Montserrat
About Montserrat
| Currency | East Caribbean dollar (XCD) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Brades (de facto); Plymouth was abandoned in 1997 due to volcanic activity |
Montserrat, an island located in the Caribbean, is part of the British West Indies and is known as the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean.” The population is about 5,200 people.
The island officially became a British possession in 1783 and today is a British Overseas Territory. The chief of state is the Queen of England, who is represented in Montserrat by a governour. The head of government is a premier. Plymouth was the official capital city until the volcanic eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano in 1995. Since that time, Brades has been the de facto capital.
In the 1990s, eruptions of the Soufrière Hills volcano devastated much of the island. Two thirds of the population of Montserrat fled the country. The volcano has remained highly active since that time, and many people have never returned to their homeland. In 2009 another large eruption occurred, and many were temporarily evacuated. The government warns residents and visitors to be prepared to leave on short notice.
Montserrat continues to recover and rebuild. Tourism was once a main sector of the economy. However, after the main volcanic eruptions, the capital was destroyed and the airport closed, greatly damaging the economy and bringing an end to much of the tourist activity. The European Union and Britain have provided aid for rebuilding, and a new airport was opened in 2005.
Recommended Vaccinations For Montserrat
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Yellow Fever Vaccine
This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Recommended Medications For Montserrat
There are no recommendations for Montserrat at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Montserrat
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Montserrat.
Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Dengue Fever
Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Montserrat through contaminated food or water.
For Some Travellers
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies
Rabies may be present in bats.
Zika Fever
Zika fever occurs in this country.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Montserrat, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Safety & Security in Montserrat
Personal Safety
The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. Always be alert to your personal safety and security. Keep valuables secured and out of sight to avoid being targeted for theft. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.
The Soufriere Hills Volcano has been intermittently active since 1995. However, there has been no major volcanic activity since February 2010. Around one-third of the island is virtually unaffected by volcanic activity. The other two-thirds are vulnerable.
