Antarctica Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Antarctica due to environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather and limited emergency services.

There are no U.S. government consular services available to U.S. citizens in the Antarctic Region. The closest U.S embassies and consulates are in Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa. U.S. government resources in the Antarctic Region are committed to the U.S. Antarctic Program, per longstanding U.S. policy.

The British Antarctic Territory is a British Overseas Territory. It is administered by a commissioner, based in London. The British Antarctic Territory website has more information.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in the British Antarctic Territory

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the British Antarctic Territory, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

There’s no history of crime. The only people present besides visitors are those working at the scientific research stations.

Laws and cultural differences

The British Antarctic Territory has guidelines for visitors based on the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. If you are travelling with a tour operator or scientific unit, check how they plan to follow these guidelines.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex marriage has been legal in the British Antarctic Territory since 2014. Further information on getting married is on the British Antarctic Territory website.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Risk level

Antarctica - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Antarctica due to the adverse and unpredictable weather conditions, as well as the lack of infrastructure and emergency services.

Weather conditions

Antarctica is subject to extreme and unpredictable weather conditions. It is cold, dry and windy with 99% of the continent covered by a permanent ice sheet.

These conditions put you at risk of frostbite and sun overexposure, which can result in dehydration and eye damage.

Ensure that you have equipment and clothing that meet Antarctic standards.

Communications

There are no public phone or other public communication services in Antarctica. In case of an emergency, you may have difficulties in obtaining outside assistance.

Research stations can house satellite telephones and postal facilities. However, they are fully dedicated to scientific research and, with rare exceptions, have no capacity to provide support of any kind to tourists or casual travellers.

If you plan to visit Antarctica as an independent traveller, ensure to be self-sufficient from the time that you leave the departure country until your return.

Tourism

There are no tourist facilities on land, except a privately run base on the interior ice that caters to mountaineering-type expeditions.

Travelling to Antarctica may have a potential harmful impact on the environment. As a result, you should avoid any travel that is not part of an international scientific expedition or organized through a tour operator. Various tourism companies can arrange excursions to the continent.

International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators