Antarctica
About Antarctica
| Currency | None (None) |
| Language | There is no official language. Different languages may be spoken at different research stations. Major languages include Russian, English, German, Norwegian, Swedish and Spanish. |
| Capital | None |
Antarctica, located almost entirely below the Antarctic Circle, is Earth’s most southern continent. Covering approximately 14,000,000 km2, Antarctica it is the fifth-largest continent on the globe. Approximately 98% of the territory is covered in ice.
Seven countries have made claims to the territory, but not all these claims are recognized by other countries and some of these claims overlap. In an attempt to establish a legal framework for the continent and its use, the Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by 12 nations. The treaty does not deny claims to the land, nor does it recognize these existing claims. Instead it states that Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes, for scientific research and for international cooperation. It also states that scientific information gained on the continent must be exchanged freely between nations, and between nations and international agencies such as the UN. Today, 53 nations have signed the treaty and 30 countries operate research stations on the continent. It is this treaty that forms the basis of the Antarctic Treaty System which governs Antarctica.
There is no indigenous population of Antarctica, however researchers from around the world maintain permanent research stations on the continent. Approximately 1,000 people live and work on the continent in the winter, while approximately 5,000 people live and work on the continent in the summer.
Antarctica is the coldest, driest and windiest continent on Earth. It also has the highest average elevation; the average elevation is between 2000m-4000m above sea level.
Despite the inhospitable weather conditions, tourist companies based abroad have established a small tourism industry for Antarctica. In 2014-2015, approximately 36,700 tourists visited the continent, most on commercial ships or private yachts. Commercial fishing also contributes to Antarctica’s small economy. There is no Antarctic currency. U.S. dollars, Pound Sterling and Euro are accepted in some areas.
There are no diseases to report, nor vaccinations required for Antarctica. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.
Recommended Vaccinations For Antarctica
For Some Travellers
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is generally recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.
Recommended Medications For Antarctica
There are no recommendations for Antarctica at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Antarctica
For Some Travellers
Measles
There is no known risk of Measles in this country. However, there may be a risk of acquiring the disease when sharing close living quarters with people from many different places on a cruise ship or other modes of transportation.
Rabies
Rabies has not been reported in this country. Travellers are considered to be at a low risk. However, bats may carry the disease. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid bats, and other infected mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates could be at risk.
Safety & Security in Antarctica
Personal Safety
Antarctica presents extreme environmental hazards rather than typical personal safety concerns. You face serious risks from frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration, and snow blindness due to harsh weather and severe environmental conditions. Emergency response and medical treatment are often not available, and search and rescue operations are limited. Medical evacuation can take days depending on your position, with the journey back to South America or an airstrip potentially requiring up to three days. You need comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance before departure. Antarctica has no permanent human population, so crime against tourists is essentially nonexistent. However, incidents have occurred at research stations among personnel, including assaults and violence related to isolation and psychological stress. Research stations are separate from tourist areas, so these incidents do not affect visitors. You must travel with a professional tour operator or expedition group, as independent travel is not permitted. No public utilities like phone or internet service exist in the region.
Extreme Violence
Antarctica has no government, military presence, or organized violence. Extreme violence against tourists has never been recorded. The continent is governed through the Antarctic Treaty System, which establishes Antarctica as a zone of peace and science. No military activity is permitted under the treaty. Incidents of violence have occurred at research stations among personnel due to isolation, psychological stress, and harsh living conditions. These incidents, including a stabbing at a Russian station in 2018 and assault allegations at a South African base in 2025, involve research staff and do not affect tourists. Tourist areas are completely separate from research station operations. Visitors travel in supervised groups with professional expedition teams and face no exposure to violence. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators enforces strict guidelines that keep tourist activities separate from scientific operations.
Political Unrest
Antarctica has no government, political system, or civilian population, so political unrest does not exist. The continent is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, signed by 53 nations, which designates Antarctica as a zone dedicated to peace and scientific research. No country owns Antarctica, and territorial claims are suspended under the treaty. No protests, demonstrations, civil disorder, or political violence occur on the continent. The treaty specifically prohibits military activity in Antarctica. Tourist operations and scientific research proceed without any political tensions or disruptions. You will encounter no political issues during your visit. The only governance relates to environmental protection protocols and scientific research coordination between nations.
Areas To Avoid
Antarctica has no areas restricted due to crime or civil unrest. However, specific zones require permits or have access restrictions for environmental and scientific reasons. Antarctic Specially Protected Areas require permits for entry to preserve fragile ecosystems and protect scientific research sites. These restrictions apply to both tourists and researchers. Tour operators handle all necessary permissions, and you will not independently access these areas. Certain locations were restricted during the 2024-2025 season to protect wildlife from avian influenza, though overall tourism operations continued normally. Research stations and their immediate surroundings are off-limits to tourists without prior permission from the operating national program. Scientific zones around stations like the South Pole have specific sectors with restrictions to protect sensitive research equipment from interference. Crevasse fields pose serious physical dangers, and expedition guides carefully plan routes to avoid these hidden hazards. Areas with unstable ice conditions may be temporarily restricted for safety. Your tour operator and expedition team determine safe areas for landings and activities. You must follow designated paths and stay within marked zones during shore visits.
