Antarctica Visa and Facts

 

How to Travel to Antarctica: A Formal Guide

Antarctica, being a continent without a government, does not have a formal visa process for tourists. However, if one intends to visit Antarctica, permission must be obtained from the country or countries that manage the specific region of interest. This may entail obtaining a visa for the relevant country or countries.

WHY IS ANTARCTICA GUARDED

The continent of Antarctica is guarded due to the strict environmental regulations and guidelines that must be followed by all visitors. These regulations are in place to protect the unique environment and wildlife of the continent. Visitors must also adhere to the specific requirements of the country or countries issuing the permits, including restrictions on the number of visitors allowed in certain areas and the types of activities that are permitted.

Antarctica is managed through the Antarctic Treaty System, which is comprised of 54 countries. Depending on the location and purpose of the visit, permits may need to be obtained from one or more of the countries that have territorial claims in Antarctica, including Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

Antarctica Flag

Have you ever wondered if Antarctica has its own flag? Well, technically it doesn't because it's not governed by a single entity. But, there are a few cool designs out there that represent the continent.

Antarctica Countries

ever wondered how many countries are in Antarctica? Well, the answer might surprise you! Antarctica is actually a pretty special continent because it doesn't have any native human population. So, technically, there are no countries in Antarctica. However, before the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, seven countries made claims to Antarctic territory. But, just so you know, the treaty doesn't legally recognize any of those claims.

Types of Antarctica Permits: Antarctica Passport Stamp

There are several types of permits required for visiting Antarctica, including the 

Antarctic Treaty Visitor Permit, 

National Research Program Permit, 

Environmental Impact Assessment Permit, and 

Landing Permit. 

While there are no traditional visas for Antarctica, visitors must obtain these permits and permissions before entering the continent.

Visas, Entrance Fees and insurance required for Antarctica

For U.S. citizens, a valid U.S. passport is required for travel through the country or countries that are transited through en route to and from Antarctica. No visas are required for entering Antarctica, but a valid passport must be carried at all times. Visas may be required for travel to the embarkation point of the cruise or if one plans to extend their trip and travel in South America. Additionally, several domestic airports within South America charge small departure taxes or airport fees, usually between US$5-10 per person. El Calafate, Ushuaia, and Lima are some of the main airports where these fees may be charged.

Traveling To Antarctica

There is no direct air service from the United States to Antarctica.  Flights to and over Antarctica are operated from a number of countries including Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa, and others

PASSPORT VALIDITY: Required by transit countries.

BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: May be required by transit countries.

TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: None for Antarctica. May be required by transit countries.

VACCINATIONS: None

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY: None

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT: What’s the best time for Antarctica Travel?

ANTARCTICA TOURISM: ANTARCTICA TOUR

Antarctica is currently exploring the possibility of implementing an eVisa system to facilitate the visa application process for prospective visitors to the continent. While it is important to note that a visa is not mandatory for entry into Antarctica, travelers are required to obtain the requisite permits and clearances from their country of origin as well as the relevant research station or tourism program they intend to visit. Additionally, visitors are expected to strictly adhere to the established environmental guidelines in order to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the region.

Selecting a Cruise to Antarctica

It is our pleasure to inform you that cruises to Antarctica are available from November to March, with the beginning and end of the season offering more affordable prices. The peak season, from late December to mid-February, is generally more expensive. Each month presents unique opportunities.

The Optimal Time for Antarctica Travel is November to Early December:

During this period, Antarctica is at its most pristine. The landscape is abundant with pack ice and immaculate icebergs. The weather is generally colder, and as the season progresses, the landing areas become impacted and muddy. While wildlife is not as plentiful, it is an excellent time to observe penguins mating. By the end of November, the nests are full of eggs and beginning to hatch.

Mid-December to January:

Late December and January offer approximately 20 hours of daylight and are typically the warmest months in Antarctica. Wildlife is at its most abundant, with whales arriving in great numbers and penguin chicks hatching. Receding pack ice may open new channels for exploration.

February to March:

During this time, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets create stunning photo opportunities. It is also the best time to spot whales. Penguin chicks become more active, and predator activity is more common.

Choosing a Cruise to Antarctica

There are several cruise lengths available, each offering a unique experience. In general, cruises can be categorized as follows:

Classic Antarctic Cruises:

These 10-12 day cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, and travel to the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Locations such as Deception Island, La Mar Channel, and Paradise Bay offer the perfect introduction to Antarctica. On the Antarctica Peninsula, you will see plenty of Gentoo, Adellie, and Chinstrap penguins.

Antarctic Polar Circle Cruises:

These 12-14 day cruises are an extension of the Classic Antarctic cruises, with the added benefit of a few extra days experiencing Antarctica and the satisfaction of crossing the Antarctic Circle. Wildlife sightings will be similar to the Classic Antarctic cruises, with the addition of sightings of huge tabular icebergs.

Weddell Sea Cruises:

Similar to the Antarctic Circle cruises, Weddell Sea cruises offer an extension of Classic Antarctic Circle cruises and typically last 12-14 days. On these cruises, guests will have the opportunity to visit both the western and eastern sides of the peninsula. The Weddell Sea is renowned for its enormous Gentoo penguin rookeries, which are much larger than those found on the western side of the peninsula, as well as the possibility of spotting the elusive Emperor penguin. Guests can also expect to have excellent whale and seal encounters and witness colossal icebergs, which are much larger than those found on the peninsula. On a Weddell Sea cruise, guests will still have the opportunity to see all the classic peninsula sights and may even make it down to the Lemaire Channel.

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula Cruises:

These 18-20 day itineraries are the pinnacle of Antarctica cruises departing from South America. They offer the advantage of covering parts of the Weddell Sea and the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula, along with the Sub-Antarctic islands, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia. Guests will have the opportunity to visit the British town of Port Stanley on the Falkland Islands, where they can spend a day visiting historic sights, wandering around town, and perhaps mingling with locals at a typical British pub. The archipelago is home to a variety of penguin species, including Magellanic, Gentoo, and Rockhopper penguins, as well as Black-browed Albatross and many other bird species. The beautiful island of South Georgia offers an opportunity to retrace the steps of such explorers as Cook and Shackleton, whose grave guests will visit. The main attractions here are the huge King Penguin rookeries and the thousands of sub-Antarctic fur seals, which provide a scenic wildlife experience perhaps unequalled on the face of this planet. Guests may also spot the comical Macaroni penguin and possibly the introduced reindeer.

Fly Cruises:

A new development in recent years is the introduction of fly cruises, which offer guests the opportunity to fly to King George Island or the Falkland Islands from Chile (Santiago or Punta Arenas), thereby avoiding a lengthy trip and possible sea sickness. Some operators offer flights in only one direction, while others offer return flights as an option. Prices for these cruises are typically more expensive, and once in Antarctica, they follow similar itineraries to the above-mentioned cruises. View our range of Antarctica fly cruises here.

The Ross Sea & East Antarctica Cruises from Australia and New Zealand:

Cruises from Australia and New Zealand are much longer in duration (between 19-30 days) and can be very expensive. A cruise to the Ross Sea region is a true exploration of some of the most remote regions of the earth, and only a few hundred people are able to visit each year. Wildlife is abundant and includes Adélie and Emperor penguins, South Polar Skuas, Snow Petrels, Southern Fulmars, Wandering albatross, and many more species of bird. Whales, sea lions, and seals abound here and can be found feeding in the rich waters around the ice’s edge. The region is often referred to as the ‘Home of the Blizzard,’ and it is in this region that the relics of the ‘heroic period’ of Antarctic exploration can be seen and experienced. There are five explorer huts and many other historic sites that bring this period of Antarctic history alive to the modern traveller.

8 of the Best Antarctica Cruises: Which Antarctica Tour Company Should You Book?

• Hurtigruten.
• Viking Cruises.
• G Adventures.
• Oceanwide Expeditions.
• Intrepid Travel.
• Quark Expeditions.
• Albatros Expeditions.
• Poseidon Expeditions.

Flights to Antarctica

When considering travel to Antarctica, it is important to note that cruises are the preferred mode of transportation, as opposed to air travel. In order to reach the continent, travelers must first fly to a South American city, where their cruise will commence. Typically, cruises to Antarctica depart from South American cities such as Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Ushuaia. While most cruises depart from Ushuaia, some fly cruises offer options that begin and end in Chile. To reach Ushuaia, travelers may fly via Buenos Aires or El Calafate in Argentina, or travel overland or by sea from Chile.

For those flying into Argentina, Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires is the main airport for international travelers. A separate domestic airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), is available for those transferring from an international to a domestic flight. The main airport in Ushuaia is Ushuaia-Malvinas Argentinas International Airport, located approximately 4 km south of the center of Ushuaia. 

Montevideo, Uruguay is also a popular starting point for cruises to Antarctica. Travelers can transfer between Argentina and Uruguay via flights, ferries, and buses. If traveling from Buenos Aires, taking a ferry to Uruguay is a popular option. Flights are also available from various locations around the world to Ángel S. Adami International Airport in Montevideo.

It is important to note that any expedition to the Antarctic Region may have an impact on the environment and its ecosystems. To manage these risks and impacts, the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty establish certain obligations on the Treaty Parties with regard to expeditions to the Antarctic Treaty area. The Treaty obliges each Party to give advance notification of all expeditions to and within Antarctica, on the part of its ships, aircraft, or nationals, and all expeditions to Antarctica organized in or proceeding from its territory.

For U.S. tourists booking passage to Antarctica on a commercial cruise regulated by an Antarctic Treaty Party, such as those that are a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO.org), advance notification is typically covered by the vessel operator and/or tour company. However, U.S. nationals organizing a private expedition to Antarctica in the United States, or proceeding to Antarctica from the United States, should initiate the process by notifying the Department of State at least three months prior to the intended travel to the Antarctic Treaty area.

Regarding baggage allowances, it is important to check with the airline as they may vary. However, common international flight allowances are between 20-23kgs and 15-23kgs for domestic flights. All airlines allow international limits on domestic flights when issued on the same ticket. 

There are a variety of Hurtigruten cruises that travel to Antarctica, including the Antarctic Circle Expedition, the Ultimate Antarctica Experience, White Christmas in Antarctica, and more aboard the mighty MS Fram. Alternatively, travellers can climb aboard the MS Midnatsol for the Legendary Magellan Chilean Fjords and Antarctica cruise, the Patagonia and Antarctica cruise, or the South America and Antarctica cruise.

Environmental Hazards:

it's important to be aware of some potential hazards. The weather can be pretty intense, so make sure you're prepared for frostbite, dehydration, eye damage from glare, sun exposure, and maritime accidents. Keep in mind that emergency response capabilities are limited due to the remote location and harsh conditions.

Medical Facilities on board

Before you go, you'll need to fill out a medical form to make sure you're physically capable of handling the activities on board and onshore. There are no hospitals or pharmacies in Antarctica, so it's important to have comprehensive travel and medical insurance in case of an emergency. The ships do have an infirmary and a qualified physician on board, but serious medical situations may require evacuation to a country with modern medical facilities.

Health & Diet considerations when travelling to Antarctica

On the bright side, all meals are included on board and there are vegetarian options available. If you have any other dietary requirements, just let us know when you book your trip. And don't worry, there will be a fully qualified physician on board to assist with any medical situations that may arise.

Sea sickness

If you're planning an Antarctic voyage, you might want to prepare for sea sickness, especially when crossing open seas. The Drake Passage crossing can take 2-3 days each way between Ushuaia and the Antarctic Peninsula, but once you reach the Peninsula, most cruising is through protected areas, so you can expect calmer conditions. To avoid any symptoms, we highly recommend taking motion sickness pills or patches with you and avoiding alcohol.

Antarctica currency

When it comes to currency, USD is accepted on all Antarctic cruises, and it's a good idea to bring some cash with you. There are some on-board expenses, such as those incurred at the bar, gift shop, telecommunications, and souvenir shopping, which is available at some of the research stations in the Antarctic Peninsula. Anything purchased on board can be settled in a bill by cash or credit card at the end of the cruise.

Can I apply for a work visa to work in Antarctica?

If you're interested in working in Antarctica, there are opportunities for research organizations, support staff, and other roles. However, the process for obtaining a work visa will depend on the specific job and employer. It's important to research available positions and contact the relevant employer or organization to inquire about their application process. Keep in mind that working in Antarctica can be physically and mentally challenging, and applicants should be prepared for the unique environment and conditions of the continent.

Technology and Computer Access

If you need to access a computer on board, most vessels have one available for passenger use. However, we recommend taking enough memory cards in case you take more photos than you could have imagined. As for telecommunication, it's highly unlikely you will have mobile phone access anywhere in Antarctica, but most vessels offer satellite email (not internet). Connections can be slow, so guests will be charged for data used rather than time spent online, which can become very expensive. Phone cards for satellite phones are also commonly available.

Electrical Outlets

Keep in mind that each ship has its own type of electrical outlets, depending on the country where it was built. Many of the ships use 220 volt, 50 cycle electricity with two round prongs.

Weather & Clothing considerations when travelling to Antarctica
Weather

You should keep in mind when it comes to the weather and what to wear. During the day, temperatures can range from -6c to +4c, but with windchill it can feel much colder. So, it's important to be prepared for all conditions, including sun, rain, snow, fog, and wind. Luckily, most vessels provide complimentary Wellington boots for all guests, as well as waterproof pants and jackets.

Suggested Packing List

Cash for souvenirs. Credit card to settle your bill at the end.

Valid passport.

Warm wind and waterproof jacket

Waterproof gloves

Hat, beanie, scarf, or other face protection

Fleece

Woollen socks

Waterproof warm pants

Thermal underwear

Light-weight shirts and T-shirts

Binoculars

Camera with extra memory cards and extra batteries

Comfortable clothing and shoes for on board

Casual shoes (sneakers for example) for wearing on the vessel. All boats provide wellington boots which must be worn on shore excursions.

Sunscreen

Sunglasses (polarised, close fitting are best)

Plastic bags – Plastic zip-lock bags will protect your camera and binoculars from wave splash and spray while in Zodiacs

Daypack

Bathing suit – for a polar plunge!

Converters/adapters as needed

Medications – bring a sufficient supply of any medications you regularly take; prescription and over-the-counter including your preferred motion sickness remedy, as well as copies of your prescriptions. Your necessities and favourites may not be available on the vessel or in Argentina.

If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, be sure to pack an extra pair. Dress on board is casual and informal. Again, we suggest dressing in layers for your comfort and safety. Your base layer of thermal underclothes with a pair of jeans or trousers, and a lightweight shirt and fleece are ideal. Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers with a good grip sole for the slippery deck are all you need..

Activities in Antarctica

As for activities, it's important to keep in mind that weather conditions can force changes to the itinerary. A typical day will start with breakfast followed by the morning's excursion, with most cruises aiming for two Zodiac or shore excursions per day. In between destinations, you can relax in the bar or take in a lecture on a specific area of interest. Some cruises also offer adventure options like camping, kayaking, scuba diving, snowshoeing, mountaineering, and photography workshops. Just keep in mind that for some activities, like kayaking, some experience is necessary.

We hope this helps you prepare for your trip to Antarctica! Don't forget to bring cash for souvenirs and a valid passport, and if you need laundry service, most cruises offer it at an additional cost. Dress on board is casual and informal, so just make sure you're comfortable and prepared for any weather conditions. Have a great trip!