South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
About South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
| Currency | British Pound; Falkland Islands Pound (GBP; FKP) |
| Language | English |
| Capital | King Edward Point |
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are a collection of islands governed as a British overseas territory. They are located in a remote area of the South Atlantic Ocean, between South America and Antarctica.
The population is estimated to be about 30 people, however, there is no permanent population on the islands. The British Government Officer and a Deputy Postmaster are stationed in South Georgia at King Edward Point, along with museum staff at Grytviken. Scientists and support staff of the British Antarctic Survey have bases at Bird Island and in King Edward Point.
South Georgia has spectacular scenery and has been described as “The Alps in the mid-ocean.” Over half of the island is permanently covered by glaciers. There is abundant wildlife, including fur seals, elephant seals, and six penguin species.
South Sandwich islands are isolated with active volcanoes. The only way to reach South Georgia or the South Sandwich Islands is by sea. There is restricted access, and visitor permits are required. The Commissioner of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands regulates all access to the islands and is based in Stanley, Falkland Islands.
Recommended Vaccinations For South Georgia & South Sandwich 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.)
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water, therefore, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended.
Recommended Medications For South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
There are no recommendations for South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for South Georgia & South Sandwich 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
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.
Rabies
Rabies may be present in wildlife species, especially bats, but has not been reported in domestic animals in this country.
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.
Safety & Security in South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands
Personal Safety
There is no recorded crime on these islands.
There are no search and rescue or emergency services.
There is no air service to the islands. The Falkland Islands and South America have the nearest medical facilities.
Unexploded ordnance may be found on the Islands.
Same-sex relations and marriage are legal.
