COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Falkland Islands (29 June Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Residents can enter the country.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No, with exceptions

• Most travellers are not allowed to visit the Falkland Islands. Visitor permits will only be issued to essential visitors approved by the Falkland Islands Government authority.

• Essential Visitors include (a) Business visitors required for essential maintenance on equipment, which cannot be operated without maintenance, e.g. engineers visiting KEMH, (b) Crew from vessels associated with the Falkland Islands and the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands for the purpose of exchange and/or repatriation, (c) Scientific and other maritime observers associated with the Falkland Islands and SGSSI for exchange and/or repatriation purposes, (d) Individuals already present in the Falkland Islands when LATAM flights were suspended, (e) Members of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and associated organizations, (f) Family members, (g) Business visitors, (h) Crew from vessels for the purpose of exchange and/or repatriation where onward travel arrangements are confirmed and in place.

• Tourists are not permitted to visit the Falkland Islands, including via cruise vessels.

• Passengers with a “Falkland Island Status” passport are allowed to enter.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No

• Test on arrival is not required.

Test certificate required?

• No, with exceptions

• The Falkland Islands do not require a COVID-19 test certificate to enter the country.

• All travellers including children age two years of age who use the Senegal airbridge to reach the Falkland Islands from the UK will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued no more than five days before arrival in Senegal. This is a requirement of the Republic of Senegal since the aeroplane refuels in Dakar en route to the Falkland Islands.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes, with exceptions

• All persons arriving in the Falkland Islands will be required to quarantine for 14 days unless they have remained at sea for at least 14 days prior to arrival, have no signs of ill-health, and the vessel they arrive on has completed the required Maritime Health Declaration prior to arrival.

• Military personnel who have been in quarantine in the United Kingdom for a period of 14 days before their arrival at Mount Pleasant are exempt from further quarantine.

• Travellers may be required to undergo three separate tests during quarantine to make sure that they are free of COVID-19 before leaving quarantine. Exemptions from quarantine measures may be found at this link.

• A new ‘test to release’ option for passengers entering the Falkland Islands by air has been approved. However, this option is not mandatory. Travellers are required to undergo a test for COVID-19 on day 2 and day 8 after they arrive in the Islands. If the second test is negative and the person is not symptomatic, they will be able to leave quarantine but if a person receives a positive test result, then the person and other passengers from the same flight will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

• If the passenger is not willing to participate in the ‘test to release’ option then the passenger must stay in quarantine for 14 days after arriving in Falkland Island.

• Based on the above restrictions, the traveller will be required to spend between 0 and 14 days in quarantine.

Is vaccination required?

• No

• A COVID-19 vaccination is not required to enter the country.

Insurance required?

• No

• A COVID-19 health insurance is not required to enter the country.

Entry Form required?

• Visitors who meet the requirements to enter the Falkland Islands will need to be approved through the CD19 application process before a flight can be booked. The form is available at this link. Completed CD19 forms are to be returned to [email protected]

• CD19 applications are not required from passengers who have “Falkland Islands Status”, those who have Permanent Residence Permits, or those who hold Work Permits.

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• Commercial air links with Chile and Brazil remain suspended and will not be in operation until 1 October 2021.

• All travellers flying to the Falkland Islands are required to provide information regarding their journey and their address to medical officials for contacting them in the event they are exposed to a COVID-positive person.

Border restrictions

• Significant.

• The borders are currently closed for non-essential travel. Most travellers are not allowed to visit the Falkland Islands. Visitor permits will only be issued to essential visitors approved by the Falkland Islands Government authority.

Curfew restrictions

• Minimal

• Currently, there is no curfew enforced in the Falkland Islands.

Social distancing restrictions

• Minimal

• The government recommends social distancing, but citizens are free to make a personal choice. The restrictions on social events and other places of public gatherings have been lifted.

• Schools, nurseries, libraries, and colleges are open.

• The Falkland Islands government services have reopened.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Currently, there are no travel restrictions within the Falkland Islands.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• All businesses are now open and can operate normally.

Accommodations open?

• Yes.

• All accommodations are now open and allowed to operate.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• All restaurants are now open and allowed to operate.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars and cafes are now open and allowed to operate.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Since there are no restrictions on social events, tourist attraction sites and beaches may be open to visitors with adherence to social distancing guidelines.

Personal care services open?

• Yes

• All businesses are now open.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Churches and other places of worship are allowed to open and conduct funeral services.

Events allowed?

• Yes, with exceptions

• The restrictions on social events have been lifted. However, major events remain suspended.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Wearing a mask is mandatory.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.