Saint Helena
About Saint Helena
| Currency | Saint Helena Pound (SHP) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | Jamestown, Saint Helena Island |
Saint Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha (a group of 4 islands) are a group of islands located in the south Atlantic Ocean, halfway between Africa and South America. In this British Overseas Territory and parliamentary democracy, the Queen/King of England is the chief of state and the governor of Saint Helena is the head of government. The population of the Saint Helena Islands is estimated to be only 6000 people, with the population steadily declining since the 1980s due to emigration.
These volcanic tropical islands were first discovered in the early 1500s by Portuguese explorers. The islands have been used by many countries, for many purposes, over the past 500 years. For example, Saint Helena was used as the place of exile for Napolean Bonaparte, it was used to hold prisoners during the Anglo-Boer war in South Africa, and in the 1960s Ascension island was used as a space tracking station for the United States. Currently, Tristan da Cunha island is the site of a South African meteorological station. Tristan da Cunha island group is home to two world heritage sites.
The economy relies heavily on aid from the UK government, however fishing and agriculture are also sources of income for the people of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha islands.
The islands have a tropical climate and are home to diverse wildlife, including over 40 plant species that are found nowhere else in the world. There is only one airport which is located in Saint Helena. Prior to its opening in 2017, the islands were only accessible by ship – a 5 day journey.
Although the official currency is the Saint Helena Pound, the Pound Sterling is also accepted. Often, however, when paying with the Pound Sterling, change will be returned in the Saint Helena Pound. Credit cards not widely accepted and are not accepted on Tristan da Cunha.
Recommended Vaccinations For Saint Helena
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis B in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
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.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for travel to this country. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
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.).
Recommended Medications For Saint Helena
There are no recommendations for Saint Helena at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Saint Helena
For Some Travellers
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.
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.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Saint Helena, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Saint Helena.
Hepatitis A
There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure through contaminated food or water.
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.
Safety & Security in Saint Helena
Personal Safety
The Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha islands are some of the safest places on earth and the crime rate is very low.
Nevertheless, travellers should exercise caution when driving as most roads on the islands are single lane and road conditions may be poor, especially in poor weather conditions. Drive carefully as animals may be on the roadways. Be aware that drinking and driving, as well as drinking in public, have severe penalties. Driving is on the left. Before hiking or exploring the islands, ensure someone is aware of where you are going and when you will return. Always heed the advice of locals, ensure you are prepared with the proper clothing and equipment and that you are sufficiently fit for the outdoor activity. For safety reasons, it is advised to always travel with a guide, especially to the remote part of Tristan da Cunha. Note that hiking up the Base or to Mary’s Peak is prohibited unless you are accompanied by a local guide. Note also that camping is prohibited on Tristan da Cunha island. Ascension and Tristan da Cunha islands are only accessible by boat. Travel plans to these islands may be disrupted or cancelled due to changes in weather. There is an active volcano on Tristan da Cunha island, but it has not recently erupted.
Ensure travel and medical insurance is acquired before departing. In the case of a severe medical emergency, evacuation will likely be required. Public transport services are limited. Prior permission from the Administrator is required to visit Gough Island; approval to visit is rare as Gough is a World Heritage Site. Drinking in public in the Jamestown area of St Helena is prohibited. Credit and debit cards are not accepted in Tristan da Cunha; Only a few businesses in St Helena and Ascension accept them. There are no cash machines in Ascension.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha islands since 2017.
