Do I need a passport to go to Antarctica?
Passports and Visas: A U.S. passport is required for travel through the country or countries that you transit through in route to and from Antarctica. Please refer to the separate country information pages for those countries.
Can you fly to Antarctica from USA?
There is no direct air service from the United States to Antarctica. Flights to and over Antarctica are operated from a number of countries to include Australia, Chile, New Zealand, Argentina, and others.
Is it possible to visit Antarctica?
For most people, a visit to Antarctica consists of a flight over it or a ride on a ship through its waters, neither involving disembarkation and thus both avoiding immigration formalities. Land tourism does exist, and a permit is required.
Does the US have an embassy in Antarctica?
Embassies and Consulates. The United States does not maintain an embassy or consulate in Antarctica. If you are in need of U.S. consular services while in Antarctica, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country next on your itinerary or nearest to you for assistance.
Are tourists allowed in Antarctica?
Tourists are allowed into the continent during the Antarctic summer, which is the period between November and March.
Why is no one allowed to go to Antarctica?
Antarctica, like the rest of the planet, is a fragile environment. And it is very susceptible to even the smallest changes in the environment. It has no native human population and the only true residents of the continent are the native wildlife, bacteria, and plant species.
Why do planes not fly over Antarctica?
Antarctica has no flight paths due to weather conditions and no infrastructure to assist with landing anywhere on the continent.
What is forbidden in Antarctica?
However, in Antarctica, taking anything is banned. This includes rocks, feathers, bones, eggs and any kind of biological material including traces of soil. Taking anything man-made is also completely banned, as some might actually be research equipment.
What is hidden under the ice in Antarctica?
The scientists found the secret subterranean habitat tucked away beneath the Larsen Ice Shelf — a massive, floating sheet of ice attached to the eastern coast of the Antarctic peninsula that famously birthed the world's largest iceberg in 2021.
Why can't we go to the North Pole?
This means the region experiences up to 24 hours of sunlight in the summer and 24 hours of darkness in the winter. Since the North Pole sits on drifting ice, it's difficult and expensive for scientists and explorers to study. There isn't land or a place for permanent facilities, making it difficult to set up equipment.
Who owns the Antarctica?
People from all over the world undertake research in Antarctica, but Antarctica is not owned by any one nation. Antarctica is governed internationally through the Antarctic Treaty system. The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by 12 countries who had scientists in and around Antarctica at the time.
How long do you have to notify the Department of State of Antarctica before you can travel to Antarctica?
nationals organizing private expeditions to Antarctica in the United States, or proceeding to Antarctica from the United States, are required to provide notification to the Department of State at least three months prior to the intended travel to the Antarctic Treaty area.
What countries fly to Antarctica?
Flights to and over Antarctica are operated from a number of countries to include Australia, Chile, New Zealand, Argentina, and others. If you are traveling to Antarctica, please check our country information page for the country from which you are departing to get more on aviation safety standards in that country.
What are the environmental hazards in Antarctica?
Among the more common threats are frostbite, dehydration, eye damage from reflected glare, overexposure to the sun, and maritime accidents.
Why exercise caution in Antarctica?
Exercise increased caution in Antarctica due to environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not issued a Travel Health Notice for Antarctica due to COVID-19, ...
What is the STEP program?
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
What are the penalties for violating Antarctica?
You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.
Is Antarctica a natural reserve?
The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctica Treaty designates Antarctica as a natural reserve.
What visa do I need for an Arctic cruise?
Our Arctic adventure ship may visit several countries: the US (Alaska), Canada, Denmark (for Greenland), Norway (for Svalbard) and Russia (for Franz Josef Land).
Do you need a visa for an expedition cruise?
Some countries on our expedition cruises require a tourist visa. Requirements vary according to nationality and cruise departure country and port. Check your itinerary which countries are covered, and look up the consular services at their embassy in your home country.
