The Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands is an archipelago and British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean.  It is approx. 450 km (300 miles) off the coast of Chile on the east coast of South America and north of Cape Horn. The archipelago encompasses the main islands of West Falkland and East Falkland and hundreds of smaller, uninhabited islands.

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The capital of the Falkland Islands is Stanley, on East Falkland. East Falkland is the most highly populated island and also home to the British military base at Mount Pleasant.   Stanley is the location of the only hospital in the islands, with care provided by visiting medical specialists from the UK.  Medical emergencies sometimes involve a patient being airlifted to the UK, or to Chile.

The currency is the Falkland Pound, which is interchangeable with the pound sterling.  The currency is produced in the UK and basically the same as UK currency, but with different designs.  The islands have their own stamps and the currency and stamps are popular collector items.

Despite their remote location, these ruggedly beautiful islands have experienced increasing tourism since the 1982 Falklands War with Argentina.  The islands have been subject to territorial disputes for centuries.

East and West Falkland are separated by the Falkland Sound.  The islands are rugged and mountainous with many natural harbours and inlets.   The highest point on the islands is Mt. Usborne on E. Falkland, at approx. 700 m (2,300 ft). The altitude of the highest peak on W. Falkland, Mt. Adam, is just slightly lower.

The islands attract adventure seekers and wildlife lovers from all walks of life. The waters surrounding the islands are inhabited by many types of marine life, including seals (notably fur seals) and elephant seals.  There are hundreds of bird species, including penguins and albatrosses.
 
Several cruise ships call at the islands, and popular attractions include the penguin, sealion, and seal colonies.  Golf, fishing and scuba diving (wreck diving) are also popular. 

The islands have two airports, at RAF Mount Pleasant, close to Stanley, and the smaller Port Stanley Airport.  The British RAF operates flights between RAF Brize Norton in England and Mount Pleasant.  Flights are also available between Chile and Argentina.  The British Antarctic Survey operates flights between Port Stanley and its research stations.  Cruise ships, sailing yachts, and boat charters are often the only way to go for those wishing to explore the areas, as well as neighbouring South Georgia island and the South Sandwich Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

Battlefield tours are available for visitors.  The presence of unexploded ordinance from the Falklands War should be noted, but known affected areas are well marked and fenced-off. 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Useful travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for travel to te Falkland Islands. Click Here

Before your visit to the Falkland Islands we recommend reading the helpful information on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website, as part of their ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign.  Their advice includes the following topics:

-Emergency and consular contact advice
- Flights to the Islands
-Passport and visa requirements
-Entry requirements
-Driving in the Falkland Islands
-Unexploded mines and ordinance
-Visiting Ascension Island
-Work permits
-Healthcare in the Falkland Islands
-Weather – especially S. Hemisphere winter weather
-Departure tax payable upon leaving the islands
-Currency exchange and use of credit cards

According to FCO information, most visits to the islands are problem free and there is very little crime.  However, the government of the Falkland Islands does require that visitors obtain comprehensive travel insurance.  (Check that the policy includes emergency medical evacuation and medical repatriation, as well as all your planned activities).

If planning to fly from Stanley Airport it is recommended you check the status of your flight before travelling to the airport.  Weather and other restrictions are sometimes a problem.

Medical treatment is free for UK citizens but proof of residence is required and the only hospital is in Stanley.  (Although the facilities are modern, with qualified staff, serious medical conditions may require medical evacuation to the UK or Chile).

As there is no formal British Consular representative in the Islands it is recommended that you register with the FCO ‘Locate’ service, to better enable consular staff to assist you if problems or emergencies arise.

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure this information is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy.

* Inclusion on this guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in this country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries for which the F.C.O. advise against travel to.

** At the time of writing, the F.C.O. advised against travel to countries, or areas thereof, marked thus at the time of writing. Travel Insurance is not available in areas where the F.C.O. advise against travel to.

You are strongly advised to visit the F.C.O. web site for up to date information and general travel advice before you travel.