St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities on St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, email the:
- St Helena Government UK office: [email protected], or the St Helena Immigration Services: [email protected]
- Ascension Immigration office: [email protected]
- Tristan da Cunha administrator: [email protected]
Passport validity requirements
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
St Helena and Ascension
To enter St Helena or Ascension, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Tristan da Cunha
To enter Tristan da Cunha, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Visa requirements
St Helena
You must have an entry permit to visit St Helena. A short-term entry permit is valid for up to 183 days. You can apply for a short-term entry permit when you arrive. To get a permit, you must have:
- a return ticket or proof of funds to buy one
- accommodation
- sufficient funds for your visit
- medical insurance which covers medical evacuation to the value of £175,000
An entry permit costs £20, payable in cash in British pounds, euros, US dollars or South African rand.
To stay longer than 183 days you must have a long-term entry permit.
To work on St Helena on a self-employed basis for 6 months or more, you must have a work permit and a long-term entry permit.
Email the St Helena Immigration Services for more information: [email protected].
Ascension
You must have a visa to visit Ascension. A single-entry visa allows you to stay for up to 3 months. To get a visa you must have:
- a return ticket
- accommodation
- sufficient funds for your visit
- medical insurance which covers medical evacuation at a minimum value of £500,000
Apply for a visa to visit Ascension.
You must get permission from the Administrator if you want to work on Ascension.
Contact the Ascension visa service for more information.
Tristan da Cunha
You must get permission from the Island Council to visit Tristan da Cunha.
To apply, email the administrator’s office: [email protected]. You must have:
- a return ticket
- sufficient funds for your visit
- comprehensive travel and medical insurance that covers the cost of medical treatment and possible evacuation to Cape Town
If you’re planning on staying longer than 2 months, you may need to show a criminal record check.
You will have to pay a small landing fee when you arrive. See Tristan da Cunha tourism for information on prices.
Vaccine requirements
St Helena
To enter St Helena, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha guide.
Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about importing alcohol into St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. You need a licence to import more than 2 bottles of spirits.
For other prohibited items, see customs information: