Montserrat
About Montserrat
| Currency | East Caribbean dollar (XCD) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Brades (de facto); Plymouth was abandoned in 1997 due to volcanic activity |
Montserrat, an island located in the Caribbean, is part of the British West Indies and is known as the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean.” The population is about 5,200 people.
The island officially became a British possession in 1783 and today is a British Overseas Territory. The chief of state is the Queen of England, who is represented in Montserrat by a governour. The head of government is a premier. Plymouth was the official capital city until the volcanic eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano in 1995. Since that time, Brades has been the de facto capital.
In the 1990s, eruptions of the Soufrière Hills volcano devastated much of the island. Two thirds of the population of Montserrat fled the country. The volcano has remained highly active since that time, and many people have never returned to their homeland. In 2009 another large eruption occurred, and many were temporarily evacuated. The government warns residents and visitors to be prepared to leave on short notice.
Montserrat continues to recover and rebuild. Tourism was once a main sector of the economy. However, after the main volcanic eruptions, the capital was destroyed and the airport closed, greatly damaging the economy and bringing an end to much of the tourist activity. The European Union and Britain have provided aid for rebuilding, and a new airport was opened in 2005.
Recommended Vaccinations For Montserrat
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Yellow Fever Vaccine
This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
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 or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Recommended Medications For Montserrat
There are no recommendations for Montserrat at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Montserrat
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Montserrat through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Montserrat.
Dengue Fever
Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
For Some Travellers
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies
Rabies may be present in bats.
Zika Fever
Zika fever occurs in this country.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Montserrat, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Safety & Security in Montserrat
Personal Safety
Montserrat ranks among the safest Caribbean destinations for visitors. Violent crime is rare, and serious crime against tourists is uncommon. The local community is protective and welcoming, with most visits proceeding without incident. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching does occur, particularly around tourist areas, though at lower rates than many destinations. Mugging risk remains low. Most visitors report feeling secure walking in towns and around beaches even after sunset. The island received Level 1 travel advisories from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, indicating normal security precautions are sufficient. Terrorism risk is negligible with no known incidents targeting the island. Scams are uncommon. The primary risks to personal safety come from natural hazards rather than crime. Coastal waters present dangers from riptides and undertows, and tour operators may not always adhere to international safety standards.
Extreme Violence
Extreme violence is virtually absent in Montserrat. The island has no recent history of terrorism or targeted attacks. While both petty and violent crimes can occur, rates remain very low compared to regional neighbors. Government advisories from multiple countries consistently rate Montserrat as having low crime levels. The most significant violent incident occurred on 25 June 1997 when 19 people died in a volcanic pyroclastic flow after entering the exclusion zone against official advice. This was a natural disaster rather than criminal violence. The small population of around 5,000 residents and the close-knit community structure contribute to the low incidence of violent crime. Police are reliable and responsive. There are no areas where travelers face heightened risks of violent attacks or armed robbery. The island maintains its reputation as one of the Caribbean’s safest territories for visitors.
Political Unrest
Montserrat maintains political stability as a British Overseas Territory with no recent history of political unrest, protests, or demonstrations affecting visitors. The territory operates under a parliamentary representative democratic system with the British monarch as head of state, represented by an appointed governor. Political power alternates peacefully between parties, with the most recent constitution promulgated in September 2011. Elections for the nine-seat Legislative Assembly occur regularly every five years without reports of violence or disruption. Political parties do not adhere to rigid ideologies and policy shifts depend largely on party leader popularity rather than ideological conflict. The territory has faced political criticism regarding its response to the 1997 volcanic eruptions, which led to the resignation of Chief Minister Bertrand Osborne, but this did not result in civil unrest. No armed conflicts, riots, or mass demonstrations have been reported in recent years. The political environment remains calm and stable.
Areas To Avoid
The southern portion of Montserrat remains off-limits due to volcanic activity from the Soufriere Hills volcano, which became active in 1995. The exclusion zone encompasses over half the island’s area, including the former capital Plymouth, which was buried under more than 12 meters of mud and pyroclastic flows. The area is divided into multiple zones with varying access restrictions. Zone V remains under strict exclusion with entry requiring special government clearance. Zones A, B, C, and F allow unlimited access under hazard level 1, the current rating since August 2014. Entry into the exclusion zone without permission is illegal. The area contains unstable terrain with ash deposits, toxic gases, and sudden landslide risks. Signs mark restricted areas, and the landscape can shift without warning. Three maritime exclusion zones exist around the coastline, with the largest extending 4km on the eastern side and two on the western side. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory monitors volcanic activity around the clock. Visitors can view destroyed Plymouth from Garibaldi Hill in Isles Bay. The northern and central regions remain safe for normal travel and habitation.
