Pitcairn Islands
About Pitcairn Islands
| Currency | New Zealand Dollar (NZD) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Adamstown |
The Pitcairn Islands, a British Overseas Territory composed of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, are located in the southern Pacific Ocean. Only Pitcairn island is inhabited. The Governor of the Pitcairn Islands is the representative of the Queen of the United Kingdom; the administrative headquarters is located in Auckland, New Zealand.
In the early centuries, the Pitcairn Islands were inhabited or frequently visited by Polynesian peoples, as evidenced by the glyphs that can be seen etched into the rocks. European explorers discovered the islands in 1767, and in 1790 the islands were inhabited by British mutineers of the Royal Navy ship “Bounty” and their Tahitian companions. In 1838, Pitcairn Island became a British colony. In 2014, the population of the Pitcairn Islands was estimated to be only 57 people. Although the economy of this small, remote island group relies heavily on British foreign aid, tourism may be a promising new sector for economic development.
Due to its location in the south Pacific, the Pitcairn Islands have a subtropical climate with high humidity and average yearly temperatures of approximately 20-30ºC.
Because of Henderson Island’s unique flora and fauna – it has 9 plant species and several species of birds found nowhere else in the world – Henderson Island is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Moreover, in 2015, the British government established the largest marine reserve in the world (834,000 square km) around the Pitcairn Islands to protect the pristine waters, diverse wildlife and healthy ecosystem. Moreover, the Pitcairn Islands have been recognized as important habitats for a variety of bird species.
With access to the Pitcairn Islands only available by ship (a journey of more than 30 hours), this very remote island group is secluded from mainstream tourism and its natural beauty is largely untouched.
Recommended Vaccinations For Pitcairn Islands
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, 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.).
Yellow Fever Vaccine
There is no yellow fever risk, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
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, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Recommended Medications For Pitcairn Islands
There are no recommendations for Pitcairn Islands at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Pitcairn Islands
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
For Some Travellers
Rabies
The risk of acquiring Rabies is low. However, it may be present in bats. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) may be at risk.
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.
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.
Yellow Fever
There is no yellow fever risk, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Safety & Security in Pitcairn Islands
Personal Safety
The crime rate against visitors is very low.
There are only two paved roads on Pitcairn Islands and transport around the island is by all-terrain vehicle or by foot. Streets are not lit and may be deserted at night. Be vigilant and avoid walking alone after dark. Long-term visitors who desire to use an all-terrain vehicle for transportation must pass a driving test and be issued a license.
To get between the islands and between Pitcairn Island and transport ships, longboats are used which may be dangerous in poor weather.
Drinking in public, including at the Landing, the Public Square and the Western Harbour is illegal. Travel health insurance is recommended as medical facilities are limited.
Same-sex marriage has been legal since May 2015.
