticket
• accommodation
• sufficient funds for your visit
• medical insurance which covers medical evacuation at a minimum value of £500,000

Apply for a visa to visit Ascension.

You must get permission from the Administrator if you want to work on Ascension.

Contact the Ascension visa service for more information.

Tristan da Cunha

You must get permission from the Island Council to visit Tristan da Cunha.

To apply, email the administrator’s office: tdcenquiries@tdc-gov.com. You must have:

• a return ticket
• sufficient funds for your visit
• comprehensive travel and medical insurance that covers the cost of medical treatment and possible evacuation to Cape Town

If you’re planning on staying longer than 2 months, you may need to show a criminal record check.

You will have to pay a small landing fee when you arrive. See Tristan da Cunha tourism for information on prices.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about importing alcohol into St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. For further details about restrictions on alcohol as well as information about other prohibited items, see customs information:

• St Helena
• Ascension
• Tristan da Cunha