COVID-19

Travelling to the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands Government remain committed to resuming both routes to Chile and Brazil and their intention is to work towards the re-opening of one or both routes as early as possible in the second quarter of 2022; with this aim in mind, regular reviews will be taking place over the next few weeks and months.

Global restrictions on air travel mean that the South Atlantic Airbridge is currently unable to land in Cape Verde and now refuelling at Dakar. In addition, use of the Airbridge is now restricted to essential travel only. The restrictions on the issuing of visitor permits are still in place, but the restrictions will still be subject to monthly review. That the current requirement to quarantine still remains in force, however this will continue to be reviewed every 42 days in line with the requirements of the Infectious Diseases Control (Coronavirus, Quarantine) Regulations 2020.

People who require UK visas for travel from the Falklands will therefore need to submit applications on line at www.gov.uk and contact the Customs & Immigration Service for biometric appointments in the normal way. UK visa waiver requests will only be considered in emergencies such as travel for compassionate reasons.

UK visa application centres in the rest of the world are also re-opening. People who need visas to transit UK to travel to the Falklands must first check whether they can make an application in their country or to a centre nearby before making any request for the requirements to be waived.

Full instructions on how to apply for UK visas from the Falklands can be found on the UK government website, Apply for a UK visa in the Falkland Islands.

The Customs & Immigration Service staff are not authorised UK immigration advisors.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their application is complete and that the correct process is followed.

For more information and press releases from the Falkland Islands Government, please click here.

Safe Travels Scheme

The Falkland Islands Tourist Board (FITB) is delighted to announce that it has earned a global stamp of approval from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as a Safe Travels destination for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the high level of health and hygiene protocols adopted. 

Tourism businesses that are members of the Safe Travels Scheme are individually assessed to ensure compliance with the protocols, and are able to display the Safe Travels Stamp and Certificate in their properties, or at their business, and on websites and in other marketing materials.

Executive Director of FITB, Stephanie Middleton, said: “we’re delighted to have earned this stamp of approval from WTTC, and with the reopening of the islands for international tourism hope that as many businesses as possible will embrace it, demonstrating to our visitors that we take health and hygiene seriously.”

To find out more and the Scheme and the health and safety protocols that are in place to keep visitors and staff safe, visit the Safe Travels Scheme.