South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Visits to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands require a government Entry Permit in advance. Apply through the official Entry Control Portal by the required deadline. This visit permit does not itself authorize anchoring or landing at a particular location and does not replace vessel arrival reporting.

Visits to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands require a permit under the seasonal guidance and must use authorized landing sites. Yachts complete government formalities at designated locations. Landing on the South Sandwich Islands is strictly restricted; do not land without permission.

The responsible party must apply for a South Georgia Entry Permit through the government Entry Control Portal. Applications should normally be submitted and paid for at least 14 days before the planned first arrival. Vessel-visit and landing arrangements must also be confirmed with the Commissioner for the Territory; a people’s permit alone does not authorize sailing in or coming ashore.

The South Georgia government’s seasonal guidance requires visiting vessels to obtain advance approval and submit crew/passenger details. People must comply with the permit conditions and checks conducted by government personnel. This territory should not be treated as operating under an ordinary national visa/residence system; follow the current approval letter.

The South Georgia government’s 2025–26 guidance requires yachts to obtain a permit in advance and complete vessel clearance with government personnel as directed. Vessel and crew details must be provided and permit conditions followed. Use the seasonal guidance and approval letter for the document list.

South Georgia requires visiting vessels to follow strict biosecurity measures, including cleaning inspections, preventing the spread of non-native species, rodent checks and fitting rat guards. People going ashore and stores landed must comply with the inspections required by the seasonal guidance.

Landing on South Georgia requires advance permission and compliance with territorial environmental, wildlife and biosecurity restrictions. Controlled items, research activities, drones or landing in specific protected areas may require separate approval; check each item with the responsible authority.

Yachts must follow the route, designated first landing site and clearance arrangements in their current approval and receive government personnel at the authorized location. Do not land or change the visit location without approval. The permit specifies the location and timing.

The South Georgia government’s 2025–26 visitor guidance lists clearance and yacht port fees. Amounts may vary by season and vessel; check the current seasonal fee schedule before departure and follow the government invoice.