Visitor Documents And Application Forms

Visiting South Georgia

The information in these files, which is updated annually prior to each season, provides visit applicants key information prior to visiting South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI).

All visit applicants (both cruise ships and yacht applicants), must study this document carefully before submitting their visit application. Of necessity, there are certain codes of conduct and guidelines that must be observed. These are intended to ensure that visitors enjoy safe landings without causing any environmental damage or wildlife disturbance. Individual passengers do not need to complete this.

Online Application Forms

Code of Conduct Whilst Ashore

Guidelines For The Provision Of Medical Care

Antarctic tourism has grown increasingly popular in the last decade and diversified into an ever wider range of activities, transport modes and destinations. The continued success of Antarctic tourism is welcome. With this increase, and a number of incidents where medical attention has been required, there is a need for operators to assess and review the medical care on vessels and available on-shore to ensure a robust and safe medical provision.

The aim of this document is to identify the specific medical risks associated with travel to South Georgia with potential wider applicability to the southern oceans, assess the current medical professional standards being delivered and offer advice and guidance regarding appropriate medical provision of care.

Biosecurity

The biosecurity Protocols, which are regularly updated, must be studied closely by all visit applicants and visit permit holders. Failure to comply with these protocols is an offence.

The ‘Biosecurity Handbook’ has been developed in response to our Strategy commitments, recognising biosecurity infringements represent one of the most significant risks to future sustainable management. It represents a statement of current biosecurity policy.

The ‘Self Audit Check List and Landing Declaration’ must be completed and signed by all visitors to South Georgia before making their first landing.

Please note updates to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in section 9 of the 2023-24 Biosecurity Handbook. This guidance describes the tiered response in relation to risk and presence of HPAI, enhanced biosecurity procedures, signs to be vigilant for and the steps that will be put in place for different groups / activities depending on the response level.

Visit Permit Holder Landing Declaration

Permit Holder Briefing & Assessment

Permit Holders are invited to take the Annual Permit Holder Briefing & Assessment by following the instructions in the Permit Holder Briefing document. This is mandatory for all Visit Permit Holders, and is the mechanism by which dispensation to make the first landing outside of Grytviken is attained.

Visiting Grytviken and King Edward Point

For all visitors intending to come ashore at Grytviken and King Edward Point, the ‘Visiting Grytviken And King Edward Point’ and ‘Visitors Map of King Edward Point and Grytviken’ documents should be read and understood in addition to the ‘Information for Visitors to South Georgia’ booklet before visiting.

Post-Visit Report Form

To be completed and submitted by all Visit Permit Holders within 30 days of departure from South Georgia.

Bird Strike

The Government SGSSI has defined an expedition as “any person or group of people whose approved activities include overnight camping (night(s) ashore) on South Georgia, regardless of the aims of the expedition. These might include filming, mountaineering, skiing, science, longer trekking, sea kayaking, or other activities.

Expedition applications will be subject to an assessment process that draws advice from a panel of expert advisors (for which an administrative fee is charged). The advisory panel are guided by the planning factors and expedition guidelines in the downloaded information.

The Site Visitor Management Plans (SVMP) have been prepared for the most popular approved visitor landing sites and a number of overland walks.  These detail open access areas, closed areas and routes for overland walks.  Visitor management information is detailed as well as additional information such as hazards and areas which are particularly sensitive to disturbance.  

It is a condition of visit permits that these must be complied with and visit permit holders must ensure that all visitors and staff under their charge adhere to these plans.  SVMP are reviewed annually and visit permit holders must ensure that they have the most recent versions of the plans before they depart for South Georgia.

Further information and online application forms on the Regulated Activities Permit page.

With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique history, South Georgia is a very special place to get married. Your wedding can be incorporated as part of your visit to Grytviken.

If you decide this is what you want to do, you should contact the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) at least three months before your prospective wedding date. This allows for the practicalities of the marriage to be arranged before your visit so that your special day is relaxed and hassle-free

Further details here.