Covid-19 measures on the Falkland Islands
The Falklands are currently on the Green List for UK travel.
The latest information on how the Falklands is dealing with Covid-19 and what quarantine measures are in force can be found here www.fig.gov.fk/covid-19/. The length of time required to quarantine is dependent on a person's vaccination levels and PCR test results on a 'test to release' system. Quarantine measures are reviewed every 6 weeks by the Executive Committee.
Arriving by sea:
Passenger ships:
From 1 October 2021, ‘clean’ expedition ships carrying fewer than 530 passengers will be permitted to visit the Falkland Islands in the austral summer season. However, there will be no change to the current quarantine exemptions for “clean vessels” and each ship must have been at sea for at least ten days before any passengers disembark in the Falkland Islands and have no symptomatic passengers or crew. Vessels will also need to agree to a set of rigorous public health conditions that will be closely monitored by the Strategic Pandemic Management Group.
Larger cruise ships carrying more than 530 passengers will not be included on the approved visitor list.
All ships:
Contact the Customs & Immigration Department for the latest requirements for all visiting vessels and to receive the appropriate Covid-19 declaration form, which must be completed and returned prior to arrival in the Falklands This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Fishing boats:
If travelling as part of the fishing fleet please contact the Fisheries Licensing Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the Fisheries Officers on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for their latest requirements.
Arriving by air:
International air travel has been restricted to the South Atlantic Airbridge to/from RAF Brize Norton.
From 19 July 2021, the following quarantine requirements will apply to passengers arriving via the South Atlantic Airbridge:
- 5 day ‘test to release’ option: this scheme is only available for passengers who are fully vaccinated (have completed their full course of vaccination at least 14 days prior to flying) and can prove this by means of a vaccination card, approved app or letter from their doctor. They will be tested on day 2 (where they must provide proof of vaccination) and also on day 5. If both tests are negative, they will be permitted to leave quarantine.
- 8 day ‘test to release’ option: this scheme is available for passengers who are partially vaccinated, or non-vaccinated, or who are travelling with children (who themselves will not have been vaccinated). This scheme has been in place since 3 June and the steps remain the same – testing on day 2 and day 8. If both tests are negative, they will be permitted to leave quarantine.
- Both the 5 and 8 day ‘test to release’ options are voluntary, which means if an individual does not want to participate in either swabbing programme, then they must undertake a full 10 days of quarantine.
Please bear in mind
- Passengers still require proof of a negative PCR test for Covid-19 no more than five days before arrival in Senegal when travelling via the South Atlantic Airbridge – except where an exemption has been made for a convalescent case
- People who test positive, and those they are quarantining with, must complete the full quarantine period of 14 days and may be asked to self-isolate for a further period after that, for example if they continue to have viral symptoms
- People in quarantine must not share their living accommodation or any facilities with anyone who is not in quarantine with them. You must not invite anyone into your accommodation who is not quarantining with you.
- On arriving in the Islands, people must travel directly to quarantine accommodation in government-designated transport or, if using a private vehicle, must travel alone or only with other people who are also going in quarantine
