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 a US tourist travel to Antarctica on a commercial cruise?
U.S. tourists who have booked passage to Antarctica on a commercial cruise regulated by an Antarctic Treaty Party normally would be covered by the vessel operator’s and/or tour company’s advance notification unless the tourist intends to conduct independent activities while on the commercial vessel.
What are the rules for visiting Antarctica?
The Antarctic Treaty includes a protocol on environmental protection, which designates the continent as a natural reserve. There is a set of rules any visitor has to follow. The first has to do with respecting the main community of Antarctica – scientists and research station workers.
Is it safe to travel to Antarctica?
Exercise increased caution in Antarctica due to environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather . The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Antarctica as the U.S government does not have an embassy or consulate in Antarctica. Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.
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How many countries are there in Antarctica?
This is what makes Antarctica so special. In 1961 the international Antarctica treaty was signed by 46 countries. All 46 countries now act as the governing body. Thanks to this joint protection, Antarctica is a sanctuary and free of military operations.
What is the Antarctic Treaty?
The Antarctic Treaty and the Environmental Protocol have established certain criteria for parties wishing to operate expeditions into the Antarctic Treaty area. This area is designated as the area south of 60° South Latitude, this includes all of the surrounding ice shelves.
Do you need a visa to visit Antarctica?
Although no visa is required to visit Antarctica, you may well have to obtain a visa to enter your departure point. If, like most tourists, you plan on cruising to Antarctica from Argentina, you will need to check with your foreign office as to visa requirements.
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 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 on a travel health notice?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not issued a Travel Health Notice for Antarctica due to COVID-19, indicating an unknown level of COVID-19. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine.
Does Antarctica have a hospital?
Antarctica has no public hospitals, pharmacies, or doctor’s offices. Although cruise ships have the capacity to deal with minor ailments, medical emergencies often require evacuation to a country with modern medical facilities.
Why do you need permission to visit Antarctica?
Why do you need to get permission in the first place? Well, that is because visiting Antarctica is a privilege and a responsibility at the same time. The Antarctic Treaty includes a protocol on environmental protection, which designates the continent as a natural reserve. There is a set of rules any visitor has to follow.
How to get to Antarctica?
The easiest way to get to Antarctica and follow all the necessary precautions and formalities is to go on an expedition cruise. Look for operators who are members of IAATO – The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators – to be sure that your journey will keep the flora and fauna of Antarctica intact. You also won’t have to worry about getting permission. Hop on a plane to Argentina, come aboard a cruise ship, and set sail toward one of the most memorable adventures of your life – an expedition cruise to Antarctica!
What is the Antarctic Treaty?
The Antarctic Treaty includes a protocol on environmental protection, which designates the continent as a natural reserve. There is a set of rules any visitor has to follow. The first has to do with respecting the main community of Antarctica – scientists and research station workers.
Why is Antarctica considered a special place?
Antarctica has several historical sites that are afforded special protection because of their value. Whaling stations, monuments, old buildings are not to be damaged or destroyed in any way. Collecting rocks and disposing of garbage is strictly prohibited.
What to expect on an Antarctic trip?
On a trip to Antarctica, you will have the opportunity to arrange a visit to a research base. It can be a wonderful opportunity to see a different way of living and meet some of the people behind Antarctic science. Guests have to comply with the visitation rules, be respectful of the facilities and equipment, and always obtain permission ...
How many countries are in Antarctica?
As of 2020, there are 54 counties party to the treaty. Since no country owns Antarctica, no visa is required to travel there.
Is it dangerous to travel to Antarctica?
Be prepared for severe and changeable weather and ensure that your equipment and clothing meet Antarctic standards. Remember that the Antarctic environment is inhospitable, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous. If traveling with a cruise operator, make sure you follow all guidelines for passengers.
What is the purpose of Antarctica?
It ensures that all human activity in Antarctica is carefully planned and managed. It enables a range of human activity to take place in Antar ctica including scientific research, well-managed, environmentally sensitive tourism, and exploration.
What is the Antarctic Treaty?
The Antarctic Treaty signed in Washington on 1 December 1959 preserves the Antarctic continent for peaceful and scientific use. The Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environmental Protection, signed in 1991, is the only international agreement designed to protect an entire continent. It ensures that all human activity in Antarctica is carefully ...
Do you need a post visit report for an Antarctic expedition?
Once the expedition is complete, you will need to complete a Post Visit Report. Permit holders who are members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) need only to provide the Polar Regions Department of the Post Visit Report prepared for IAATO.
Does the Antarctic Treaty protect scientists?
Crucially, the Protocol prohibits commercial mining and protects vulnerable areas, animals and plants. The Antarctic Treaty does not prevent tourists, military personnel or scientific researchers from being present in Antarctica - but they do require an appropriate permit from a Treaty Party.
Who is responsible for ensuring that the UK's Antarctic legislation is fully complied with?
The FCDO is responsible for ensuring that the UK’s Antarctic legislation is fully complied with. See our UK Antarctic Enforcement Policy and Procedures page for further details.
Do you need a permit to go to Antarctica?
It is also unlikely that you will need a permit if you are a passenger on an organised visit to Antarctica, as your tour operator would usually arrange this. However you should confirm this with them before travelling. Contact the Polar Regions Department if you are still unsure.
How Do You Reach to Antarctica
Visa Requirements For Argentina
- The good news is that citizens of United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Canada do not have visa requirements to travel to Argentina. If you are a citizen of any other country, we urge you to check with the nearest Argentinian embassy for updated visa-related information and requirements as soon as possible…
Leaving to Antarctica from Chile and Visa Requirements
- Depending on which cruise and itinerary you want, you may also have the options to hop on a cruise to Antarctica that originates in another South American country, example Chile, to cover the Chilean Fjords or the Andean Coast. This means you would need a visa to Chile in order to visit Antarctica. If you are a citizen of New Zealand, United States...