Falkland Islands
About Falkland Islands
| Currency | Falklands Pound (FKP) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Stanley |
The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean on the Patagonian Shelf. The main islands are about 300 miles (483 kilometres) east of Southern Argentina and include East Falkland, West Falkland, as well as 776 smaller islands. The population of 3,398 (2016) inhabitants is primarily native-born Falkland Islanders, and the majority are of British descent.
The Falkland Islands are self-governing. The head of state is the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, represented by a governor. The governor appoints a chief executive who serves as the head of government. The United Kingdom is responsible for foreign affairs and defence.
The French established Port Louis on East Falkland in 1764 but ceded its claims to Spain in 1766. The British settled West Falkland in 1765 but were driven off by the Spanish in 1770.
There is a question as to whether Spain’s claim to the Falkland Islands actually passed to Argentina at some point. Both Argentina and the United Kingdom have some historical precedent for claiming the Falklands. British sovereignty is solidified by the British victory in 1982, coupled with the popular referendum in which the population voted to remain a British territory.
Cruise ships bring the largest number of tourists to the islands. The biggest attraction is the unspoiled wildlife. The Falklands boast over 200 species of birds, 4 species of seals, 5 species of penguins, along with whales and dolphins.
Recommended Vaccinations For Falkland Islands
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, 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 in this country 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 Falkland Islands
There are no recommendations for Falkland Islands at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Falkland Islands
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
For Some Travellers
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.
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
Rabies
The Falkland Islands 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 Falkland Islands
Personal Safety
The Falkland Islands maintain exceptionally low crime rates. Walking through Stanley at any time, day or night, is safe for all residents and visitors. Pick-pocketing is unheard of and theft of personal belongings is extremely rare. The local population of around 3,000 creates a tight-knit community where disorder rarely occurs. You face greater risks from environmental factors than from crime. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so prepare for multiple seasons in one day with layered clothing and waterproof gear. Wildlife demands respect for proper distances, particularly around penguin and seal colonies. While the UK completed mine clearance in 2020, unexploded ordnance can occasionally wash up on beaches. Report any suspicious items to the Royal Falkland Islands Police immediately. The main dangers stem from underestimating weather, disregarding wildlife protocols, or misjudging road and path conditions rather than any security threats.
Extreme Violence
The Falkland Islands experience no terrorism history and violent crime is virtually nonexistent. Physical attacks, hate crimes, and violent confrontations are absolutely rare regardless of your background. Both residents and visitors report an exceptionally low frequency of violence. No significant incidents of extreme violence have occurred in recent years that would affect travelers. The islands maintain a peaceful environment with no extremist activity, no armed groups, and no history of violent political movements. The only violent conflict in the islands’ modern history was the 1982 war between Argentina and the United Kingdom, which ended over 40 years ago. That conflict left no ongoing security implications for visitors today. Drug-related violence is nonexistent. The small British military presence at Mount Pleasant operates as a standard defensive garrison and poses no concern for travelers.
Political Unrest
The Falkland Islands maintain stable governance as a British Overseas Territory with no domestic political unrest. No political parties currently exist, and Legislative Assembly members stand as independents. Elections occur peacefully every four years. The population strongly supports continued British sovereignty. A 2013 referendum saw 99.8% of voters choose to remain a British Overseas Territory. The ongoing sovereignty dispute between the UK and Argentina generates diplomatic tension but creates no practical risk for visitors. Argentina continues to claim the islands, and President Javier Milei referred to them as illegally occupied in 2024, but this rhetoric has not translated into any action affecting travelers. No protests, demonstrations, or civil unrest occur on the islands. The local government functions efficiently with full public support. Relations between residents and the British military at Mount Pleasant remain cordial. You will encounter no political instability during your visit.
Areas To Avoid
Since November 2020, all minefields from the 1982 conflict have been cleared and the islands declared mine-free. However, unexploded weapons can still occasionally wash up on major battlefields and beaches. If you discover any suspicious ordnance, contact the Royal Falkland Islands Police immediately and do not touch it. Remote areas outside Stanley require proper preparation due to isolation rather than danger. No walking paths exist beyond the capital, only vehicle tracks across uneven, grassy, occasionally muddy terrain. Mobile phone coverage now reaches most of the islands but gaps remain in some areas. Always inform someone of your plans and expected return time when venturing into remote locations. Weather changes rapidly in outlying areas. Pack sufficient food, water, first aid supplies, and navigation tools. Wildlife areas require you to maintain proper distances from penguin colonies and seal populations. The Mount Pleasant military facility requires permits for photography. No civilian areas are off-limits to visitors, though private farmland requires permission from landowners before access.
