Module 1: Getting Here

Because the Falklands are a remote destination, questions about travel options are common. At the moment, there are two air routes into the Islands and numerous opportunities for arrival by sea. This section provides key information about travel options and requirements.

Entry & Exit Requirements
Each year the Falkland Islands receive visitors by air and sea. To cater for the differing needs of each group, the Falkland Islands Customs and Immigration Department have developed two separate sets of entry and exit requirements: Arrivals by Air and Arrivals by Sea.

Arrivals By Air
The Falklands are easily accessed by two major flight routes. LAN Airlines fly to the Falklands every Saturday morning, departing from Santiago and flying via the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas. Once a month the flight also stops in Rio Gallegos, Argentina. LAN is a Oneworld partner and connects with international carriers in Europe, North America, Australasia, and Africa. The Falkland Islands can be included in the Oneworld round-the-world ticket. Approximate flight time from Santiago to the Falklands is 6 hours (including Punta Arenas stop-over). For the latest information on fares and itineraries contact approved LAN agents.

Direct flights are also available from the United Kingdom on an MOD-chartered air service. Departing from Brize Norton, Oxfordshire (UK), return flights are scheduled twice a week. Total flight time is about 20 hours, including a refuelling stop on Ascension Island at the mid-way point.

The Mount Pleasant Airport code is MPN, and this should be used when searching for the Falklands from abroad – as well as using the search phrase Mount Pleasant.

The airport is approximately 37 miles (or 1 hour’s drive) from Stanley with bus transfers available from the airport to accommodation in Stanley.

All international land-based visitors:

• Must possess a current passport, valid for the length of intended stay.
  
• Must possess a return ticket (air or boat), evidence of pre-booked accommodation and sufficient personal funds.
  
• Must possess proof of valid travel insurance, inclusive of aeromedical evacuation.
  
• Must pay for any medical services received whilst in the Falklands.
  
• Must pay a £22 (2009/10) departure tax at the time of departure from Mount Pleasant International Airport, payable only in cash in £FK, £GB, or $US. This can be prepaid in Stanley at the office of Customs and Immigration.
  
• Do not require any special vaccinations to enter the Islands.
  

Departing visitors should ensure they have sufficient funds to cover the departure tax before leaving Stanley as there are no ATMs or money changing facilities available at the airport). For more information on air travel to the Falklands, visit www.falklandislands.com/sections/get-here.

Arrivals by Sea
The majority of cruise ships visit Stanley and a selection of outer islands and
settlements renowned for their natural beauty and wildlife. Many of the vessels are en-route to the Antarctic Peninsula or South Georgia, and usually incorporate several South American ports as part of their itinerary.  For a list of cruise ship operators, visit the Cruise section of the FITB website.

All cruise passengers:

• Should have a valid passport.
  
• Are advised to carry photo ID ashore (valid driving licence acceptable), particularly if intending to withdraw funds from the bank.
  
• Must have travel insurance, inclusive of medical evacuation by air.
  
• Must pay for any medical services received whilst ashore.
  
• Do not need a visitor’s visa to enter the Falkland Islands.
  
• Do not require any special vaccinations to enter the Islands.

Visas
Depending on method of travel and nationality, visitors may require a pre-arranged visa to enter the Falkland Islands. Please refer to the Visa requirements page for a list of exempt countires or contact Customs and Immigration directly for the latest information. Please note that most cruise ship tourists do not require a visa to enter Falkland waters or participate in shore excursions.

Any further questions regarding immigration and related requirements should be directed to the Customs and Immigration Department (email admin@customs.gov.fk or phone +500 27340).