British Indian Ocean Territory
About British Indian Ocean Territory
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Camp Justice |
British Indian Ocean Territory, part of the Chagos archipelago, is located south of India, halfway between East Africa and Indonesia. This British overseas territory is composed of more than 50 small islands; only the largest island, Diego Garcia, is inhabited by a non-permanent population of people posted to the island for work. Diego Garcia hosts a joint UK-US military facility, a ground antenna for GPS navigation systems (one of 4 in the world), and a US Air Force telescope used to track debris in orbit.
Despite not having a permanent population today, the islands were first inhabited in the late 18th century by the French and their slaves who came to the island to establish a copra plantation (coconut kernels used to make coconut oil). In 1814, the islands became a British colony and in 1965 British Indian Ocean Territory was officially established as a British overseas territory. In 1966, the British government established an arrangement with the US government, allowing the US to use the territory and allowing for the establishment of a joint military base. Between 1967 and 1973, the British government forced the native population, the Chagossians, to relocate. Although they received compensation from the British government, disputes over Chagossian removal from the islands and adequate compensation for removal persists.
In this British overseas territory, the chief of state is the Queen/King of England and the head of government is held by a commissioner and an administrator, both located in London, England.
Access to the islands is restricted. You must obtain a permit to travel to the islands and permits are only issued for military or administrative purposes. British Indian Ocean Territory is not a tourist destination.
Due to its location, British Indian Ocean Territory experiences a hot and humid climate year-round.
Because of their isolated location, the islands are home to extraordinary biodiversity, clean waters, and unspoiled coral reefs. The islands are important breeding grounds for many species of birds and the reefs are home to a great number of endemic fish species. The largest arthropod species on the planet, the coconut crab, lives on the islands and is up to 1m in size. Despite their biodiversity, the islands are a largely untapped research field.
Recommended Vaccinations For British Indian Ocean Territory
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis, therefore, the vaccination is recommended
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Recommended Medications For British Indian Ocean Territory
There are no recommendations for British Indian Ocean Territory at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for British Indian Ocean Territory
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B.
For Some Travellers
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Rabies
British Indian Ocean Territory is free of dog rabies. However, it may be present in bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Safety & Security in British Indian Ocean Territory
Personal Safety
The British Indian Ocean Territory is not open for general tourism. Access is strictly restricted to authorized military personnel, contractors, and those with specific administrative connections. There are no commercial flights, and you need a permit before travel. The only inhabited island is Diego Garcia, home to a joint UK-US military facility with approximately 3,000 military and contractor personnel. The territory has no permanent civilian population. Crime rates are virtually nonexistent because of the controlled military environment and limited personnel. Petty crimes like pickpocketing do not occur given the nature of the facility. The territory maintains minimal emergency services, with medical facilities limited to a branch health clinic designed for military personnel, not the general public. Emergency medical evacuations take between 24 and 72 hours to organize, and search and rescue facilities are extremely limited. If you secure authorized access, you remain under military protocols and British Indian Ocean Territory law, which differs from laws in the United States and other jurisdictions. Policing is handled by Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel who serve as the territory’s police force.
Extreme Violence
Violent crime is nonexistent in the British Indian Ocean Territory. The controlled military environment and absence of civilian population mean there are no reported incidents of extreme violence. The security situation is maintained by British and American military personnel with strict access controls. No terrorist attacks have occurred in the territory, though the UK government notes that attacks cannot be ruled out entirely. The surrounding waters face piracy risks in the broader region, particularly around the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa, though not directly at Diego Garcia itself. The territory operates under military law enforcement with Naval Party 1002 responsible for security, policing, and customs duties. Unauthorized vessels are strictly prohibited from approaching within three nautical miles of Diego Garcia.
Political Unrest
Political unrest does not occur in the British Indian Ocean Territory because there is no permanent civilian population and no local government with elected officials. The territory is administered remotely from London by a Commissioner appointed by the British monarch. All inhabitants are military personnel or contractors. There is an ongoing sovereignty dispute between the United Kingdom and Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago. In May 2025, the UK and Mauritius signed a treaty that will transfer sovereignty of the territory to Mauritius once ratified, while the UK retains control of the Diego Garcia military base during a 99-year lease period. This dispute does not affect day-to-day operations or security for authorized personnel stationed on Diego Garcia. Civil demonstrations, protests, and political activism cannot occur because of the military nature of the territory and absence of civilian residents.
Areas To Avoid
The entire British Indian Ocean Territory is restricted. Diego Garcia is off-limits to tourists and the general public. Access requires authorization from the US Navy Support Facility and the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration. Unauthorized vessels and persons are prohibited from approaching within three nautical miles of Diego Garcia. Yacht crews may apply for mooring permits for uninhabited outer islands beyond Diego Garcia for safe passage across the Indian Ocean, but they must not approach within three nautical miles of nature reserves or specific protected atolls. The outer islands designated as Strict Nature Reserves are completely prohibited for landing or anchoring. The territory enforces strict biosecurity protocols to protect its pristine marine environment, which forms part of a large marine protected area. Any attempt to enter restricted zones without authorization results in immediate intervention by security forces.
