Getting there & Getting around

Getting there

Transportation to the Falkland Islands is strictly by air. There are six civilian flights a month from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, England, and weekly flights from the airports of Santiago and Punta Arenas in Chile. Mount Pleasant International Airport is about 60km (35mi) west of Stanley.

Getting around

Mount Pleasant International Airport and Stanley are connected by regular bus service, but transportation outside the two is sporadic and expensive. The only regular inter-island flights are courtesy of the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS), which flies 10-seat puddlejumpers on demand to grass airstrips throughout the Falklands. The 14kg (30lb) baggage limit is strictly enforced.

Boats for day trips can be chartered in settlements throughout the islands. Rental cars are available in Stanley, and some camp lodges provide 4WDs with driver-guides for their guests. Visitors may use their home driver's licenses for up to 12 months. Driving is on the left.

Visa information

All nationalities, including British citizens, must carry valid passports to visit the Falklands. Visitors from the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and most South American countries will not require a visa. Travelers from other nations should check with their nearest British embassy or consulate for visa requirements.

Visitors normally get a one-month visitor's permit on arrival. Officially, visitors must have an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds or credit cards to finance their stay; they must also have at least their initial night's accommodation booked. In practice, arrivals who don't have pre-booked accommodation are held in the arrivals area while rooms are found. As Stanley can be completely booked out, it's a good idea to book ahead for your first night.