South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
About South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
| Currency | British Pound; Falkland Islands Pound (GBP; FKP) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | King Edward Point |
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are a collection of islands governed as a British overseas territory. They are located in a remote area of the South Atlantic Ocean, between South America and Antarctica.
The population is estimated to be about 30 people, however, there is no permanent population on the islands. The British Government Officer and a Deputy Postmaster are stationed in South Georgia at King Edward Point, along with museum staff at Grytviken. Scientists and support staff of the British Antarctic Survey have bases at Bird Island and in King Edward Point.
South Georgia has spectacular scenery and has been described as “The Alps in the mid-ocean.” Over half of the island is permanently covered by glaciers. There is abundant wildlife, including fur seals, elephant seals, and six penguin species.
South Sandwich islands are isolated with active volcanoes. The only way to reach South Georgia or the South Sandwich Islands is by sea. There is restricted access, and visitor permits are required. The Commissioner of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands regulates all access to the islands and is based in Stanley, Falkland Islands.
Recommended Vaccinations For South Georgia & South Sandwich 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, therefore, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended.
Recommended Medications For South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
There are no recommendations for South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for South Georgia & South Sandwich 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
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water 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
Rabies may be present in wildlife species, especially bats, but has not been reported in domestic animals in this country.
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
Safety & Security in South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
Personal Safety
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands has no permanent population. The territory hosts only temporary residents including government officials, British Antarctic Survey scientists, and South Georgia Heritage Trust employees. These numbers vary seasonally, from around 8 people in winter to roughly 40 during summer months. The islands have no history of crime. You can only reach the territory by sea via cruise ships, yachts, or expedition vessels. No visitor accommodation exists on shore, so all visitors must remain vessel-based throughout their stay. The territory operates strict biosecurity protocols to protect the fragile ecosystem. Violating these measures can result in fines or imprisonment. Four former whaling stations at Prince Olav Harbour, Leith Harbour, Stromness, and Husvik are strictly prohibited areas. These sites contain buildings in dangerous disrepair with significant asbestos contamination. You must stay at least 200 meters away from these locations. Wind-blown asbestos dust poses a significant health risk. The harsh climatic conditions create unpredictable storms throughout the year that can disrupt travel plans. Weather can change suddenly even in summer, requiring preparedness and quick retreat to vessel safety. The interior terrain remains challenging with unmapped sections and waters that are not fully charted. Only experienced mountaineers should venture inland where glaciers shift and ice chasms hide beneath snow. Unexploded weapons from the 1982 Falklands War remain on the islands. If you encounter any weapons or ordnance, do not approach or touch them. The territory offers no search and rescue services. No emergency medical services exist on the islands. The nearest medical facilities are in the Falkland Islands or South America, requiring 3 to 5 days sail. Vessels must be self-sufficient and carry their own medical support.
Extreme Violence
The territory experiences no violent crime. With no permanent residents and only temporary government staff, scientists, and visiting tourists, violent incidents do not occur here. The islands remain politically stable under UK jurisdiction with no internal conflicts or civil unrest. The remote location and minimal human presence mean extreme violence is not a concern for visitors.
Political Unrest
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands maintains political stability as a British Overseas Territory. Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the territory, with claims dating back to 1927 for South Georgia and 1938 for the South Sandwich Islands. The 1982 Falklands War involved brief Argentine occupation of South Georgia from April 3 to April 25, 1982. British forces recaptured the territory during Operation Paraquet. Since the war ended, no political tensions or unrest have affected visitor safety. The territory functions under UK law with a Commissioner appointed by the Crown, based in the Falkland Islands. No elections occur as no permanent population exists. Current political discussions remain diplomatic between the UK and Argentina, with no impact on day-to-day operations or tourism.
Areas To Avoid
You must avoid the four former whaling stations at Prince Olav Harbour, Leith Harbour, Stromness, and Husvik. These sites are prohibited areas with 200-meter safety exclusion zones. The structures contain asbestos and are in dangerous states of collapse. Entering without a permit is an offense. Areas marked for scientific research require avoidance to prevent disturbing ongoing experiments and equipment. The South Sandwich Islands present much tougher conditions than South Georgia. Pack ice surrounds these islands from April to October, though density varies yearly. Landing points remain hazardous, suitable only for specialized scientific expeditions with heavy-duty polar capability. The interior of South Georgia beyond coastal areas is extremely challenging. Glaciers, unmapped terrain, and unpredictable weather make inland travel suitable only for experienced mountaineers with proper equipment. Wildlife breeding areas require careful respect. Fur seals vigorously defend their territories during breeding season and can pose hazards if approached too closely.
