British Indian Ocean Territory
About British Indian Ocean Territory
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Camp Justice |
British Indian Ocean Territory, part of the Chagos archipelago, is located south of India, halfway between East Africa and Indonesia. This British overseas territory is composed of more than 50 small islands; only the largest island, Diego Garcia, is inhabited by a non-permanent population of people posted to the island for work. Diego Garcia hosts a joint UK-US military facility, a ground antenna for GPS navigation systems (one of 4 in the world), and a US Air Force telescope used to track debris in orbit.
Despite not having a permanent population today, the islands were first inhabited in the late 18th century by the French and their slaves who came to the island to establish a copra plantation (coconut kernels used to make coconut oil). In 1814, the islands became a British colony and in 1965 British Indian Ocean Territory was officially established as a British overseas territory. In 1966, the British government established an arrangement with the US government, allowing the US to use the territory and allowing for the establishment of a joint military base. Between 1967 and 1973, the British government forced the native population, the Chagossians, to relocate. Although they received compensation from the British government, disputes over Chagossian removal from the islands and adequate compensation for removal persists.
In this British overseas territory, the chief of state is the Queen/King of England and the head of government is held by a commissioner and an administrator, both located in London, England.
Access to the islands is restricted. You must obtain a permit to travel to the islands and permits are only issued for military or administrative purposes. British Indian Ocean Territory is not a tourist destination.
Due to its location, British Indian Ocean Territory experiences a hot and humid climate year-round.
Because of their isolated location, the islands are home to extraordinary biodiversity, clean waters, and unspoiled coral reefs. The islands are important breeding grounds for many species of birds and the reefs are home to a great number of endemic fish species. The largest arthropod species on the planet, the coconut crab, lives on the islands and is up to 1m in size. Despite their biodiversity, the islands are a largely untapped research field.
Recommended Vaccinations For British Indian Ocean Territory
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis, therefore, the vaccination is recommended
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
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 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, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Recommended Medications For British Indian Ocean Territory
There are no recommendations for British Indian Ocean Territory at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for British Indian Ocean Territory
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B.
For Some Travellers
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
Rabies
British Indian Ocean Territory is free of dog rabies. However, it may be present in bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Safety & Security in British Indian Ocean Territory
Personal Safety
Crimes rates are low.
Piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden, around the horn of Africa, off the coast of Somalia, and in the Indian Ocean may present a risk to those travelling by ship.
Ensure travel insurance is purchased before departing as medical facilities are limited. In the case of a severe medical emergency, evacuation will likely be required.
Same-sex sexual activity and marriage are legal in British Indian Ocean Territory.
